Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: The Impact of Climate Change on Urban Ecosystems

Climate change and its effects on urban ecosystems have become increasingly prominent topics in recent years, not only in scientific discussions but also in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This theme combines environmental concerns with urban development, making it a rich subject for academic writing. Based on the analysis of past IELTS exams and current global trends, we can expect this topic to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question and provide sample essays to help you prepare for this challenging yet important subject.

Analyzing the Question

Some people believe that climate change is the biggest threat to urban ecosystems, while others think that human activities pose a greater danger. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question requires candidates to examine two perspectives on threats to urban ecosystems: climate change and human activities. It’s crucial to:

1. Discuss both viewpoints equally
2. Provide specific examples to support each argument
3. Present your own opinion, preferably in the conclusion
4. Ensure a balanced and well-structured essay

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Climate change and human activities are often cited as the primary threats to urban ecosystems, with debates arising over which poses the greater danger. This essay will examine both perspectives and argue that while climate change is a significant threat, human activities have a more immediate and controllable impact on urban environments.

Those who consider climate change the biggest threat to urban ecosystems point to its far-reaching and potentially irreversible effects. Rising temperatures can create urban heat islands, exacerbating air pollution and increasing energy consumption for cooling. Moreover, extreme weather events, such as floods and storms, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change, can devastate urban infrastructure and disrupt ecosystems. For instance, Hurricane Sandy in 2012 caused extensive damage to New York City’s urban forests and coastal habitats, demonstrating the vulnerability of urban ecosystems to climate-related disasters.

On the other hand, proponents of the view that human activities pose a greater danger emphasize the direct and often rapid impact of urbanization on ecosystems. The expansion of cities leads to habitat destruction, fragmentation, and the loss of biodiversity. Urban development often results in the removal of green spaces, altering local microclimates and disrupting natural water cycles. Furthermore, pollution from industrial activities, transportation, and waste management directly affects air and water quality, harming both flora and fauna within urban areas. The transformation of Beijing’s environment due to rapid urbanization serves as a stark example of how human activities can dramatically alter urban ecosystems in a relatively short period.

In my opinion, while climate change undoubtedly poses a severe long-term threat, human activities present a more immediate and manageable danger to urban ecosystems. The effects of urbanization, pollution, and resource exploitation are visible and quantifiable in the short term, and importantly, they are more directly under human control. By implementing sustainable urban planning, green infrastructure, and stricter environmental regulations, we can significantly mitigate the impact of human activities on urban ecosystems.

In conclusion, both climate change and human activities threaten urban ecosystems, but the latter offers more immediate opportunities for intervention and improvement. Addressing human-induced threats can not only protect urban environments but also contribute to climate change mitigation, creating a synergistic approach to preserving urban ecosystems.

(Word count: 368)

Urban ecosystem affected by climate change

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Climate change and human activities are both considered major threats to urban ecosystems. Some people think climate change is the biggest problem, while others believe human activities are more dangerous. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.

Those who think climate change is the biggest threat to urban ecosystems have several reasons. Firstly, climate change causes extreme weather events like floods and heatwaves, which can damage cities and the plants and animals living there. For example, rising sea levels can flood coastal cities, destroying habitats. Secondly, climate change can make cities hotter, creating “urban heat islands” that are bad for people and nature.

On the other hand, people who believe human activities are more dangerous to urban ecosystems also have strong arguments. Humans directly destroy natural habitats when they build cities and roads. This leaves less space for plants and animals. Also, pollution from cars and factories harms air and water quality in cities. For instance, many cities in China have serious air pollution problems because of rapid industrial growth.

In my opinion, both climate change and human activities are serious threats to urban ecosystems, but I think human activities are more immediately dangerous. We can see the effects of human actions right away, like when a forest is cut down to build houses. Also, we have more control over human activities than we do over climate change in the short term.

To conclude, climate change and human activities both harm urban ecosystems. However, I believe that focusing on reducing the negative impacts of human activities is more urgent and can have quicker positive results for urban environments.

(Word count: 280)

Key Points to Remember When Writing

1. Structure: Ensure your essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, and a conclusion with your opinion.
2. Balance: Give equal attention to both perspectives before presenting your own view.
3. Examples: Use specific examples to support your arguments. For higher band scores, include more detailed and varied examples.
4. Vocabulary: Use a range of vocabulary related to urban ecosystems and environmental issues. Higher band essays should include more sophisticated and precise terminology.
5. Grammar: Use a variety of sentence structures and tenses. For band 8-9, demonstrate complex structures without errors.
6. Coherence: Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly within and between paragraphs.

Essential Vocabulary for This Topic

1. Urban ecosystem (noun) /ˈɜːbən ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ – The ecological system of a city, including its flora, fauna, and human elements.
2. Climate change (noun) /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term alterations in global weather patterns.
3. Urbanization (noun) /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – The process of making an area more urban.
4. Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
5. Urban heat island (noun) /ˈɜːbən hiːt ˈaɪlənd/ – A metropolitan area significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas.
6. Ecosystem services (noun) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm ˈsɜːvɪsɪz/ – Benefits that humans freely gain from the natural environment.
7. Green infrastructure (noun) /griːn ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – A network of green spaces that provides habitat for wildlife and ecological benefits to people.
8. Habitat fragmentation (noun) /ˈhæbɪtæt ˌfræɡmənˈteɪʃən/ – The process by which habitat loss results in the division of large, continuous habitats into smaller, more isolated remnants.

Conclusion

The impact of climate change on urban ecosystems is a complex and increasingly relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key arguments, utilizing appropriate vocabulary, and structuring your essay effectively, you can tackle this challenging subject with confidence. Remember to practice writing essays on related topics, such as the importance of protecting biodiversity in the face of climate change or how urbanization impacts biodiversity. These themes are interconnected and will help you build a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues in urban settings.

To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you apply the strategies and vocabulary discussed, and potentially receive feedback from other learners and instructors.