Climate change and its impact on global economic stability is a topic of increasing importance in IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme has appeared frequently in recent years and is likely to continue being a significant subject in future exams. Let’s explore this topic through a sample question and provide two model essays – one targeting a Band 8 score and another for a Band 6-7 score.
Analyzing the Question
Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that climate change will have a devastating effect on the global economy. Others think its impact is exaggerated. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that climate change will severely impact the global economy
- Present the opposing view that the economic impact is overstated
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
Now, let’s look at two sample essays addressing this question, targeting different band scores.
Band 8 Sample Essay
Climate change has become a hotly debated topic in recent years, with its potential impact on the global economy being a particular point of contention. While some argue that the effects will be catastrophic, others believe these predictions are overly pessimistic. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.
Those who foresee devastating economic consequences of climate change point to several compelling factors. Firstly, rising sea levels threaten coastal cities and infrastructure, potentially displacing millions and requiring enormous investments in flood defenses or relocation efforts. Additionally, extreme weather events like hurricanes and droughts are becoming more frequent and intense, disrupting agriculture, trade, and local economies. These disruptions could lead to food shortages, increased commodity prices, and significant economic losses. Furthermore, the transition to a low-carbon economy, while necessary, may be costly and disruptive in the short term.
On the other hand, skeptics argue that the economic impact of climate change is exaggerated. They contend that human ingenuity and technological advancements will mitigate many of the predicted effects. For instance, innovations in agriculture and water management could offset productivity losses due to changing weather patterns. Moreover, the development of renewable energy technologies could create new industries and job opportunities, potentially stimulating economic growth. Some also argue that gradual changes will allow economies to adapt over time, reducing the overall impact.
In my opinion, while the skeptics make some valid points about human adaptability, the weight of scientific evidence suggests that climate change poses a significant threat to global economic stability. The costs of inaction or delayed action are likely to far outweigh the short-term expenses of transitioning to a sustainable economy. However, I believe that with prompt and coordinated global action, we can mitigate the worst economic impacts of climate change while also creating opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth.
In conclusion, the economic implications of climate change are complex and far-reaching. While there is room for debate about the extent of its impact, it is clear that this issue demands serious attention and proactive measures from policymakers and businesses worldwide.
(Word count: 329)
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
Climate change is a big topic these days, and people have different ideas about how it will affect the world’s economy. Some think it will cause big problems, while others say it’s not as bad as we think. I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.
Many people believe climate change will hurt the global economy badly. They say that as the Earth gets warmer, sea levels will rise and flood cities near the coast. This could force many people to move and cost a lot of money. Also, there might be more big storms and droughts, which can damage farms and businesses. These problems could make food more expensive and cause economic trouble in many countries.
However, other people think these worries are too extreme. They believe that humans are good at solving problems and will find ways to deal with climate change. For example, we might invent new ways to grow food in different weather. Some say that making clean energy could actually create jobs and help the economy. They also think that because climate change happens slowly, we will have time to get ready for it.
In my opinion, climate change is a serious problem for the world’s economy, but I don’t think it will completely destroy it. I agree that it will cause some big challenges, like dealing with floods and storms. However, I also believe that if we start working on solutions now, we can avoid the worst problems. We need to invest in clean energy and find new ways to do business that don’t harm the environment.
To sum up, climate change will definitely affect the global economy, but how much depends on what we do about it. I think it’s important to take this issue seriously and start making changes now to protect our future economy.
(Word count: 295)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
-
Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The Band 8 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced presentation of ideas.
-
Vocabulary: The Band 8 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases (e.g., “point of contention”, “compelling factors”, “mitigate”), while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.
-
Grammar: The Band 8 essay demonstrates a wider range of complex structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler constructions but still maintains grammatical accuracy.
-
Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8 essay provides more detailed and well-developed arguments.
-
Cohesion and Coherence: The Band 8 essay uses more sophisticated linking words and phrases, creating a smoother flow of ideas.
Essential Vocabulary for This Topic
- Climate change (noun) /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – long-term alterations in temperature and weather patterns
- Global economy (noun) /ˈɡləʊbəl ɪˈkɒnəmi/ – the economy of all countries considered together
- Devastating (adjective) /ˈdevəsteɪtɪŋ/ – highly destructive or damaging
- Exaggerated (adjective) /ɪɡˈzædʒəreɪtɪd/ – represented as being larger, better, or worse than it really is
- Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən/ – the action of reducing the severity or seriousness of something
- Adaptation (noun) /ˌædæpˈteɪʃən/ – the process of changing to suit different conditions
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – the basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
- Commodity (noun) /kəˈmɒdəti/ – a raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold
- Transition (noun) /trænˈzɪʃən/ – the process or period of changing from one state or condition to another
Conclusion
Writing about the effects of climate change on global economic stability requires a good understanding of both environmental and economic concepts. Practice using the vocabulary and structures from these sample essays to improve your writing skills. Remember to always analyze the question carefully, plan your response, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of international cooperation in addressing climate change
- The economic opportunities presented by the transition to green energy
- The impact of climate change on specific industries or regions
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.