Responses on Fragile Environments (Edexcel IGCSE Geography): Exam Questions

Exam code: 4GE1

1 hour15 questions
1
2 marks

Define the term sustainability?

2
1 mark

Identify a strategy to try and reduce the impacts of climate change.

  • use of low yield seed varieties

  • use more timber from forests

  • use more fossil fuels

  • use more renewable energy

3
1 mark

Identify which statement best describes a way of adapting to climate change.

  • increase in cattle farming

  • increase in flood protection

  • increase in the number of airports

  • increase in the use of coal

4
1 mark

Identify one potential strategy to reduce desertification.

  • increased grazing

  • increased use of trees for fuelwood

  • over-cultivation

  • water purification systems

5
4 marks

Explain two sustainable rainforest management strategies.

6a
2 marks

Study Figure 7b.

Calculate the mean amount of money spent on responding to climate change. You must show all your workings in the space below.

Give your answer to one decimal place.

Bar chart of World Bank spending on climate change from 2015 to 2019. Shows adaptation (black) and mitigation (white) in US$ millions.
6b
2 marks

Describe the trends shown in Figure 7b.

7
2 marks

Explain one strategy used to manage deforestation.

1
4 marks

Explain two strategies used to manage desertification.

2
4 marks

Outline two strategies used to ensure a sustainable future for fragile environments.

3
4 marks

Explain two strategies to manage water shortages in fragile environments

4
6 marks

Study Figure 7b. Assess strategies used to reduce threats from desertification. Refer to the resource in your answer.

Flowchart on desertification strategies: Seed Change builds wells and trains in Mali/Senegal; FAO uses remote sensing; Elion afforests land in China.
5
4 marks

Explain two strategies for sustainable rainforest management.

1
12 marks

Discuss the view: 

“It is possible to manage the global rates of deforestation in a more sustainable way”.

Use Figures 7a, 7b and 7c below and your own knowledge and understanding to support your answer.

DDfnIfEM_fig-7a-4ge1-02r-june-2019-edexcel-igcse-geography
fig-7b-4ge1-02r-june-2019-edexcel-igcse-geography
fig-7c-4ge1-02r-june-2019-edexcel-igcse-geography
2
12 marks

Discuss the view:

“Strategies to reduce threats to fragile environments should be led by governments.”

Use Figures 7a and 7b, with your own knowledge and understanding, to support your answer. Refer to the resources in your answer.

World map showing populations at risk from sea level rise by 2100. Colour-coded: purple (10-50m), lavender (1-9.9m), brown (500k-999k), peach (100k-499k).
Diagram showing strategies to tackle desertification: Seed Change in Mali, FAO global remote sensing, Elion Resources afforestation and solar in China.
3
6 marks

Study Figure 9a.

Figure 9a: Government responses to climate change

Response

United Kingdom

Developing/emerging country

Renewable energy targets

Net zero carbon emissions by 2050; 50% of electricity from renewables by 2030

Targets set but limited by lack of funding and technology

International agreements

Signatory to Paris Agreement; hosted COP26 in Glasgow 2021

Signatory to Paris Agreement but limited capacity to enforce commitments

Domestic policy

Carbon tax on industry; phase-out of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035

Some carbon reduction policies but enforcement inconsistent

Financial investment

£12 billion committed to green industries through the Green Industrial Revolution plan

Dependent on international climate finance and aid to fund low-carbon development

Public awareness

High levels of public awareness; government campaigns and school curriculum requirements

Growing awareness but literacy and access to media limit reach in rural areas

Using Figure 9a, assess how effective government responses to climate change have been.