IB ESS HL 6.2.9 Perspectives on Climate Change Questions

Level of "producing". Award [1 max] for outlining such management: relevant to acid rain:
Eg management can be applied at level of producing by reducing use of fossil fuels/ switching to alternative energy sources;
political advantages/disadvantages:
it may not be popular to impose limits on use of fossil fuels in certain societies;
but it does address root cause of problem;
and political factors have the advantage of generating laws/incentives;
in democratic societies such management may have strong influence on voting/political support;
may gain international support for an issue that often crosses national boundaries;
economic advantages/disadvantages:
it may be very costly to switch to alternative energy sources;
could be long-term economic benefit in this for countries importing fuel;
would be economically beneficial in context of international C-trading;
may gain volunteer support from community/NGOs that make management more cost effective;

Level of "impact". Award [1 max] for outlining such management:
Eg. management can be applied at level of impact by liming of water bodies/ restoration of natural communities;
political advantages/disadvantages:
it may be popular because it allows use of fossil fuels to continue;
and restores aesthetic qualities of environment;
but may conflict with the increasing "green"/ecocentric sector of many societies;
economic advantages/disadvantages: avoids cost of switching from fossil fuel technologies;
liming and restoration may be very costly;
could be mitigating benefits eg sustainable goods/services of restored systems;
provides for environmental projects attractive to local community/NGO voluntary support;

Alternative points of equivalent validity, significance and relevance to those given, should be credited.

Marking guidance:

Award [5 max] for responses that address only one level of management, or only political, or only economic, factors.