Climate change and its effects on coastal cities is a highly relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared in past exams and is likely to continue being featured due to its global significance. Let’s explore a recent IELTS question on this theme and analyze sample essays across different band scores.
Some people believe that climate change will have a devastating effect on coastal cities in the future. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to express their opinion on the potential impact of climate change on coastal cities. Key points to consider:
- The term “devastating effect” suggests severe negative consequences.
- The phrase “in the future” indicates a need to discuss long-term impacts.
- Candidates should clearly state their position (agree/disagree) and support it with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most pressing issues of our time, and its impact on coastal cities is a topic of grave concern. I strongly agree that climate change will have a devastating effect on coastal urban areas in the coming decades. This essay will explore the reasons behind this stance and provide evidence to support this view.
Firstly, rising sea levels pose an existential threat to many coastal cities. As global temperatures increase, polar ice caps and glaciers continue to melt at an alarming rate, causing sea levels to rise. This phenomenon puts low-lying coastal areas at risk of flooding and erosion. For instance, cities like Venice, Italy, and Miami, Florida, are already experiencing more frequent flooding events, which are projected to worsen over time. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that by 2100, sea levels could rise by up to one meter, potentially submerging parts of many coastal metropolises.
Secondly, the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to climate change will have severe consequences for coastal urban areas. Hurricanes, typhoons, and storm surges are becoming more powerful and destructive, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, and businesses. The devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans in 2005 and Typhoon Haiyan on the Philippines in 2013 serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of coastal cities to such events. As climate change progresses, these catastrophic occurrences are likely to become more common, putting millions of lives and billions of dollars worth of property at risk.
12. The effects of climate change on coastal cities.
Moreover, climate change threatens the delicate ecosystems that many coastal cities rely on for their economic and environmental well-being. Rising ocean temperatures and acidification are causing coral reef die-offs and disrupting marine food chains. This not only impacts biodiversity but also affects industries such as fishing and tourism, which are often crucial to coastal economies. Cities like Cairns, Australia, which depends heavily on the Great Barrier Reef for tourism, face potential economic devastation as these ecosystems deteriorate.
In conclusion, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the view that climate change will have a devastating impact on coastal cities in the future. From rising sea levels and extreme weather events to ecosystem disruption, the challenges faced by these urban areas are multifaceted and severe. It is imperative that global efforts to mitigate climate change are intensified, and coastal cities implement robust adaptation strategies to prepare for the challenges ahead.
Coastal cities facing the impact of climate change
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
I agree that climate change will have a big negative effect on coastal cities in the future. There are several reasons for this opinion.
First, sea levels are rising because of global warming. This means that many coastal areas will be flooded in the future. For example, some islands in the Pacific Ocean are already losing land because of higher sea levels. Big cities near the coast like New York or Shanghai could also have problems with flooding in the future.
Second, climate change is causing more strong storms. Hurricanes and typhoons are becoming stronger and happening more often. These storms can damage buildings and roads in coastal cities. We have seen this happen in places like New Orleans in the USA and Manila in the Philippines. These storms can hurt people and cost a lot of money to fix the damage.
How climate change is affecting migration patterns globally
Another problem is that climate change affects the ocean. The water is getting warmer and more acidic. This is bad for fish and other sea life. Many coastal cities depend on fishing and tourism related to the ocean. If the ocean ecosystem is damaged, these cities will lose important sources of income.
However, some people might say that we can build walls to protect cities from the sea or make buildings stronger to resist storms. While this is true, it will cost a lot of money and may not solve all the problems.
In conclusion, I believe climate change will cause big problems for coastal cities in the future. Rising seas, stronger storms, and damage to ocean life will all have serious effects. We need to take action now to reduce climate change and help coastal cities prepare for these challenges.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
I think climate change will be very bad for cities near the sea in the future. There are some reasons why I agree with this idea.
Firstly, the sea is getting higher because of global warming. This means water will come into cities near the sea. For example, some small islands are already having problems with water coming onto the land. Big cities near the sea might have the same problem soon.
Secondly, there are more big storms now because of climate change. These storms can break buildings and roads in cities near the sea. We saw this happen in some cities already. It costs a lot of money to fix things after these storms.
Also, the sea is getting warmer and this is bad for fish. Many cities near the sea need fish for food and money. If there are less fish, these cities will have problems.
Some people think we can build big walls to stop the water or make stronger buildings. But this will cost a lot of money and might not fix everything.
The importance of biodiversity in combating climate change
In conclusion, I agree that climate change will be very bad for cities near the sea. The water will come up, there will be big storms, and there might be less fish. We need to do something about climate change now to help these cities.
Coastal city implementing climate change adaptation measures
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position
- Presents a well-developed response with relevant, extended and supported ideas
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Presents a clear progression throughout with well-connected ideas
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed/unclear
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some errors in word choice
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors
- Has a clear overall progression but not always well-paragraphed
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but development is not always clear
- Uses limited range of vocabulary; errors may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
- Presents information with some organization but there may be lack of overall progression
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Devastating effect (noun phrase) – /ˈdɛvəsteɪtɪŋ ɪˈfɛkt/ – A highly destructive or damaging impact
- Climate change (noun) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term shifts in global weather patterns and average temperatures
- Coastal cities (noun phrase) – /ˈkəʊstl ˈsɪtiz/ – Urban areas located on or near a coastline
- Rising sea levels (noun phrase) – /ˈraɪzɪŋ siː ˈlɛvlz/ – The increase in the level of the world’s oceans due to global warming
- Extreme weather events (noun phrase) – /ɪkˈstriːm ˈwɛðər ɪˈvɛnts/ – Severe or unseasonal weather phenomena
- Ecosystem disruption (noun phrase) – /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm dɪsˈrʌpʃən/ – The disturbance or damage to the functioning of an ecological community
- Adaptation strategies (noun phrase) – /ædæpˈteɪʃən ˈstrætədʒiz/ – Plans or actions to adjust to new conditions caused by climate change
- Mitigation efforts (noun phrase) – /mɪtɪˈgeɪʃən ˈɛfərts/ – Actions taken to reduce the severity of climate change impacts
- Ocean acidification (noun) – /ˈəʊʃən əˌsɪdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ – The ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth’s oceans
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
In conclusion, the impact of climate change on coastal cities is a crucial topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of government in protecting coastal cities from climate change
- The economic impact of rising sea levels on tourism in coastal areas
- The importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change effects on coastal regions
Is climate change the most pressing issue of our time?
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use relevant examples, and incorporate appropriate vocabulary. We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and further discussion.