Climate change and its impact on global trade is a topic of growing importance in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared in various forms in recent exams and is likely to continue being a significant theme in future tests. As an IELTS instructor, I’ve observed an increasing frequency of questions related to environmental issues and their economic consequences. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare effectively for your IELTS Writing Task 2.
Analyzing the Task and Crafting Strong Responses
For this lesson, we’ll focus on a question that encapsulates the relationship between climate change and global trade:
Climate change is having a significant impact on global trade patterns. What are some of the ways in which climate change is affecting international commerce, and what measures can be taken to mitigate these effects?
Understanding the Question
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the impacts of climate change on global trade
- Suggest measures to mitigate these effects
It’s crucial to address both parts of the question in your essay to achieve a high band score.
Climate change affecting global trade
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
Climate change is increasingly recognized as a major force reshaping global trade dynamics. This essay will explore the multifaceted ways in which climate change affects international commerce and propose measures to mitigate its impact.
One of the most significant effects of climate change on global trade is the disruption of supply chains. Rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events are damaging port infrastructure and interrupting shipping routes. For instance, hurricanes in the Caribbean have repeatedly halted operations at major ports, causing ripple effects throughout global supply networks. Additionally, changing weather patterns are altering agricultural productivity in many regions, leading to shifts in the global food trade. Countries that once were major exporters of certain crops may find their competitive advantage eroded due to changing climate conditions.
Furthermore, climate change is influencing consumer preferences and government policies, which in turn affect trade patterns. There is a growing demand for environmentally friendly products, leading to new trade flows in sustainable goods and technologies. Simultaneously, governments are implementing carbon pricing and emissions regulations, which can create trade barriers or advantages for certain industries and countries.
To mitigate these effects, several measures can be taken. Firstly, investing in resilient infrastructure is crucial. This includes upgrading ports to withstand extreme weather and sea-level rise, and developing alternative transportation routes to reduce vulnerability to disruptions. Secondly, promoting sustainable trade practices through international agreements can help align economic interests with environmental goals. This could involve incentivizing low-carbon technologies and supporting developing countries in adopting sustainable practices.
Moreover, enhancing global cooperation on climate data sharing and early warning systems can help businesses and governments better prepare for and respond to climate-related trade disruptions. Finally, fostering innovation in climate-adaptive technologies and practices, such as drought-resistant crops or water-efficient manufacturing processes, can help maintain trade stability in the face of changing environmental conditions.
In conclusion, climate change is profoundly altering the landscape of global trade through supply chain disruptions, shifts in agricultural productivity, and changes in consumer and policy environments. By implementing a combination of infrastructure investments, policy alignments, enhanced cooperation, and technological innovation, the international community can work towards mitigating these impacts and creating a more resilient global trade system.
(Word count: 345)
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
Climate change is having a big impact on global trade patterns. This essay will discuss some ways in which climate change affects international trade and suggest some solutions to these problems.
One major effect of climate change on global trade is the disruption of transportation routes. As sea levels rise and storms become more frequent, many important shipping lanes and ports are at risk. This can make it harder and more expensive to transport goods around the world. For example, hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean have sometimes forced ships to take longer routes, increasing costs for companies.
Another way climate change affects trade is by changing what different countries can produce. Some places that used to grow certain crops may not be able to anymore because of changes in temperature or rainfall. This means countries might have to change what they export or import. For instance, some wine-producing regions are having to adapt to warmer temperatures, which affects the quality and type of wine they can make and sell internationally.
To address these problems, several measures can be taken. First, countries should invest in making their ports and transportation systems stronger to withstand extreme weather. This could include building sea walls or moving important facilities to higher ground. Second, international cooperation on climate change should be increased. If countries work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it could slow down some of the worst effects of climate change on trade.
Additionally, businesses and governments should plan for a changing climate. This might mean developing new products that are better suited to warmer temperatures or finding alternative sources for goods that might become scarce. Finally, investing in new technologies like more efficient ships or alternative fuels could help reduce the environmental impact of international trade.
In conclusion, climate change is affecting global trade in several ways, mainly through transportation disruptions and changes in production. By strengthening infrastructure, increasing international cooperation, planning for the future, and investing in new technologies, we can work to reduce these negative impacts on international commerce.
(Word count: 323)
Band 5-6 Essay Sample
Climate change is changing how countries trade with each other. In this essay, I will talk about how climate change affects global trade and what we can do about it.
First, climate change makes it harder to move things around the world. Big storms and floods can damage ports and roads. This makes it more difficult and expensive to send goods to other countries. For example, when there’s a big storm, ships might have to wait or go a different way, which costs more money.
Also, climate change is changing what different places can grow. Some areas that used to be good for farming might get too hot or dry. This means countries might have to buy food from different places than before. For instance, if a country can’t grow as much coffee because it’s too hot, they might have to buy coffee from other countries instead of selling it.
To fix these problems, we can do a few things. We should make our ports and roads stronger so they don’t get damaged by bad weather. Countries should also work together more to fight climate change. If we can slow down global warming, it will be better for trade.
Another idea is to help farmers learn new ways to grow food that work better in a changing climate. This could help countries keep trading the same products even if the weather changes. Lastly, we should use more environmentally friendly ways to transport goods, like electric trucks or ships that use less fuel.
In conclusion, climate change is making it harder for countries to trade with each other by damaging transportation and changing what can be grown. But if we make our systems stronger, work together, help farmers, and use cleaner transportation, we can make trade better even with climate change.
(Word count: 293)
Analysis of Essay Samples
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that align with Band 8-9 criteria:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, providing a well-developed response with relevant, extended and supported ideas.
Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphing is skillfully managed, and a range of cohesive devices is used effectively.
Lexical Resource: There’s a wide range of vocabulary used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. For example, “multifaceted,” “eroded,” and “resilient” demonstrate precision in word choice.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex structures are frequent and there are no noticeable errors.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows characteristics typical of Band 6-7 performance:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some parts are more fully covered than others. The ideas are relevant but could be more fully extended.
Coherence and Cohesion: There’s a clear overall progression, with some use of cohesive devices. Paragraphing is generally logical.
Lexical Resource: There’s a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task. Some less common lexical items are used, though occasional inaccuracies in word choice occur.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors, but they don’t impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay exhibits features consistent with Band 5-6 performance:
Task Response: The essay addresses the task in a general way. Main ideas are present but limited in development.
Coherence and Cohesion: There’s a general progression of ideas, though not always clear. Basic cohesive devices are used, but coherence may be affected by overuse or inaccurate use.
Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, adequate for basic communication. There’s an attempt to use less common vocabulary, but with some inaccuracy.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex structures is attempted, but errors are frequent. Meaning is generally clear despite grammatical errors.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – to make something less harmful, serious, or bad
- Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – able to quickly return to a previous good condition
- Disruption (noun) /dɪsˈrʌpʃn/ – an interruption in the usual way that a system, process, or event works
- Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – the basic systems and services that a country or organization uses in order to work effectively
- Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to continue or be continued for a long time
- Vulnerability (noun) /ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being easily hurt or attacked
- Adaptation (noun) /ˌædæpˈteɪʃn/ – the process of changing to suit different conditions
- Emissions (noun) /ɪˈmɪʃnz/ – the production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation
- Productivity (noun) /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/ – the rate at which goods are produced or work is completed
- Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – to encourage or motivate someone to do something
Conclusion
Climate change and its impact on global trade is a complex and evolving topic that is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key aspects of this issue and practicing with essay samples of different band scores, you can improve your ability to tackle such questions effectively.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of international cooperation in addressing climate change impacts on trade
- How technological innovations can help mitigate climate change effects on global commerce
- The potential long-term consequences of climate change on economic relationships between nations
Remember to focus on clear structure, relevant examples, and a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures in your essays. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!