“Population growth is the greatest threat to our planet’s soil quality and biodiversity.” Discuss this statement.

Refer to Paper 1 Section B markbands (available under the "Resources" tab) when marking this question.

Candidates can agree or disagree with the statement but need to be able to support their position. It is also possible that responses may agree partially with the statement. Either of these approaches is acceptable.

Population growth should be addressed in terms of the regional variations with some regions predicted to grow quite rapidly (Sub Saharan Africa) and others being predicted to experience negative growth (Japan, Europe).

Causes of soil degradation and loss of biodiversity of tropical rainforest (allow other biomes/ecosystems) should be addressed to assess the extent to which population growth is a contributing factor.

Candidates may also look at alternative threats to our planet’s soil quality and biodiversity, such as climate change, how an increasing standard of living results in increased consumption irrespective of population growth, the concentration of population in urban areas and the expansion of cities, changing agricultural practices, pollution, invasive species, poaching etc.

Responses should make use of examples but responses that focus on describing soil quality and biodiversity and not focusing on the role of population growth will be self-limiting.

It is not necessary for the discussion of soil quality and biodiversity to be of equal depth for the award of full marks.

At band D, expect some description of the issues of population growth, soil quality and biodiversity.

At band E, expect either some explanation of a range of threats that population growth poses to soil quality and biodiversity or a discussion of why other factors besides population growth may be equally or more important in terms of their impacts on soil quality and biodiversity.

At band F, expect both.

Marks should be allocated according to Paper 1 Section B markbands