To what extent might Iceland be viewed as a role model for sustainability by other countries?

This question requires “Resource Booklet - Nov 2017 SL paper 1”, available under the "your tests" tab > supplemental materials.

It is a model for sustainability because [max 4 marks]:
renewable energy accounts for a very high percentage of energy consumption (aim of 100% by 2050)/reduced reliance on fossil fuels that produce GHGs;
use of renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels allows for sustainable development where the needs of the present are met without compromising the needs of future generations;
taking steps to address soil degradation by planting lupins;
attempting to remove invasive species;
fish stocks such as Atlantic herring appeared to have increased/recovered (since 1979) suggesting appropriate management;
growth in tourism can be used as a reason to conserve/protect its wildlife/puffins/whales/areas of wilderness/growth in tourism can provide alternative employment to aluminium smelting/industries that can produce significant levels of GHGs;
aluminium smelting which is high energy consumption is located here to make the most of renewable energy;
hunting of puffins is restricted to April/only one month of the year to avoid them becoming endangered/extinct;

It is not a model for sustainability because [max 4 marks]:
Icelanders harvest/eat species (eg puffins), whose numbers are in decline/Iceland legalise hunting/eat puffins that are classified as vulnerable;
Iceland has a very high ecological footprint which is three times the Earth share;
home to industries which produce lots of greenhouse gases (eg aluminium smelting);
there are high rates of soil degradation;
there has been a high loss of original birch forest/woodlands;
invasive lupins/alien species are not fully controlled/a threat to native species/wildlife/habitats;
mass tourism during the summer months can stress wildlife/puffins/whales that can reduce reproductive success/cause injury through tourist boats steering too close;
due to the extent of vegetation loss the chances of successful recovery/restoration are low;
development of hydroelectric power schemes can result in reduction of forest areas/pristine areas of wilderness/disrupt migration patterns of some aquatic species/fish;
government has approved oil exploration in Icelandic waters potentially increasing use of non-renewable resources/unsustainable use of natural capital/risk of oil pollution/further emissions of greenhouse gases;
population has grown significantly since 1800/1900 resulting in greater use of natural resources/resulting in overfishing/overgrazing;
with high rates of vegetation/woodland loss the restoration costs are high with low probability of success;
use of herbicides to remove lupins may adversely affect non-target species/native species;
energy industry (including geothermal)/industrial processes still emits substantial amounts of the Iceland’s greenhouse gases;

Opinion/Conclusion [1 mark]:
Eg While Iceland has a high EF, it is actively working to reduce GHG by focusing on renewable energy and replanting forest/focusing on reducing soil degradation, and therefore can be considered as a role model of sustainability to other countries;
Despite aiming to use 100% renewable energy by 2050, Iceland cannot be considered to be a role model of sustainability for other countries because of its high EF and significant loss of forest that has reduced carbon dioxide sinks/stores and also accelerated soil erosion;
Iceland can be considered as being a model because sustainability is the responsible use and management of resources that allows natural regeneration and minimises environmental damage which is evident in how it deals with its energy requirements;
Iceland cannot be considered as a model of sustainability because this requires responsible use and management of resources that allows natural regeneration and minimises environmental damage and Iceland has poorly managed its land that has caused extreme soil erosion/significant loss of forests;

Note to examiners: An isolated statement/opinion, eg “Iceland is a role model for sustainability”, should not be considered as a valid conclusion. A valid conclusion may, however, be stated within the body of the response rather than at the end, and may involve some balanced decision.

Max 5 marks if there is no conclusion/opinion.
Accept other reasonable responses supported by information in the resource booklet.

Some candidates gave a well-argued response covering both points of view on whether Iceland should be considered a model for sustainability, together with a clear conclusion. However, there were a large number of responses that were too generalised and lacked the level of detail required and did not give a clear conclusion supported by evidence. A significant number of candidates did not attempt this question at all.