State a likely cause for X.

Referring to the diagram/map, describe the global pattern of soil degradation due to overgrazing.

Explain two socio-economic consequences of soil degradation.

Explain one management strategy that is likely to achieve environmental sustainability.

Deforestation, salinization, urban growth, industrialization [1 mark].

Any three valid statements referring to pattern for [1 mark] each.

Possibilities could include:

• overgrazing is the main cause of soil degradation in Australia – 90%
• greatest hectares/area in hectares affected in Africa though
• highest % values are in the southern hemisphere
• highest % cause of soil degradation in all regions except the Americas
• lowest value is Asia at 32%.

Data must be utilized in describing the pattern for full marks.

Award [1+1 marks] for each valid consequence, provided that it is developed by means of explanation and/or exemplification.
Example: loss of agricultural productivity of land [1 mark] acts as a push factor to migration [1 mark].
Other possibilities could include:

• loss of agricultural productivity, food shortages
• reduced aquifer recharge damages farmers’ incomes and water access
• loss of employment, increased poverty in an area
• creates environmental refugees, problems of displaced population.

There are many possible strategies at any scale (local, national, global). Only necessary to describe and explain the strategy to gain full marks; it is not required to offer any evaluation.

Identification of strategy [1 mark]; description/location of strategy [1 mark]; developed explanation of how it links to sustainability ie preserves a resource for future generations while at the same time deriving economic and other benefits from their use [2 marks].

Most candidates could state a cause worthy of credit.

Most candidates could get full marks here giving a straightforward description with the use of spatial patterns (map) and quantitative data (diagrams both as % and real figures per million hectares). Some responses seemed to veer off into explanation which was not required by the command term (describe).

Well answered on the whole, with good use of examples such as the Loess Plateau in China, or the Sahel region of Africa. There were some candidates who struggled to identify two socio-economic consequences and in some cases the entire question was left blank.

This was a very open question which allowed many possible responses and there were many excellent answers ranging from international agreements like Kyoto to more local projects/strategies. Some answers failed to go beyond description and explain the links to environmental sustainability.