| Date | November 2015 | Marks available | 1 | Reference code | 15N.1.SL.TZ0.5 |
| Level | Standard Level | Paper | Paper 1 | Time zone | Time zone 0 |
| Command term | State | Question number | 5 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Describe the role of stratospheric ozone.
Identify one method to reduce ozone-depleting substances.
Describe the formation of tropospheric ozone.
Evaluate one management strategy for urban air pollution.
Apart from global warming and ozone-depletion, state one pollution problem that may affect a number of countries.
Markscheme
absorbs (incoming) UV radiation;
UV radiation energy breaks bonds in O2 and O3 in the ozone layer and heats the atmosphere;
less UV radiation reaches the Earth’s surface/protects life from damaging effects of UV;
[2 max]
Any one of the following:
find substitutes for Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS);
ban ODSs;
international agreements, eg Montreal Protocol;
develop new technology, eg pump action aerosols;
[1 max]
oxides (eg NOx) from fossil fuel combustion;
react in sunlight with oxygen from air;
[2]
Strategies include: ban fossil fuel vehicles from urban areas, increase public transport, have pedestrian only areas;
eg increasing public transport;
reduces the number of vehicles on the road, so less emissions;
some cost to local government/investment in infrastructure;
long term gain from reduced fossil fuel emission is preferable to short-term costs;
Award [1] for pro, [1] for con, and [1] for concluding statement.
[3 max]
acid rain/deposition;
eutrophication;
oil spills;
nuclear accident/spill (eg Fukashima);
pesticides/plastics in international waterways/oceans;
Accept any other reasonable examples.
Do not accept global warming or ozone depletion.
[1 max]
Examiners report
Marks awarded varied widely. A significant number of responses only covered one marking point. There were also a number of no responses. There was sometimes confusion between the role of stratospheric ozone with tropospheric ozone and also with the greenhouse effect.
A large number of candidates answered this question adequately. A common error was to confuse ozone depleting substances with greenhouse gases emitted from combustion of fossil fuels.
This question was generally poorly answered. Candidates appeared to have little knowledge of the precursors and conditions required for formation of tropospheric ozone. There were a significant number of no responses to this question.
This question was well answered with most candidates achieving some marks. A common mistake was to list a number of strategies without any evaluation.
Responses were mixed to this question. Many answers were too vague e.g. water pollution or air pollution instead of being more specific such as acid deposition or eutrophication.
Syllabus sections
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19M.2.SL.TZ0.6c:
Even though there is growing global support for ecocentric values, the global consumption of fossil fuels continues to rise each year.
With reference to energy choices in named countries, discuss possible reasons for this situation occurring.
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19N.2.SL.TZ0.8c:
To what extent does sustainability play a role in making decisions about energy and climate change policies at national and international levels?
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14M.2.SL.TZ0.1c.ii:
Using Figure 7, suggest one reason why per capita oil equivalent consumption is greater in some regions than in others.
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19N.1.SL.TZ0.5:
With reference to information in the resource booklet, evaluate the sustainability of Canada’s management of the Large Ocean Management Area of the St Lawrence River estuary and Gulf of St Lawrence.
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16N.2.SL.TZ0.1i:
Outline two reasons why the value of resources like Uranium can change over time.
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18M.2.SL.TZ0.7b:
The use of renewable resources is not always sustainable due to the activities involved in their production.
Justify this statement for a named source of renewable energy.
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17N.1.SL.TZ0.6b:
With reference to Figure 2 and Figure 9(c) outline two possible reasons why energy demand declined in Iceland after 2008.
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17N.1.SL.TZ0.7:
To what extent might Iceland be viewed as a role model for sustainability by other countries?
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17N.1.SL.TZ0.6a:
With reference to Figure 9(a) outline how Iceland’s primary energy consumption has changed over time.
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15M.2.SL.TZ0.5c:
Discuss how a Deep Ecologist and a Cornucopian may differ in their approach to this project.
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16M.2.SL.TZ0.5c:
Environmental value systems may be seen as having both inputs and outputs as shown in the diagram below:
As a society develops over time from an original pioneer population, various influences may have caused changes in their common value systems and decisions.
With reference to energy sources in a developed country (MEDC), discuss how historical changes in internal and external factors have influenced their environmental value systems and decisions on energy supply.
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17N.2.SL.TZ0.6b:
Explain how the inequitable distribution of natural resources can lead to conflict.
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18M.2.SL.TZ0.7c:
Increasing concern for energy security is likely to lead to more sustainable energy choices.
Discuss the validity of this statement, with reference to named countries.
- 17M.2.SL.TZ0.3d: Identify one reduction strategy that the United States might use to achieve its projected...
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17M.2.SL.TZ0.3c:
Identify two possible reasons for the projected change in CO2 emissions for China.
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15N.2.SL.TZ0.3b:
Explain the factors which influence the choice of energy sources in two different societies.
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16N.2.SL.TZ0.1l:
Using evidence from the resource booklet, justify from an ecocentric viewpoint why the Husab Uranium Project should not be approved.
- 18N.2.SL.TZ0.7c: Examine the driving factors behind the changing energy choices of different countries using...
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14M.2.SL.TZ0.4c:
Environmental value systems such as ecocentrism and technocentrism may determine the approaches taken to resource management.
Discuss which of these value systems you consider most appropriate in its approach to the management of fossil fuel resources. Support your conclusion with valid reasons or evidence.
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14M.2.SL.TZ0.1a.ii:
Using Figure 8, estimate the percentage of world oil equivalent consumption that came from renewable sources in 2011.
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17N.2.SL.TZ0.7c:
Discuss the role of humans in the destabilization of ecological systems.
