Climate change and its impact on global migration have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends and the growing global concern about environmental issues, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to appear frequently in future IELTS exams. To help you prepare effectively, we’ve selected a relevant question that closely mirrors those seen in actual IELTS tests:
Climate change is causing people to leave their homes and migrate to other countries. What are the causes of this? What problems does this create?
Analyzing the Question
This question focuses on two key aspects:
- The causes of climate-induced migration
- The problems arising from this migration
To excel in your response, you need to address both parts comprehensively while maintaining a clear structure and using appropriate vocabulary.
Climate Change Induced Migration
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Climate change has emerged as a significant driver of human migration in recent years, forcing people to abandon their homes and seek refuge in other nations. This essay will explore the primary causes of this phenomenon and discuss the challenges it creates for both migrants and host countries.
The main factors prompting climate-induced migration are the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters and the gradual degradation of habitable environments. Rising sea levels, for instance, threaten to submerge low-lying coastal areas and small island nations, rendering them uninhabitable. Additionally, prolonged droughts and desertification in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa are decimating agricultural livelihoods, compelling farmers to relocate in search of arable land. These environmental changes, directly linked to global warming, are eroding the very foundations of many communities, leaving inhabitants with little choice but to migrate.
The influx of climate migrants presents a myriad of challenges for both the displaced populations and the receiving countries. Firstly, the migrants often face significant cultural and linguistic barriers in their new homes, hindering their integration and ability to secure employment. This can lead to social isolation and economic hardship. Secondly, host nations may struggle to accommodate large numbers of newcomers, placing strain on public services, housing, and job markets. This sudden population increase can potentially spark social tensions and xenophobia if not managed carefully.
Furthermore, the international community lacks a unified approach to addressing climate migration. Unlike refugees fleeing war or persecution, climate migrants are not currently recognized under international law, leaving them in a precarious legal limbo. This ambiguity complicates efforts to provide adequate support and protection to those displaced by environmental factors.
In conclusion, climate change is uprooting communities worldwide, primarily due to extreme weather events and the gradual loss of habitable land. This forced migration creates substantial challenges, including integration difficulties for migrants and resource strains on host countries. Addressing this issue requires a coordinated global response, encompassing both climate change mitigation efforts and the development of legal frameworks to protect and support climate migrants.
Word count: 329
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent coherence and cohesion, addressing all aspects of the question with well-developed ideas. The language used is sophisticated and precise, with a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Key points to note:
- Clear introduction outlining the essay’s focus
- Well-structured paragraphs, each addressing a specific aspect of the question
- Use of advanced vocabulary and phrases (e.g., “decimating agricultural livelihoods”, “eroding the very foundations”)
- Complex sentence structures and appropriate use of linking words
- A strong conclusion that summarizes key points and offers a forward-looking perspective
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Climate change is making many people leave their homes and move to other countries. This essay will look at why this is happening and what problems it causes.
There are two main reasons why climate change is causing migration. First, natural disasters are happening more often and are more severe. Floods, hurricanes, and droughts are destroying homes and farms, making it hard for people to live in affected areas. Second, some places are becoming unlivable over time. For example, sea levels are rising and threatening coastal communities. In some areas, it’s getting too hot or dry to grow crops. These changes force people to look for new places to live where they can be safe and make a living.
This migration creates several problems for both the people moving and the countries receiving them. For the migrants, it’s difficult to start a new life in a foreign country. They may not speak the language or understand the culture, making it hard to find jobs and fit in. They might also face discrimination. For the host countries, it can be challenging to handle a large number of new people coming in. There might not be enough houses, jobs, or services like healthcare and education for everyone. This can lead to tensions between the local people and the newcomers.
Another problem is that there are no clear international laws about climate migrants. Unlike refugees from war, people leaving because of climate change don’t have special legal protection. This makes it harder for them to get help and for countries to know how to deal with them.
In conclusion, climate change is forcing people to migrate mainly because of natural disasters and places becoming unlivable. This causes problems like difficulties for migrants in adapting to new places and challenges for host countries in managing more people. To solve these issues, countries need to work together to slow down climate change and create better ways to help climate migrants.
Word count: 318
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates a good understanding of the topic and addresses all parts of the question. The language and ideas are clear but less sophisticated compared to the Band 8-9 essay. Key points:
- Clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
- Addresses both causes and problems as required by the question
- Uses some topic-specific vocabulary, but less varied than the higher band essay
- Sentence structures are generally clear but less complex
- Ideas are relevant but could be more fully developed
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Climate-induced migration (noun phrase) – /ˈklaɪmət ɪnˈdjuːst maɪˈɡreɪʃən/ – Movement of people primarily due to changes in the environment resulting from climate change
- Desertification (noun) – /dɪˌzɜːtɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ – The process by which fertile land becomes desert
- Arable land (noun phrase) – /ˈærəbl lænd/ – Land capable of being ploughed and used to grow crops
- Xenophobia (noun) – /ˌzenəˈfəʊbiə/ – Fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers
- Precarious (adjective) – /prɪˈkeəriəs/ – Not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse
- Mitigation (noun) – /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən/ – The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something
- Influx (noun) – /ˈɪnflʌks/ – An arrival or entry of large numbers of people or things
- Decimating (verb) – /ˈdesɪmeɪtɪŋ/ – Killing, destroying, or removing a large proportion of
- Submerge (verb) – /səbˈmɜːdʒ/ – To cause to be under water; to cover or overflow with water
- Livable/Unlivable (adjective) – /ˈlɪvəbl/ /ʌnˈlɪvəbl/ – Suitable or unsuitable for living in
Conclusion
Climate change and its impact on global migration patterns is a complex and increasingly relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key aspects of this issue and practicing with sample essays like those provided, you can improve your ability to write comprehensive, well-structured responses.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of international cooperation in addressing climate migration
- The long-term economic impacts of climate-induced migration on both origin and destination countries
- Potential solutions to help communities adapt to climate change and reduce the need for migration
Remember to focus on clear structure, relevant examples, and appropriate use of advanced vocabulary. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS aspirants.