IELTS Writing Task 2: Mastering Essays on Climate Change and Global Economies (Band 7-9 Sample Essays Included)

Climate change and its impact on global economies is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends and the increasing global focus on environmental issues, we can expect this topic to appear frequently in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS tests and is likely to resurface in various forms:

Some people believe that the effects of climate change on the global economy are exaggerated. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires you to express your opinion on the relationship between climate change and its economic impacts. Key points to consider:

1. The main topic is the economic effects of climate change.
2. You need to state your level of agreement or disagreement.
3. You should provide reasons and examples to support your position.
4. Consider both global and local economic impacts.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Climate change is undeniably one of the most pressing issues of our time, and its effects on the global economy are far-reaching and profound. While some may argue that these impacts are overstated, I strongly disagree with this view. The economic consequences of climate change are not only significant but are likely to intensify in the coming years if left unchecked.

Firstly, climate change is already causing substantial economic losses through extreme weather events. Hurricanes, floods, and droughts have become more frequent and severe, leading to billions of dollars in damages annually. For instance, Hurricane Harvey in 2017 caused an estimated $125 billion in damage to the Texas economy alone. These disasters not only destroy infrastructure and property but also disrupt business operations and supply chains, causing ripple effects throughout the global economy.

Moreover, the long-term effects of climate change on agriculture and food security cannot be overstated. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are altering crop yields and agricultural productivity worldwide. A study by the International Food Policy Research Institute predicts that climate change could reduce global crop yields by up to 30% by 2050. This decline in food production not only threatens food security but also has significant implications for agricultural economies and global food prices.

Furthermore, the transition to a low-carbon economy, while necessary, presents both challenges and opportunities for the global economy. Industries reliant on fossil fuels may face significant losses, potentially leading to job displacements and economic restructuring. However, this transition also opens up new avenues for growth in renewable energy sectors and green technologies. The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that the global transition to renewable energy could boost global GDP by up to $98 trillion by 2050.

In conclusion, the economic impacts of climate change are far from exaggerated. They are real, measurable, and potentially devastating if not addressed promptly. While the transition to a sustainable economy may present short-term challenges, the long-term benefits of mitigating climate change far outweigh the costs of inaction. It is crucial for governments, businesses, and individuals to recognize these economic realities and take decisive action to combat climate change.

(Word count: 345)

Essay Analysis

This essay would likely score in the Band 8-9 range due to several strengths:

1. Clear position: The writer clearly states their disagreement with the given statement.
2. Well-developed arguments: Each paragraph presents a distinct point, supported by specific examples and data.
3. Cohesion and coherence: The essay flows logically, with clear topic sentences and appropriate linking words.
4. Lexical resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately (e.g., “far-reaching”, “profound”, “ripple effects”, “mitigating”).
5. Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay demonstrates a variety of complex structures used accurately.

Climate change impact on global economy

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Climate change is a big problem in today’s world, and many people talk about how it affects the global economy. I partly agree that some effects might be exaggerated, but I also think that climate change has serious economic impacts that we can’t ignore.

One reason why I think some effects might be exaggerated is because it’s hard to predict exactly how climate change will affect the economy in the future. Scientists and economists often make predictions based on models, but these models can’t always account for all the factors involved. This uncertainty can sometimes lead to overestimating the economic impacts.

However, we can already see some clear economic effects of climate change that are not exaggerated. For example, extreme weather events like hurricanes and floods are happening more often, and they cause a lot of damage to buildings, roads, and businesses. This costs a lot of money to repair. Also, changing weather patterns affect farming, which can lead to lower crop yields and higher food prices. These are real economic problems that we can see happening now.

Another important point is that fighting climate change can actually create new economic opportunities. As countries try to reduce their carbon emissions, new industries are growing, like renewable energy and electric cars. These new industries can create jobs and help the economy grow in new ways.

In conclusion, while some predictions about climate change’s economic effects might be exaggerated, there are many real and serious impacts that we need to address. It’s important to find a balance between recognizing the true economic risks of climate change and avoiding unnecessary panic. Governments and businesses should work together to find solutions that protect both the environment and the economy.

(Word count: 292)

Essay Analysis

This essay would likely score in the Band 6-7 range for the following reasons:

1. Position: The writer takes a balanced approach, partially agreeing with the statement.
2. Arguments: The essay presents some relevant points, but they are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
3. Cohesion and coherence: The essay has a clear structure, but the ideas could be more tightly linked.
4. Lexical resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less sophisticated than in the higher band essay.
5. Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay uses some complex structures but relies more on simpler sentence patterns.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Exaggerate (verb) /ɪɡˈzædʒəreɪt/ – to make something seem larger, better, worse, etc. than it really is
2. Profound (adjective) /prəˈfaʊnd/ – very great or intense
3. Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – to make something less harmful, severe, or bad
4. Ripple effect (noun) /ˈrɪpl ɪˈfekt/ – a situation in which one event causes a series of other events to happen
5. Devastating (adjective) /ˈdevəsteɪtɪŋ/ – causing a lot of damage or destruction
6. Overestimate (verb) /ˌəʊvərˈestɪmeɪt/ – to estimate something to be larger or greater than it actually is
7. Carbon emissions (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃnz/ – the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
8. Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power
9. Food security (noun) /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – the state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food
10. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level

Conclusion

The topic of climate change and its effects on global economies is likely to remain a significant theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as:

1. The role of governments in addressing climate change
2. The balance between economic growth and environmental protection
3. The impact of individual actions on global climate change

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to practice by writing an essay on the topic we’ve discussed and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.