Describe the relationship shown on the graph.

Explain two environmental benefits of recycling.

Explain two disadvantages of one named source of renewable energy.

The relationship is negative/inverse or the lower the income inequality, the more recycling takes place [1 mark]. Use of valid example(s) to exemplify this relationship [1 mark]. Identification of an anomaly [1 mark].

Award [1 mark] for each valid, distinct benefit, and [1 mark] for explanation/exemplification. 

Possibilities may include:

• recycling means that fewer non-renewable resources will be needed or used [1 mark], if fewer new materials are made from scratch, the carbon footprint may be lower [1 mark] 
• recycling reduces solid waste and the need for waste disposal/landfill [1 mark], less green space lost/less harm to wildlife/less methane [1 mark] 
• recycling usually saves on the energy costs associated with transport [1 mark], since non-renewable resources often travel further to the factory than recycled resources [1 mark].

Award [1 mark] for each valid disadvantage and [1 mark] for explanation/exemplification.

The disadvantages depend on the choice of energy source.

Possible disadvantages:

The cost of development; the distance that power (electricity) has to be transmitted from where the resource is available; the reduction in landscape aesthetic values (eg, in the case of land-based wind farms); unreliable supply, dependent on weather and other conditions, meaning that the resource is not available at all times, or not available to meet peak demand times. 

For example, if a candidate chooses “solar power”, the two disadvantages might be: (a) not suited to certain regions of the world (eg, higher latitude areas), or certain seasons (winter), and (b) installation costs remain relatively expensive. 

If no valid named renewable energy source, but disadvantages are analysed, award a maximum of [2 marks].

Accept nuclear power as a renewable energy source.

Most candidates could identify the relationship but in some cases an example and/or identification of an anomaly was missing.

This was well done by a large number of candidates but some missed the word “environmental” and included economic or social advantages/benefits. Reduction of landfill sites and conservation of raw materials and energy formed the most common answers with satisfactory development and/or exemplifications.

A very accessible and well-answered response with most candidates using solar or wind power to answer the question. Most mentioned cost of uptake with low power output as valid disadvantages and gave pertinent explanation/exemplification. There were also a number that chose HEP and illustrated this with exemplification, usually the Three Gorges Dam.