Examine the relationship between energy consumption and environmental sustainability.

There are many possible approaches to this question.

Sustainability should be explained – it is achieved when resources are used at a rate which does not deplete them for future generations.

In the context of sustainability, energy use includes not only the total amount of energy required by a society but also the sources of energy required. Renewable power, such as wind and solar power, are usually sustainable sources, whereas traditional non-renewable sources of power such as coal and oil are not physical. Human and socio-economic environments can all affect the choice of energy sources.

It is possible that responses may outline specific features of energy consumption and look at their impacts on the environment. Other approaches may review developments in renewable energy and examine how they decrease the impact on the environment. Some responses may take a case study approach and review energy consumption in one or more areas to emphasize contrasts.

Reference must be made to sustainability to move beyond band D – this may be implied.

Responses that fully examine the relationship and that arrive at a clear conclusion are likely to be awarded band E or above.

Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.

Many candidates did not show an understanding of environmental sustainability and as such their answers lacked the correct focus. The best answers had detailed accounts of the relationship and included plenty of valid and accurate case studies. There was some detailed knowledge and understanding of how some countries are developing alternative energies and thus improving their sustainability.