IELTS Writing Task 2: How Climate Change Impacts Public Health – Expert Guide and Sample Essays

Climate change and its effects on public health have become increasingly prominent topics in recent years, reflecting growing global concerns about environmental sustainability and human wellbeing. As an IELTS examiner and educator, I’ve observed a rising trend in questions related to this subject appearing in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on my analysis of past exams and current environmental discourse, I predict that this theme will continue to be a frequent focus in future IELTS tests.

Let’s explore a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question that exemplifies this topic:

Some people believe that climate change is the biggest threat to public health in the 21st century. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to consider the relationship between climate change and public health, and to evaluate the significance of this connection in comparison to other potential health threats. Key points to address include:

1. The various ways climate change affects public health
2. The severity and scope of these impacts
3. Other major public health challenges in the 21st century
4. A comparison between climate change and other health threats

Sample Essay 1 (Band 7-8)

Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing issues of our time, with far-reaching consequences that extend beyond environmental concerns. While some argue that it represents the most significant threat to public health in the 21st century, I partially agree with this statement, acknowledging its severe impacts while also recognizing other critical health challenges.

Undoubtedly, climate change poses substantial risks to global public health. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events directly contribute to heat-related illnesses and fatalities. Moreover, changing climate patterns affect the distribution of infectious diseases, with warmer temperatures expanding the range of disease vectors like mosquitoes. The World Health Organization estimates that climate change will cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050. This staggering figure underscores the gravity of the situation.

Furthermore, climate change indirectly impacts health through its effects on food and water security. Droughts and floods can lead to crop failures and water contamination, resulting in malnutrition and waterborne diseases. Air pollution, often linked to the same sources that drive climate change, exacerbates respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, affecting millions worldwide.

However, it would be an oversimplification to label climate change as the singular biggest threat to public health. Other significant challenges persist, such as antimicrobial resistance, which threatens to render many life-saving medications ineffective. Non-communicable diseases like cancer and diabetes continue to be leading causes of death globally. Additionally, emerging infectious diseases, as evidenced by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrate the potential for rapid, widespread health crises.

In conclusion, while climate change undeniably poses a severe and multifaceted threat to public health, it is one of several critical challenges facing global health in the 21st century. A comprehensive approach to public health must address climate change alongside other pressing issues to ensure the wellbeing of future generations.

(Word count: 298)

Climate change impacts on public health

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Climate change is a big problem in today’s world, and many people think it’s the biggest threat to public health in this century. I mostly agree with this idea because climate change has many serious effects on people’s health.

First, climate change causes more extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, and storms. These can directly harm people’s health. For example, heatwaves can cause heat stroke, especially in older people or those with health problems. Floods can lead to injuries and spread diseases through contaminated water.

Another way climate change affects health is by changing the spread of diseases. As temperatures get warmer, mosquitoes that carry diseases like malaria can live in more places. This means more people might get sick from these diseases. Also, climate change can affect food production, which could lead to malnutrition in some areas.

Air pollution, which is related to climate change, is also a big health problem. It can cause breathing problems and make heart diseases worse. Many cities around the world have dangerous levels of air pollution, affecting millions of people.

However, there are other important health threats in the 21st century too. Things like new diseases, like COVID-19, show that other health problems can also be very serious. Also, problems like obesity and mental health issues are becoming more common and are big challenges for public health.

In conclusion, I believe climate change is one of the biggest threats to public health because it affects health in many ways. But it’s important to remember that there are other serious health challenges too, and we need to address all of these issues to keep people healthy.

(Word count: 277)

Key Writing Tips

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The higher band essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.

2. Vocabulary: The Band 7-8 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases, such as “far-reaching consequences,” “staggering figure,” and “multifaceted threat.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still effectively communicates the main ideas.

3. Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler constructions but maintains grammatical accuracy.

4. Task Response: Both essays address the question, but the Band 7-8 essay provides a more balanced and in-depth analysis of the issue.

5. Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 7-8 essay uses more sophisticated linking words and phrases, creating a smoother flow between ideas.

Essential Vocabulary

1. Climate change (noun) /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – long-term shifts in global weather patterns
2. Public health (noun) /ˌpʌblɪk ˈhelθ/ – the health of the population as a whole
3. Infectious diseases (noun) /ɪnˈfekʃəs dɪˈziːzɪz/ – illnesses caused by organisms like bacteria or viruses
4. Malnutrition (noun) /ˌmælnjuːˈtrɪʃn/ – lack of proper nutrition
5. Antimicrobial resistance (noun) /ˌæntɪmaɪˈkrəʊbiəl rɪˈzɪstəns/ – when microorganisms become resistant to antimicrobial drugs
6. Non-communicable diseases (noun) /nɒn-kəˈmjuːnɪkəbl dɪˈziːzɪz/ – medical conditions that are not infectious or transmissible
7. Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – to make a problem or situation worse
8. Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features

In conclusion, the impact of climate change on public health is a crucial topic that is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for potential questions on this subject, consider practicing essays that explore related themes such as:

1. The role of governments in addressing climate change and public health
2. The economic impacts of climate change on healthcare systems
3. Individual responsibilities in mitigating climate change for health benefits
4. The relationship between urbanization, climate change, and public health

By familiarizing yourself with these topics and honing your writing skills, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any climate change and public health-related questions in your IELTS exam.