Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Environmental Management specification (0680)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Environmental Management exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Environmental Management specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Environmental Management (0680) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
Cambridge IGCSE Environmental Management encourages learners to explore the interdependence of Earth’s natural systems and human activity. It integrates biology, geography, economics and earth science to understand how natural resources are used and managed. The syllabus develops awareness of sustainability, global and local environmental issues, and the decision-making needed to achieve environmental resilience. Learners are empowered to reflect on their attitudes and responsibilities, and contribute to sustainable development solutions:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
1. Rocks and minerals and their exploitation
- Rock cycle and types of rocks (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic)
- Methods and impacts of extraction
- Strategies for land restoration and sustainable use
- Case study: Mine development, impact, and land restoration
2. Energy and the environment
- Fossil fuel formation and energy resource classification
- Electricity generation and its impacts
- Energy demand and conservation strategies
- Oil pollution causes, impacts and management
- Case study: Oil pollution event
3. Agriculture and the environment
- Soil composition and suitability for growth
- Types of agriculture and methods to increase yields
- Environmental impacts and causes of soil erosion
- Management of erosion and sustainable agriculture
- Case study: Soil erosion and conservation
4. Water and its management
- Global water distribution and the water cycle
- Water supply sources and uses
- Water pollution sources and impacts
- Multipurpose dams and disease management (malaria, cholera)
- Case studies: Dam scheme, water pollution
5. Oceans and fisheries
- Ocean resource potential and major fishery zones
- Impacts of overfishing and aquaculture
- Fisheries management strategies
- Case studies: Fishery exploitation and aquaculture
6. Managing natural hazards
- Causes and distribution of earthquakes, volcanoes, cyclones, floods and drought
- Impacts and management strategies (before, during, after)
- Opportunities provided by hazards
- Case studies: Hazard management in LEDC vs MEDC, flood/drought/storm strategies
7. The atmosphere and human activities
- Atmospheric structure, composition and natural greenhouse effect
- Causes and impacts of smog, acid rain, ozone depletion, and climate change
- Pollution management strategies (individual, government, international)
- Case study: Specific atmospheric pollution case
8. Human population
- Distribution, growth patterns, and migration
- Population structure (MEDC vs LEDC) and management strategies
- Case study: Population management in a specific country/region
9. Natural ecosystems and human activities
- Ecosystem structure, energy flow, and ecological pyramids
- Carbon cycle and photosynthesis
- Habitat loss, deforestation, and biodiversity threats
- Forest and biodiversity conservation methods
- Case studies: Deforestation, species conservation, biosphere reserve
Assessment structure
Paper 1 – Theory
- 1 hour 45 minutes
- 80 marks (50% of total)
- Section A: Short and structured questions (20 marks)
- Section B: Extended response questions using source material (60 marks)
- Tests AO1, AO2, AO3
Paper 2 – Management in Context
- 1 hour 45 minutes
- 80 marks (50% of total)
- Short-answer, data analysis and extended response questions based on source material
- Candidates apply data to environmental management scenarios
Tests AO1, AO2, AO3
- All candidates take both papers
- No coursework or internal assessment
- Case studies are integrated into both papers to assess application of knowledge:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Environmental Management isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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