Climate change and its effects on global economic stability have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on recent trends, this subject is likely to appear more frequently in future tests, making it crucial for test-takers to be well-prepared. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Some people believe that climate change is the biggest threat to global economic stability. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to express their opinion on the relationship between climate change and global economic stability. Key points to consider:
- Understand the term “climate change” and its various impacts
- Define “global economic stability” and factors affecting it
- Consider the extent to which climate change influences economic stability compared to other factors
- Provide relevant examples and evidence to support your argument
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Climate change has emerged as a critical global issue, with far-reaching consequences that extend beyond environmental concerns. While there are numerous threats to global economic stability, I strongly agree that climate change poses the most significant risk due to its pervasive and long-lasting impacts on various sectors of the economy.
Firstly, climate change directly affects primary industries such as agriculture, fishing, and forestry, which form the backbone of many economies, particularly in developing countries. Unpredictable weather patterns, rising temperatures, and extreme events like droughts and floods can devastate crops, disrupt food supply chains, and lead to price volatility in commodities. This instability can trigger inflation, food insecurity, and economic downturns that ripple through interconnected global markets.
How climate change affects water scarcity and access is another critical factor contributing to economic instability. Water scarcity can lead to reduced agricultural output, hamper industrial production, and even spark conflicts over resources, all of which have severe economic implications. Moreover, the need for massive investments in water infrastructure to adapt to changing conditions places additional strain on government budgets and economic planning.
Furthermore, climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, leading to substantial economic losses. Hurricanes, wildfires, and rising sea levels threaten infrastructure, disrupt business operations, and require enormous resources for recovery and adaptation. The insurance industry, in particular, faces unprecedented challenges in managing climate-related risks, potentially destabilizing financial markets.
Climate change's impact on the global economy
The transition to a low-carbon economy, while necessary, also presents significant economic challenges. Industries dependent on fossil fuels may face rapid decline, leading to job losses and economic restructuring. Simultaneously, the need for substantial investments in renewable energy and green technologies can strain public and private sector finances in the short term, even as they promise long-term benefits.
How climate change is affecting migration patterns globally is another crucial aspect that threatens economic stability. Climate-induced migration can lead to social tensions, labor market disruptions, and increased pressure on urban infrastructure and services in receiving areas, all of which have significant economic implications.
In conclusion, while other factors such as geopolitical tensions and technological disruptions also pose risks to global economic stability, climate change stands out as the most pervasive and existential threat. Its wide-ranging impacts on natural resources, infrastructure, human migration, and entire industries make it the paramount challenge to sustainable economic growth and stability in the 21st century. Addressing this issue requires unprecedented global cooperation and a fundamental restructuring of our economic systems to ensure resilience in the face of climate change.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Climate change is a big problem that affects many parts of our world, including the economy. I agree that it is one of the biggest threats to global economic stability, but I’m not sure if it’s the only or the biggest one.
First, climate change can hurt important industries like farming and fishing. When the weather becomes unpredictable, it can damage crops and affect food production. This can lead to higher food prices and problems for people and businesses that depend on these industries. For example, in some countries, farmers are struggling because of longer droughts or more floods, which makes it hard for them to grow enough food.
Another way climate change affects the economy is through natural disasters. How climate change is increasing the frequency of natural disasters is a serious concern. When there are more hurricanes, floods, or wildfires, it costs a lot of money to repair the damage. This can be a big problem for governments and insurance companies, and it can slow down economic growth.
Economic impact of climate-related natural disasters
Climate change also affects businesses in other ways. Some companies might have to spend more money to adapt to new regulations or to change the way they work to be more environmentally friendly. This can be expensive and might make some businesses less competitive.
However, there are other things that can also threaten economic stability. For example, political problems between countries, changes in technology that make some jobs disappear, or global health issues like pandemics can all cause big economic problems too.
In conclusion, I think climate change is definitely one of the biggest threats to global economic stability because it affects so many different parts of the economy. But it’s important to remember that there are other serious challenges too. To keep the economy stable, we need to work on solving climate change problems while also paying attention to other issues that could cause economic trouble.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy:
- Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Cohesive devices are used effectively, and paragraphing is appropriate.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows a good attempt at addressing the task, with some areas for improvement:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, though some aspects are more fully covered than others. The format is appropriate, and the main ideas are relevant, but some may lack full development.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some ideas may not be logically organized. Cohesive devices are used but may be overused or underused.
- Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task. There may be some errors in word choice, spelling, and word formation, but they do not impede communication.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors in grammar and punctuation, but they rarely reduce communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Economic stability (noun) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk stəˈbɪləti/ – The state of an economy with minimal fluctuations in output, employment, and prices.
Pervasive (adjective) – /pəˈveɪsɪv/ – Spreading widely throughout an area or group of people.
Commodity (noun) – /kəˈmɒdəti/ – A raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold.
Exacerbate (verb) – /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – Make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse.
Adaptation (noun) – /ædæpˈteɪʃən/ – The process of changing to suit different conditions.
Resilience (noun) – /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
Geopolitical (adjective) – /ˌdʒiːəʊpəˈlɪtɪkəl/ – Relating to politics, especially international relations, as influenced by geographical factors.
Unprecedented (adjective) – /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ – Never done or known before.
Volatility (noun) – /ˌvɒləˈtɪləti/ – Liability to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse.
Transition (noun) – /trænˈzɪʃən/ – The process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.
Conclusion
Climate change and its impact on global economic stability is a complex and crucial topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. To excel in this type of question, candidates should:
- Clearly state their position and maintain it throughout the essay
- Provide specific examples and evidence to support their arguments
- Consider multiple aspects of how climate change affects the economy
- Use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures accurately
- Organize ideas logically with appropriate paragraph structure and cohesive devices
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones, such as:
- The role of governments in mitigating the economic impacts of climate change
- The potential economic opportunities arising from the transition to a green economy
- The balance between economic growth and environmental protection in the context of climate change
We encourage you to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.