A-Level Geography Revision — Geographical Debates: Contemporary Environmental Issues
Revise Geographical Debates: Contemporary Environmental Issues for A-Level Geography with a topic explanation, worked example and common mistakes. Check the board notes for specification differences.
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- Geographical Debates: Contemporary Environmental Issues in A-Level Geography: explanation, examples, and practice links on this page.
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What is Geographical Debates: Contemporary Environmental Issues?
This topic explores a range of contemporary environmental issues, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. It encourages students to engage with different perspectives on these issues and to develop their own informed opinions. The aim is to enable students to think critically about the challenges facing the planet and to evaluate the different solutions that have been proposed.
Board notes: A key part of the synoptic paper for AQA, Edexcel, and OCR. All boards require students to be able to engage with geographical debates and to develop their own arguments. The specific issues covered may vary between boards, but the focus is on contemporary and controversial topics.
Step-by-step explanationWorked examples
Worked example
When asked to 'discuss the view that technological solutions are the best way to address climate change', a student should present a balanced argument, considering both the potential of technology and its limitations. They could discuss the role of renewable energy and carbon capture and storage, but also the importance of changes in lifestyle and government policy. The answer should be supported by specific examples and conclude with a justified judgement on the role of technology in addressing climate change.
Practise this topic
Start with low-focus cards for Geographical Debates: Contemporary Environmental Issues, then move into full exam-style practice when you want the heavier session.
Common mistakes
- 1Presenting a one-sided argument.
- 2Not supporting arguments with evidence.
- 3Describing the issues without considering the different players and perspectives involved.
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Frequently asked questions
What is sustainable development?
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It has three pillars: economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
What is the precautionary principle?
The precautionary principle is the idea that, if there is a risk of serious or irreversible harm to the environment, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation.