| Date | May 2014 | Marks available | 4 | Reference code | 14M.1.SL.TZ0.5 |
| Level | Standard Level | Paper | Paper 1 | Time zone | Time zone 0 |
| Command term | Evaluate | Question number | 5 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Evaluate contrasting human perceptions of the issue of global warming.
Markscheme
Viewpoint that human activity is contributing to global warming / we should be concerned [2 max]
evidence from sediment/ice cores of human induced warming;
current rate of warming is unprecedented;
increase in greenhouse gas emissions from human activities (since Industrial Revolution) correlates with increase in global temperature;
evidence of dramatic affects of global warming in recent times eg melting of ice caps/shifting of biomes/extreme weather/coastal inundation/loss of biodiversity/social conflict;
positive feedback loops could lead to exponential change/potentially devastating tipping points;
Viewpoint that human activity is not responsible for global warming / we do not need to be concerned: [2 max]
part of natural cycles and not human induced;
technology will provide solutions to any problems caused by global warming;
prediction models of climate change/global warming are inaccurate;
impacts are over exaggerated;
global warming may be mitigated by negative feedback mechanisms;
scientist are self serving and manipulate results to produce findings that attract funding for further research;
Do not award marks if the candidate only recognizes the different perspectives.
Award marks only if the candidate provides evidence to support that perspective.
[4 max]
Examiners report
Many responses lacked evidence to support contrasting human perceptions and few gained more than 1 mark.
Syllabus sections
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15N.2.SL.TZ0.2c:
Discuss how different environmental philosophies can affect the choice of pollution management strategies in response to global warming.
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16M.2.SL.TZ0.5b:
Ecocentrics recognise that all species have an intrinsic value.
Explain the strengths and weaknesses of using intrinsic value when making decisions about development and conservation.
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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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16M.2.SL.TZ0.2a:
Outline the Gaia hypothesis as a model of the global ecosystem.
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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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14N.2.SL.TZ0.2c:
A vegetarian diet is often described as “better for the environment”. Discuss this statement using your knowledge of ecosystems and environmental value systems.
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17N.2.SL.TZ0.5c:
Discuss the implications of environmental value systems in the protection of tropical biomes.
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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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19M.2.SL.TZ0.5c:
Technocentrists may support the belief that technological development has always been able to overcome limits to human population growth.
To what extent do the patterns of growth and development in human populations, as demonstrated in the Demographic Transition Model, support this claim?
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19N.2.SL.TZ0.7c:
To what extent do the approaches and strategies of different environmental value systems improve access to fresh water?
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18N.2.SL.TZ0.6c:
Discuss the consequences of changing global per capita meat consumption on the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity.
- 17N.1.SL.TZ0.5a.ii: Identify one argument against humans hunting puffins.
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18M.2.SL.TZ0.6c:
To what extent can different environmental value systems contribute to both causing and resolving the problem of water scarcity?
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16N.2.SL.TZ0.3a:
Outline two historical influences on the development of the modern environmental movement.
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17N.2.SL.TZ0.4c:
To what extent do anthropocentric value systems dominate the international efforts to address climate change?
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17M.2.SL.TZ0.7c:
Environmental value systems differ in how they view the importance of biodiversity and this could influence a community’s approach to conservation.
Discuss how these different perspectives, including your own, may influence approaches to conservation.
- 18N.2.SL.TZ0.4c: Using examples, discuss whether habitat conservation is more successful than a species-based...
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14N.2.SL.TZ0.5c:
Tundra ecosystems are vulnerable to the effects of global warming. Discuss the response of two contrasting environmental value systems to the effects of global warming on the tundra.
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18N.1.SL.TZ0.11:
To what extent does Algonquin Provincial Park provide a model of sustainable management of a protected area?
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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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17N.2.SL.TZ0.5b:
Explain the role of two historical influences in shaping the development of the environmental movement.
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16N.2.SL.TZ0.5c:
Environmental value systems may lead to different approaches to addressing the issue of global warming. Discuss which environmental value system(s) you consider to be most appropriate in the management of global warming.
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18N.2.SL.TZ0.5a:
Outline the factors that lead to different environmental value systems in contrasting cultures.
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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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14N.1.SL.TZ0.6c:
Predict how a technocentric and an ecocentric might differ in their views about dams.
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15N.2.SL.TZ0.4c:
Evaluate the sustainability of freshwater use in a named case study and the environmental philosophy(ies) involved in this decision making process for the management of this resource.
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18N.2.SL.TZ0.5b:
Explain why the harvesting of a named aquatic species may be controversial.
