Climate change and its impact on global migration patterns is a topic of growing importance in IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme has appeared in various forms in recent years and is likely to continue being a relevant subject for future exams. Based on our analysis of past IELTS questions, we’ve identified a question that closely reflects this theme:
Climate change is causing people to leave their homes and migrate to other countries. What are the causes of this? What problems does it create?
This question type combines causes and problems, requiring candidates to analyze both aspects of climate-induced migration. Let’s break down the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
This question has two main parts:
- Causes of climate change-induced migration
- Problems created by this migration
To fully answer the question, candidates must address both aspects equally. They should provide specific examples and explanations for each point.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Climate change has emerged as a significant driver of global migration patterns, forcing individuals to abandon their homes and seek refuge in other nations. This essay will explore the primary causes of this phenomenon and the consequent problems it creates.
The primary cause of climate-induced migration is the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Rising global temperatures have led to more intense hurricanes, floods, and droughts, rendering many areas uninhabitable. For instance, low-lying island nations in the Pacific, such as Tuvalu and Kiribati, face existential threats due to rising sea levels, compelling residents to relocate. Additionally, prolonged droughts in sub-Saharan Africa have decimated agricultural livelihoods, pushing rural populations to migrate in search of sustainable income sources.
Another significant factor is the gradual degradation of ecosystems and natural resources. Climate change has altered rainfall patterns and accelerated desertification in many regions, reducing arable land and water availability. This environmental deterioration undermines food security and economic stability, particularly in developing countries heavily reliant on agriculture, thereby catalyzing migration.
The influx of climate migrants creates numerous challenges for both origin and destination countries. In origin countries, the mass exodus of working-age individuals can lead to “brain drain” and economic stagnation, hindering development and recovery efforts. Destination countries, on the other hand, face increased pressure on their infrastructure, social services, and labor markets. The sudden population surge can strain housing, healthcare, and education systems, potentially leading to social tensions and xenophobia.
Moreover, the legal status of climate migrants poses a complex problem. Current international refugee frameworks do not adequately address climate-induced displacement, leaving many migrants in a precarious legal limbo. This lack of recognition can result in inadequate protection and support for climate migrants, exacerbating their vulnerability.
In conclusion, climate change-induced migration is driven by both sudden disasters and gradual environmental degradation, creating multifaceted challenges for global communities. Addressing this issue requires concerted international efforts to mitigate climate change, enhance resilience in vulnerable regions, and develop comprehensive legal frameworks to protect and support climate migrants.
Climate change driving global migration patterns
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent coherence, cohesion, and a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, warranting a high band score:
-
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, providing a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
-
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Key terms include “existential threats,” “decimated agricultural livelihoods,” and “brain drain.”
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It demonstrates a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are used effectively, such as “Rising global temperatures have led to more intense hurricanes, floods, and droughts, rendering many areas uninhabitable.”
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Climate change is becoming a big reason why people are leaving their homes and moving to other countries. This essay will discuss the causes of this migration and the problems it creates.
One main cause of climate-related migration is extreme weather events. As the Earth gets warmer, we see more hurricanes, floods, and droughts. These disasters can destroy homes and farms, making it hard for people to live in affected areas. For example, some small islands in the Pacific Ocean are at risk of disappearing because of rising sea levels. People living there have to think about moving to other countries.
Another cause is the slow change in the environment. Climate change affects how much rain falls in different places and can turn fertile land into desert. This makes it difficult for farmers to grow crops and earn money. When people can’t make a living from farming anymore, they might decide to move to find better opportunities.
This migration creates several problems. First, it puts pressure on the countries receiving migrants. These countries need to provide housing, jobs, and services like healthcare and education for the new arrivals. This can be expensive and might cause tensions with local people who feel they are competing for resources.
Second, the countries that people are leaving also face challenges. When many working-age people leave, it can hurt the economy and make it harder for the country to develop. This is sometimes called a “brain drain.”
Lastly, there’s a legal problem. Many countries don’t have laws to deal with people moving because of climate change. This means that climate migrants might not get the help and protection they need.
In conclusion, climate change causes migration through extreme weather and changing environments. This creates problems for both the countries people leave and the ones they move to. It’s important for countries to work together to address climate change and help people affected by it.
Legal challenges faced by climate refugees
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates good control of language and addresses the task, but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:
-
Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but some points could be more fully developed.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but cohesive devices are not always used effectively. Paragraphing is logical.
-
Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary, with some attempts at less common words. However, it lacks the precision and sophistication of higher band scores.
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It shows a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
Key Vocabulary
-
Climate-induced migration (noun): Movement of people primarily due to changes in the environment associated with climate change.
-
Extreme weather events (noun phrase): Unusual, severe or unseasonal weather at the extremes of the historical distribution.
-
Ecosystem degradation (noun phrase): The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as air, water and soil.
-
Desertification (noun): The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
-
Brain drain (noun): The emigration of highly trained or intelligent people from a particular country.
-
Xenophobia (noun): Dislike of or prejudice against people from other countries.
-
Resilience (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
-
Mitigation (noun): The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
-
Arable land (noun phrase): Land capable of being ploughed and used to grow crops.
-
Legal limbo (noun phrase): A condition of legal uncertainty or ambiguity.
In conclusion, the topic of climate change and migration is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore specific aspects such as:
- The role of international cooperation in addressing climate-induced migration
- The impact of climate migration on urban planning and development
- Strategies for building resilience in communities vulnerable to climate change
To practice, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.
