Climate change refugees have become an increasingly pressing global issue, reflecting in the frequency of this topic appearing in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on recent trends and the growing urgency of climate-induced displacement, it’s highly likely that test-takers will encounter this subject in future exams. Let’s explore a relevant question and provide sample essays to help you prepare effectively.
Climate change refugees crossing borders
Analyzing the Question
Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Climate change is causing people to become refugees as their homelands become uninhabitable. How can the international community address this growing crisis?
This question requires you to:
- Understand the concept of climate change refugees
- Identify the challenges faced by these displaced individuals
- Propose solutions that the international community can implement
- Discuss the effectiveness and feasibility of these solutions
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
The phenomenon of climate change refugees is an escalating global crisis that demands immediate and coordinated international action. As rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and desertification render vast swathes of land uninhabitable, millions are forced to abandon their homes and seek refuge elsewhere. To address this burgeoning issue, the international community must adopt a multi-faceted approach that combines preventative measures, adaptive strategies, and humanitarian aid.
Firstly, it is imperative that nations worldwide intensify their efforts to mitigate climate change. This involves drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the adoption of renewable energy sources, implementing stringent environmental regulations, and fostering sustainable development practices. By tackling the root cause of climate-induced displacement, we can potentially slow the rate at which people are forced to become refugees.
Secondly, the international community should focus on enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities. This can be achieved through investment in climate-adaptive infrastructure, such as flood defenses and drought-resistant agriculture. Additionally, providing education and resources to help at-risk populations develop skills for alternative livelihoods can reduce their vulnerability to climate impacts.
Thirdly, a comprehensive legal framework must be established to protect the rights of climate refugees. Currently, these individuals fall into a grey area of international law, as they are not covered by the 1951 Refugee Convention. The United Nations should spearhead efforts to create a new category of protected persons, ensuring that climate refugees receive adequate support and legal recognition.
Finally, wealthy nations must step up their financial commitments to support both preventative measures and relocation efforts. This could involve the creation of a global fund specifically dedicated to climate-induced displacement, which would finance adaptation projects in vulnerable regions and assist in the resettlement of those who have no choice but to relocate.
In conclusion, addressing the challenges posed by climate change refugees requires a coordinated, global response that combines mitigation, adaptation, legal protection, and financial support. By taking decisive action now, the international community can mitigate the worst impacts of this crisis and ensure a more stable and equitable future for all.
(Word count: 329)
Band 6-7 Essay
Climate change is causing many people to become refugees as their homes become unlivable. This is a big problem that the world needs to solve together. There are several ways the international community can help with this growing crisis.
First, countries should work together to stop climate change from getting worse. This means using less fossil fuels and more clean energy like solar and wind power. If we can slow down climate change, fewer people will have to leave their homes in the future.
Second, we need to help the people who are already affected by climate change. Rich countries should give money to poor countries that are suffering from things like rising sea levels or droughts. This money can be used to build stronger houses, grow different crops that can survive in new weather conditions, or move people to safer areas.
Third, the world needs to make new laws to protect climate refugees. Right now, these people don’t have the same rights as other refugees. We should change international laws so that climate refugees can get help and protection when they have to move to a new country.
Lastly, countries should work together to make plans for moving large numbers of people safely. This could include finding new places for climate refugees to live and helping them get jobs and education in their new homes.
In conclusion, the problem of climate refugees is very serious and needs everyone to work together to solve it. By stopping climate change, helping affected people, making new laws, and planning for the future, we can make things better for climate refugees.
(Word count: 262)
Band 5-6 Essay
Climate change is making some places impossible to live in, so people have to leave their homes. This is a big problem that all countries need to help with. There are some things that can be done to help these climate refugees.
First, countries should try to stop climate change. They can do this by using less oil and coal, and more sun and wind power. This might help stop more people from becoming refugees in the future.
Second, rich countries should give money to poor countries that are having problems because of climate change. This money can help people build stronger houses or grow different food that can survive in the new weather.
Third, there should be new laws to help climate refugees. Right now, these people don’t have many rights when they go to new countries. New laws could help them get food, homes, and jobs in new places.
Last, countries should make plans for moving lots of people safely. They need to think about where climate refugees can live and how to help them start a new life.
In conclusion, climate refugees are a big problem that needs everyone to work together. If countries can do these things, it might help make life better for people who have to leave their homes because of climate change.
(Word count: 213)
Explaining the Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent command of the English language and addresses all aspects of the task comprehensively:
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses the question, providing a range of solutions and discussing their potential impact.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with full flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used with full awareness of style and collocation.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are used consistently and effectively.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows a generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies:
- Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some aspects are covered more thoroughly than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs are better linked than others.
- Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task, with some attempts at less common vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with some errors that do not impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates a modest command of English with noticeable limitations:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the task in a general way but may lack focus in places.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The overall structure is clear, but paragraphing may be inadequate or repetitive.
- Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some errors in word choice and spelling.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mostly simple sentences are used, with some attempts at complex structures. Errors are frequent but do not greatly impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Climate change refugees (noun phrase) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ ˈrefjuˌdʒiːz/ – People forced to leave their homes due to environmental changes.
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Uninhabitable (adjective) – /ˌʌnɪnˈhæbɪtəbl/ – Not suitable for living in.
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Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – To make less severe or serious.
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Resilience (noun) – /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
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Desertification (noun) – /dɪˌzɜːtɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ – The process by which fertile land becomes desert.
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Adaptation (noun) – /ˌædæpˈteɪʃn/ – The process of changing to suit different conditions.
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Relocation (noun) – /ˌriːloʊˈkeɪʃn/ – The act of moving to a new place to live.
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Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
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Vulnerability (noun) – /ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪləti/ – The quality of being easily hurt or attacked.
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Coordinated (adjective) – /koʊˈɔːrdɪneɪtɪd/ – Organized to work together effectively.
Conclusion
The issue of climate change refugees is likely to remain a significant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The economic impact of climate-induced migration on host countries
- The role of technology in addressing climate change and its effects on displacement
- Balancing the needs of climate refugees with those of local populations in host countries
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to practice regularly and seek feedback on your essays. Why not try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below? This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS exam.
