IELTS Writing Task 2: How Climate Change Affects Natural Disasters – Sample Essays and Analysis

Climate change and its impact on natural disasters is a pressing global issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on recent trends, it’s highly likely that this topic will continue to be a common theme in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a relevant question and provide sample essays to help you prepare for this important subject.

Climate change impact on natural disasters

Analyzing the Question

Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:

Some people believe that climate change is the main cause of increasingly severe natural disasters. Others think that human activities like deforestation and urbanization play a more significant role. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss the view that climate change is the primary cause of worsening natural disasters
2. Explore the alternative view that human activities are more responsible
3. Provide your own opinion on the matter

Remember to address all parts of the question and support your arguments with relevant examples and explanations.

Sample Essay (Band 8-9)

Climate change and human activities are often cited as the main culprits behind the increasing severity of natural disasters. While both factors undoubtedly contribute to this alarming trend, I believe that climate change plays a more significant role in exacerbating these catastrophic events.

Those who argue that climate change is the primary cause of worsening natural disasters point to the overwhelming scientific evidence. Global warming has led to rising sea levels, more intense heat waves, and altered precipitation patterns, all of which contribute to more frequent and severe floods, hurricanes, and droughts. For instance, the devastating Hurricane Harvey in 2017 was intensified by warmer ocean temperatures, a direct result of climate change. Furthermore, the increasing frequency of wildfires in places like California and Australia can be attributed to longer, hotter dry seasons caused by global warming.

On the other hand, proponents of the view that human activities are more responsible for the intensification of natural disasters argue that practices like deforestation and urbanization have immediate and localized impacts. Deforestation reduces the land’s natural ability to absorb excess water and prevent soil erosion, making areas more susceptible to floods and landslides. Similarly, rapid urbanization often leads to poor city planning and inadequate infrastructure, which can amplify the effects of natural disasters. The 2011 Bangkok floods, exacerbated by uncontrolled urban expansion into floodplains, serve as a stark example of this phenomenon.

While I acknowledge the significant role of human activities in worsening natural disasters, I believe that climate change is the overarching factor that amplifies these effects on a global scale. The long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns caused by climate change create a new baseline that makes all natural disasters potentially more destructive. Moreover, climate change accelerates many of the human-induced problems, such as coastal erosion and water scarcity, further intensifying the impact of disasters.

In conclusion, while both climate change and direct human activities contribute to the increasing severity of natural disasters, I contend that climate change is the more significant factor due to its pervasive and long-lasting effects on the global climate system. Addressing this issue requires a two-pronged approach: implementing sustainable practices to mitigate direct human impacts and taking urgent action to combat climate change on a global scale.

(Word count: 374)

Sample Essay (Band 6-7)

In recent years, natural disasters have become more severe, and people have different opinions about the main cause. Some think climate change is the biggest problem, while others believe human activities like cutting down forests and building cities are more important. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.

People who say climate change is the main reason for worse natural disasters have some good points. The Earth is getting warmer, which causes many problems. For example, warmer temperatures make hurricanes stronger and more dangerous. Also, climate change can cause more droughts in some places and more floods in others. These changes make natural disasters worse than before.

On the other hand, some people think human activities are more responsible for making natural disasters worse. When we cut down trees, it can cause more floods and landslides because there are no roots to hold the soil. Building cities also creates problems. For example, when we cover the ground with concrete, water can’t soak into the soil, which can lead to more flooding. These activities directly affect the environment and can make disasters more serious.

In my opinion, both climate change and human activities play important roles in making natural disasters worse, but I think climate change is the bigger problem. Climate change affects the whole world and makes all kinds of disasters more severe. It’s a problem that keeps getting worse over time if we don’t do something about it.

To conclude, while human activities like deforestation and urbanization do contribute to worse natural disasters, I believe climate change is the main cause because it has a global impact and makes all disasters potentially more dangerous. We need to work on both problems, but fighting climate change should be our top priority to reduce the severity of natural disasters in the future.

(Word count: 309)

Writing Tips for This Topic

When writing about How Climate Change Affects Natural Disasters, keep the following points in mind:

1. Use specific examples: Mention real natural disasters and explain how climate change contributed to their severity.

2. Incorporate scientific terminology: Use terms like “global warming,” “greenhouse gases,” and “extreme weather events” to demonstrate your understanding of the topic.

3. Show cause and effect: Clearly explain how climate change leads to specific outcomes that worsen natural disasters.

4. Balance your argument: Even if you favor one view, acknowledge the validity of other perspectives to demonstrate critical thinking.

5. Use appropriate linking words: Employ transitions like “furthermore,” “moreover,” and “in contrast” to connect your ideas smoothly.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

Here are some important words and phrases to use when discussing this topic:

1. Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – to make a problem or situation worse
2. Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – the action of reducing the severity or seriousness of something
3. Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the ability to recover quickly from difficulties
4. Anthropogenic (adjective) /ˌænθrəpəˈdʒenɪk/ – caused or produced by humans
5. Precipitation (noun) /prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃn/ – rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground
6. Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
7. Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ – a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
8. Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to maintain at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources

Conclusion

The relationship between climate change and natural disasters is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key arguments, using relevant examples, and employing appropriate vocabulary, you can craft a compelling essay on this subject. Remember to practice writing essays on related topics, such as:

• The economic impact of climate change-induced natural disasters
• Government policies to address climate change and disaster preparedness
• The role of international cooperation in mitigating climate change effects

To further improve your writing skills, we encourage you to write your own essay based on the question provided in this article and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your arguments and receive valuable feedback from others.

For more information on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:

• The Impact of Climate Change on Human Health
• The Effects of Global Warming on Natural Disasters
• Climate Change’s Influence on Weather Extremes

By thoroughly understanding this topic and practicing your essay writing, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about climate change and natural disasters in your IELTS Writing Task 2.