Climate change and its effects on human health 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 subject will continue to appear frequently in future IELTS exams. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past tests and explore how to approach it effectively.
Climate Change Impact on Human Health
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that governments and individuals should strive to reduce the effects of climate change. Others believe that climate change is a natural process that cannot be stopped. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question presents two contrasting viewpoints on climate change:
- Governments and individuals should work to mitigate climate change effects.
- Climate change is a natural, unstoppable process.
To answer this effectively, you need to:
- Discuss both perspectives
- Provide your own opinion
- Support your arguments with relevant examples
Let’s look at two sample essays addressing this topic, one aimed at a Band 7-8 score and another for a Band 6-7 score.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 7-8)
Climate change has become a pressing global issue, sparking debates about its causes and potential solutions. While some argue that governments and individuals should actively work to reduce its effects, others contend that it is a natural, unstoppable process. In my opinion, while climate change does have natural components, human intervention is crucial in mitigating its most severe impacts.
Those who advocate for active measures to combat climate change argue that human activities have significantly accelerated the process. Industrial emissions, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices have led to unprecedented levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Proponents of this view believe that by implementing stricter environmental regulations, investing in renewable energy, and promoting sustainable lifestyles, we can slow down the rate of climate change and minimize its harmful effects on human health and the environment.
On the other hand, skeptics argue that climate change is primarily a natural phenomenon that has occurred throughout Earth’s history. They point to past ice ages and warming periods as evidence that the planet’s climate naturally fluctuates over time. From this perspective, human efforts to combat climate change are seen as futile and potentially economically damaging.
While it is true that the Earth’s climate has naturally varied over millennia, the rapid rate of current changes and the overwhelming scientific consensus suggest that human activities are playing a significant role. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has reported with high confidence that human influence has been the dominant cause of observed warming since the mid-20th century. Therefore, I believe that a balanced approach is necessary.
Governments should implement policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon pricing and investment in clean energy technologies. Simultaneously, individuals can contribute by adopting more sustainable lifestyles, including reducing energy consumption and choosing eco-friendly transportation options. However, it’s also important to acknowledge that some degree of climate change is inevitable, and adaptation strategies should be developed alongside mitigation efforts.
In conclusion, while climate change does have natural components, the evidence strongly suggests that human activities are exacerbating the process. By taking action at both governmental and individual levels, we can work to minimize the most severe impacts of climate change on human health and the environment, while also preparing for the changes that are already underway.
(Word count: 377)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Climate change is a big topic these days, and people have different ideas about it. Some think we should try to stop it, while others say it’s just nature doing its thing. I’ll talk about both sides and give my thoughts.
People who want to fight climate change say that humans are making it worse. They point to things like factories putting out pollution and cutting down forests. These actions add more greenhouse gases to the air, which makes the Earth warmer. They think if we make new laws and use cleaner energy, we can slow down climate change. This could help protect people’s health and the environment.
On the other side, some people think climate change is just a natural process. They say the Earth has always had times when it got hotter or colder. They believe humans can’t really do much to change it, so we shouldn’t waste time and money trying.
I think both sides have some good points, but I agree more with the first group. While it’s true that the Earth’s climate has changed naturally before, it’s happening much faster now. Scientists have found strong evidence that human activities are making climate change worse. I believe we should try to do something about it.
Governments can make laws to reduce pollution and support clean energy. People can also help by doing things like using less energy at home and choosing public transport. At the same time, we should prepare for some changes that we can’t stop.
To sum up, even though climate change has some natural causes, I think humans are making it worse. We should take action to reduce its effects, but also be ready for some changes that will happen anyway. This way, we can protect people’s health and the environment as much as possible.
(Word count: 309)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The Band 7-8 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.
Language: The Band 7-8 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language. Both are appropriate for their respective levels.
Examples and Support: The higher-band essay provides more specific examples and references (e.g., IPCC report), while the lower-band essay gives more general support for its points.
Coherence and Cohesion: Both essays use linking words and phrases to connect ideas, but the Band 7-8 essay does so more effectively and with greater variety.
Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 7-8 essay provides a more thorough and balanced discussion.
Important Vocabulary to Remember
Climate change (noun) /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/: Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns.
Greenhouse gases (noun) /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ˌɡæsɪz/: Gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/: The action of reducing the severity or seriousness of something.
Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Emissions (noun) /ɪˈmɪʃnz/: The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation.
Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/: The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/: Energy from a source that is not depleted when used.
Adaptation (noun) /ˌædæpˈteɪʃn/: The process of changing to suit different conditions.
Conclusion
The topic of climate change and its effects on human health is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of international cooperation in addressing climate change
- The impact of climate change on food security and agriculture
- The effectiveness of individual actions versus government policies in combating climate change
- The economic implications of transitioning to a low-carbon economy
Remember to stay informed about current environmental issues and scientific developments to support your arguments effectively. By mastering this topic, you’ll be well-prepared for a range of potential IELTS Writing Task 2 questions related to climate change and its impacts on society and human health.
For more information on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:
- The Impact of Climate Change on Food Production
- The Impact of Climate Change on Natural Resources
- The Impact of Climate Change on Water Quality
These resources can provide additional context and vocabulary to enhance your understanding of climate change-related issues, which will be valuable for your IELTS preparation.