Climate change and its impact on public health is a topic of growing concern worldwide. As an IELTS examiner with years of experience, I’ve noticed an increasing trend in questions related to this subject appearing in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent exam patterns and global issues, there’s a high probability that you might encounter a question on this theme in your upcoming IELTS test. Let’s explore some potential questions and dive into sample essays to help you prepare effectively.
Analyzing the Question
One of the most likely questions you might face is:
Climate change is affecting public health in many ways. What are the main health issues caused by climate change? What measures can governments and individuals take to address these problems?
This question is a perfect example of a problem-solution essay, which is a common format in IELTS Writing Task 2. It requires you to:
- Identify the main health issues caused by climate change
- Suggest measures that both governments and individuals can take to address these problems
Let’s break down this question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay for Band 8
Climate change, a pressing global concern, is increasingly recognized for its profound impact on human health. This essay will explore the primary health issues stemming from climate change and propose measures that governments and individuals can implement to mitigate these problems.
The main health issues caused by climate change are multifaceted and far-reaching. Firstly, rising temperatures lead to more frequent and severe heatwaves, resulting in heat-related illnesses and deaths, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. Secondly, changing precipitation patterns and extreme weather events like floods and droughts can compromise access to clean water and sanitation, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Moreover, climate change alters the distribution of disease vectors like mosquitoes, potentially expanding the geographical range of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Lastly, air pollution, often exacerbated by climate change, contributes to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
To address these challenges, both governmental action and individual responsibility are crucial. Governments should prioritize the implementation of robust climate change mitigation policies, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources and enhancing energy efficiency in buildings and transportation. Additionally, they should invest in strengthening healthcare systems to better respond to climate-related health emergencies and develop early warning systems for extreme weather events. Public health education campaigns can raise awareness about climate-related health risks and preventive measures.
Individuals also play a vital role in combating climate change and its health impacts. People can reduce their carbon footprint by adopting sustainable lifestyle choices, such as using public transportation, consuming a plant-based diet, and reducing energy consumption at home. Furthermore, individuals can participate in community-level initiatives like urban greening projects, which can help mitigate the urban heat island effect and improve air quality.
In conclusion, climate change poses significant threats to public health, ranging from heat-related illnesses to the spread of infectious diseases. Addressing these issues requires a coordinated effort from governments and individuals alike. By implementing comprehensive policies and embracing sustainable practices, we can work towards mitigating the health impacts of climate change and creating a more resilient global community.
(Word count: 339)
Analysis of Band 8 Essay
This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both the main health issues caused by climate change and measures that can be taken by governments and individuals.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and ideas flow logically.
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Complex phrases such as “multifaceted and far-reaching”, “vulnerable populations”, and “geographical range” demonstrate a high level of language proficiency.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex sentence structures accurately. It demonstrates control of grammar and punctuation throughout.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are fully developed and well-supported with relevant examples and explanations.
Climate change impact on public health
Sample Essay for Band 7
Climate change is a global issue that is increasingly affecting public health in various ways. This essay will discuss the main health problems caused by climate change and suggest some measures that governments and individuals can take to address these issues.
One of the primary health issues caused by climate change is the increase in heat-related illnesses. As global temperatures rise, more people are experiencing heat stress, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke, especially in urban areas where the heat island effect is more pronounced. Another significant health problem is the spread of infectious diseases. Climate change is altering the habitats of disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes, leading to the expansion of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever into new areas. Additionally, extreme weather events like floods and droughts, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change, can lead to water contamination and food shortages, causing various health problems.
To address these issues, governments need to take decisive action. They should implement policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as promoting renewable energy and improving energy efficiency in buildings and transportation. Governments should also invest in public health infrastructure to better respond to climate-related health emergencies. This could include improving early warning systems for extreme weather events and strengthening healthcare systems in vulnerable areas.
Individuals also have a role to play in addressing climate change and its health impacts. People can reduce their carbon footprint by making environmentally friendly choices in their daily lives, such as using public transportation, reducing meat consumption, and conserving energy at home. Additionally, individuals can educate themselves about climate-related health risks and take appropriate precautions, such as staying hydrated during heatwaves and using insect repellent in areas prone to vector-borne diseases.
In conclusion, climate change is causing significant health problems, including heat-related illnesses and the spread of infectious diseases. Addressing these issues requires action from both governments and individuals. By implementing effective policies and making sustainable lifestyle choices, we can work towards mitigating the health impacts of climate change.
(Word count: 329)
Analysis of Band 7 Essay
This essay demonstrates several features that contribute to its Band 7 score:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both the main health issues and measures that can be taken. However, the development of ideas is less thorough compared to the Band 8 essay.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear paragraphing. Cohesive devices are used, although not as skillfully as in the Band 8 essay.
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a good range of vocabulary, with some less common words and phrases. However, the range is not as wide as in the Band 8 essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. There are fewer complex structures compared to the Band 8 essay.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant and supported, but the level of detail and explanation is not as high as in the Band 8 essay.
Sample Essay for Band 6
Climate change is a big problem that is affecting people’s health in many ways. This essay will talk about the main health problems caused by climate change and what governments and people can do about it.
One of the biggest health problems from climate change is more heat-related illnesses. When it gets hotter, more people get sick from the heat, especially old people and children. Another problem is that some diseases are spreading to new places. For example, mosquitoes that carry diseases like malaria can now live in places that used to be too cold for them. Also, when there are more floods and droughts because of climate change, it can make it hard for people to get clean water and enough food, which can make them sick.
Governments need to do something about these problems. They should make laws to reduce pollution and use more clean energy like solar and wind power. They should also spend more money on hospitals and doctors to help people who get sick because of climate change. It’s important for governments to teach people about how to stay healthy when the weather is changing.
People can also help in their own ways. They can use less energy at home by turning off lights and using less air conditioning. They can also walk or use bikes instead of driving cars all the time. People should learn about how climate change can affect their health and what they can do to stay healthy, like drinking more water when it’s hot.
In conclusion, climate change is causing health problems like heat sickness and the spread of diseases. Both governments and people need to work together to solve these problems. If we all do our part, we can help make things better.
(Word count: 294)
Analysis of Band 6 Essay
This essay demonstrates several features that contribute to its Band 6 score:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses the main parts of the task, but the treatment of the topic is general and sometimes repetitive.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but paragraphing is not always logical. Basic cohesive devices are used, but not always effectively.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but lacks precision. There is limited use of less common vocabulary.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses mainly simple sentences with some attempts at complex structures. There are some grammatical errors, but they do not impede communication.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented but not always fully developed. Some irrelevance and underdevelopment is evident.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Climate change (noun) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns
- Public health (noun) – /ˌpʌblɪk ˈhelθ/ – The health of the population as a whole
- Mitigation (noun) – /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something
- Vector-borne diseases (noun) – /ˈvektə bɔːn dɪˈziːzɪz/ – Illnesses caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria that are transmitted by mosquitoes, sandflies, triatomine bugs, blackflies, ticks, tsetse flies, mites, snails and lice
- Greenhouse gas emissions (noun) – /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃn̩z/ – The release of gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere
- Renewable energy (noun) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used
- Carbon footprint (noun) – /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
Conclusion
Climate change and its impact on public health is a crucial topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. By understanding the key issues and practicing with sample essays like those provided above, you can improve your ability to address this topic effectively in your IELTS exam.
To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or related themes such as:
- The impact of climate change on food security and nutrition
- The role of international cooperation in addressing climate-related health issues
- The economic costs of climate change-related health problems
Remember to focus on clear organization, relevant ideas, and appropriate use of vocabulary and grammar. Practice regularly and don’t hesitate to share your essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
For more information on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:
These resources can provide additional context and vocabulary to enhance your understanding of environmental and health-related issues, which are often interconnected with climate change topics in IELTS Writing Task 2.