“The causes of global climatic change are essentially human.” Discuss this statement.

The wording accepts global warming as a fact, but expresses uncertainty about its origin. Responses would be expected to provide a description of the main human causes of global warming (increased greenhouse gases and particulates (aerosols) from industrialization, land use, transport, livestock) and an explanation of the enhanced greenhouse effect.

Some description of alternative natural explanations for global climatic change would also be expected: cosmic rays, solar cycles (sunspot cycles), orbital variations (Milankovitch cycle), volcanism.

Some candidates may consider the different causes of long-term and short-term climatic changes.

If only human factors are considered, the response should not move beyond band C. Responses that evaluate the balance of argument are likely to be credited at bands E/F.

Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.