“A sustainable balance between population and resources can be best met by the circular economy.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Refer to Paper 2 section C markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

Reponses may tackle the question at a variety of scales. They should have a clear understanding of the concept of “sustainable balance between population and resources” and “the circular economy”. This understanding can be shown by overt definitions or be woven within the fabric of the answer.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• An outline of the relationship between population and resources that may take one or more of the views identified in the guide as part of the response structure (pessimistic, optimistic and balanced views).
• An outline of the linear economy of production, consumption and disposal, and a criticism of the resultant issues.
• An outline of the elements of the circular economy, which may include reference to:
  
  • biological systems and sustainability – restoration, anaerobic digestion,composting, etc
  • technical systems and sustainability – maintenance, reuse, refurbish, recycle
  • minimizing system leakage – energy recovery from manufacturing.
• An outline of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• An outline of population control measures – government policies and initiatives, social changes to encourage population control.
• An outline of technical changes that may increase the supply of resources or decreased usage of resources eg energy.

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) that evaluates the relative importance of the circular economy in the maintenance of a sustainable balance between population and resources. Evaluation may take a variety of forms, which may include:

• an evaluation of the different approaches embodied within the response and/or as a concluding paragraph(s)
• an evaluation of the level of development as a factor influencing the approach taken
• an evaluation of how approaches may vary over time
• an evaluation of how different approaches are perceived in different regions or sections of society.

For 5–6 marks
Expect weakly evidenced outlining of population/resource balance, the circular economy and other approaches.

For 7–8 marks
Expect a well-structured account which includes:

• either a well-evidenced synthesis of population/resource balance, the circular economy and other approaches
• or a critical conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) informed by geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks
Expect both traits.