| Date | May 2021 | Marks available | 6 | Reference code | 21M.1.SL.TZ0.10 |
| Level | Standard Level | Paper | Paper 1 | Time zone | Time zone 0 |
| Command term | To what extent | Question number | 10 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
To what extent might it be better to consider environmental issues at a global, rather than a local level, when planning for sustainable development in Siberia?
Markscheme
Arguments that support addressing issue at global level [4 max]:
- many of the issues generate global impacts / affect ecological services to whole planet;
- e.g. deforestation affects climate change / widely different ecosystems, e.g. oceans / trees are exported around the world, making deforestation in Siberia part of the global/importing countries ecological footprint;
- loss of habitats/local species e.g. tiger affect global biodiversity;
- it is a moral duty/responsibility of humans to conserve species/biodiversity globally;
- local habitats/populations are quite small/vulnerable/less resilient and so more easily lost;
- many of the impacts are stimulated by global markets/economies/demands;
- i.e. international demand for goods, e.g. timber/tiger parts/fossil fuels/metals;
- so international management is required because source/impact of problem is international;
- experts from around the world can collaborate to help tackle issues/plan for sustainable development;
- countries can help each other with resources/expertise;
- at global level there is more access to funds to implement strategies;
- countries need to collaborate to avoid tragedy of the commons, eg climate change;
Arguments that support addressing issue at local level [4 max]:
- some issues are more localized, e.g. acid deposition / cause and effect of acid deposition is local / discharge of effluent affects local river quality/biodiversity;
- implementation and enforcement needs to be done at a local level/on the ground (e.g. policing of poachers/reduction in emissions of NOx/SO2/CO);
- most management strategies are more successful when they engage local support / decisions at global level may not take into account local customs/needs/knowledge and alienate local people;
- at a global level it is more difficult to get everyone to agree/take action;
Conclusion/opinion [1 max]: e.g. “due to the interconnected nature of environmental systems, action needs to be taken at a global level e.g. through international agreements, however these then need to be implemented at a local level to be successful”;
Note: An isolated statement/opinion, e.g. “Environmental issues are best addressed at a global level” should not be considered as a valid conclusion/opinion without supporting evidence.
Award [5 max] if there is no conclusion/opinion.
Accept other reasonable responses supported by information in the resource booklet.
Examiners report
Responses varied widely for this question with most candidates achieving some marks. Some responses were well focused, considered both sides of the argument and used evidence given within the resource booklet to support their key points. Whereas other responses were too generic and did not use the information provided or gave only one side of the argument. Few responses gave a balanced conclusion supported by evidence.
