Climate change and its impact on global conflicts is an increasingly prevalent topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme has appeared multiple times in recent years and is likely to continue featuring prominently in future exams due to its growing global significance. To help you prepare effectively, we’ve selected a relevant question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS tests:

Some people believe that climate change is the main cause of global conflicts. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires you to discuss the relationship between climate change and global conflicts. Key points to consider:

1. Understand the phrase “to what extent” – you need to explain how much you agree or disagree.
2. Consider various aspects of how climate change might lead to conflicts.
3. Think about other potential causes of global conflicts for a balanced argument.
4. Use specific examples to support your points.

Sample Essays

Band 8 Essay

Climate change is undoubtedly a significant global challenge, but to claim it as the primary cause of international conflicts would be an oversimplification. While I agree that climate change contributes to global tensions, I believe it is one of several complex factors that can lead to conflicts.

Firstly, it is crucial to acknowledge that climate change can exacerbate existing tensions and create new sources of conflict. For instance, rising sea levels and changing weather patterns can lead to resource scarcity, particularly in terms of arable land and fresh water. This scarcity can trigger competition over these vital resources, potentially escalating into conflicts between communities or nations. The global water shortage crisis is a prime example of how climate-related issues can increase the risk of disputes.

Moreover, climate-induced migration is another factor that can contribute to global conflicts. As certain regions become uninhabitable due to extreme weather events or rising sea levels, large-scale population movements may occur. This influx of climate refugees can strain the resources and social fabric of host countries, potentially leading to tensions and conflicts. Addressing How to tackle the issue of climate-induced migration is crucial for maintaining global stability.

However, it would be inaccurate to attribute all global conflicts solely to climate change. Historical, political, economic, and ideological factors have long been primary drivers of international disputes. For example, territorial disputes, religious differences, and power struggles between nations have caused numerous conflicts throughout history and continue to do so today. These deep-rooted issues often play a more direct role in triggering conflicts than climate change.

Furthermore, the impact of climate change on conflicts can vary significantly depending on a region’s adaptive capacity and resilience. Developed nations with strong economies and advanced technologies are generally better equipped to mitigate the effects of climate change, reducing the likelihood of climate-induced conflicts. In contrast, developing countries may be more vulnerable to climate-related stresses, potentially increasing the risk of conflicts in these regions.

In conclusion, while climate change is undeniably a contributor to global tensions, it is not the sole or even the main cause of international conflicts. A more nuanced understanding recognizes climate change as one of many interconnected factors that can influence global stability. Addressing climate change is crucial for reducing potential sources of conflict, but it must be part of a comprehensive approach that also tackles other root causes of global disputes.

Climate change impact on global conflicts diagram

Band 7 Essay

Climate change is a pressing global issue that has far-reaching consequences, including its potential to contribute to international conflicts. While I partially agree that climate change plays a role in global tensions, I do not believe it is the main cause of worldwide disputes.

On one hand, climate change can undoubtedly exacerbate existing conflicts and create new sources of tension. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns become more extreme, many regions face challenges such as water scarcity, crop failures, and loss of habitable land. These environmental pressures can lead to competition over resources, potentially sparking conflicts between communities or nations. For example, disputes over water rights in regions affected by drought can escalate into broader conflicts. Additionally, climate-induced migration can strain resources in host countries, potentially leading to social tensions and conflicts.

However, it would be an oversimplification to claim that climate change is the primary cause of global conflicts. Historically, many other factors have played significant roles in triggering international disputes. Political ideologies, territorial claims, economic interests, and religious differences have been at the root of numerous conflicts throughout history. These deep-seated issues often have a more direct and immediate impact on global tensions than the gradual effects of climate change.

Moreover, the impact of climate change on conflicts varies greatly depending on a country’s ability to adapt and mitigate its effects. Developed nations with strong economies and advanced technologies are generally better equipped to handle climate-related challenges, reducing the likelihood of climate-induced conflicts. In contrast, developing countries may be more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, potentially increasing the risk of conflicts in these regions.

In conclusion, while climate change is undoubtedly a factor that can contribute to global conflicts, it is not accurate to describe it as the main cause. A more balanced view recognizes climate change as one of several interconnected factors that can influence global stability. Addressing climate change is crucial for reducing potential sources of conflict, but it must be part of a comprehensive approach that also tackles other root causes of global disputes.

Band 6 Essay

Climate change is a big problem in the world today. Some people think it is the main reason for global conflicts. I partly agree with this idea, but I think there are other important reasons too.

Climate change can cause problems that lead to conflicts. For example, when there is less water or food because of changing weather, people might fight over these things. Also, when people have to move because their homes are affected by climate change, it can cause problems in the places they go to. These things can make countries argue or fight.

But climate change is not the only reason for global conflicts. There are many other reasons why countries fight. For example, they might fight over land or because they have different religions or political ideas. These reasons have caused many wars in history, even before climate change was a big problem.

Also, some countries can deal with climate change better than others. Rich countries with good technology can solve problems caused by climate change more easily. But poor countries might have more trouble, which could lead to more conflicts in these places.

In conclusion, I think climate change is one reason for global conflicts, but not the main one. There are many other important reasons too. To stop conflicts, we need to think about all these reasons, not just climate change.

Factors contributing to global conflicts

Understanding the Band Scores

Band 8 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates excellent control of language and presents a well-developed argument:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position and fully extended ideas.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used with awareness of style and collocation.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used accurately and appropriately. Errors are rare and difficult to spot.

Band 7 Essay Analysis

This essay shows a good command of language and presents a clear argument:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with relevant main ideas.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are organized logically. Paragraphs are generally well-linked, though not always with full flexibility.
3. Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used to allow some flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are sometimes used, though there may be occasional inaccuracies.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A variety of complex structures is used with some flexibility. Errors occur mainly in complex sentences but do not impede communication.

Band 6 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates an adequate command of language, though with some limitations:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, though some aspects are covered more fully than others. The position is clear but supporting ideas may lack focus.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Information is arranged coherently, and there is a clear overall progression. Cohesive devices are used but not always appropriately.
3. Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task. Attempts at less common vocabulary are made but with some inaccuracy.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. Errors occur but do not impede communication.

Key Vocabulary

1. Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæs.ə.beɪt/ – to make something worse
2. Scarcity (noun) /ˈskeə.sə.ti/ – a situation in which something is not easy to find or get
3. Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪl.i.əns/ – the ability to recover quickly from difficulties
4. Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪt.ɪ.ɡeɪt/ – to make something less harmful, serious, or bad
5. Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuː.ɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle differences
6. Adaptive capacity (noun phrase) /əˈdæp.tɪv kəˈpæs.ə.ti/ – the ability of a system to adjust to changes
7. Oversimplification (noun) /ˌəʊ.və.sɪm.plɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ – the act of making something seem simpler than it really is
8. Interconnected (adjective) /ˌɪn.tə.kəˈnek.tɪd/ – having different parts or elements connected or related to each other
9. Far-reaching (adjective) /ˌfɑːˈriː.tʃɪŋ/ – having a wide range of effects or influences
10. Escalate (verb) /ˈes.kə.leɪt/ – to become or make something become greater or more serious

Conclusion

Understanding the complex relationship between climate change and global conflicts is crucial for success in IELTS Writing Task 2. The sample essays provided demonstrate how to approach this topic at different band levels. Remember to practice writing your own essays on similar topics to improve your skills. Some potential related questions you might encounter include:

• Discuss the role of international cooperation in addressing climate change.
• To what extent should developed countries be responsible for helping developing nations cope with climate change?
• Some people believe that individual actions are insignificant in the fight against climate change. Do you agree or disagree?

We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an effective way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.