7.2 Environment, Pollution And Conservation

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to identify important issues within this topic, recognise contrasting perspectives, suggest causes and consequences, consider possible courses of action and develop suitable questions for Global Perspectives research.

How To Use This Topic Guide

This is not a chapter to memorise. Use it to explore possible issues, practise Cambridge skills and decide whether this topic is suitable for an Individual Report or Team Project.

What This Topic Includes

This topic examines damage to air, water, land and ecosystems, together with efforts to protect species, habitats and natural resources.

Possible Global Issues

Air pollution from transport, industry and energy production.
Plastic waste and marine pollution.
Water contamination and poor waste management.
Deforestation and habitat loss.
Protection of endangered species.
Urban expansion into natural areas.
Whether economic development should be limited to protect ecosystems.
Responsibility for household, industrial and agricultural pollution.
The role of protected areas and conservation laws.

Stakeholders And Perspectives

Local residents may value health, jobs and a clean environment.
Businesses may emphasise production, profit and regulatory cost.
Governments may balance development, public health and enforcement.
Farmers and fishers may depend on natural resources for livelihoods.
Environmental groups may prioritise ecosystems and future generations.
Consumers may oppose pollution while continuing high-consumption habits.
Indigenous and traditional communities may defend land and cultural relationships with nature.
Scientists may focus on evidence, risk and long-term ecological change.

Possible Causes

Rapid industrialisation and urban growth.
Cheap disposable products and weak recycling systems.
Poor enforcement of environmental rules.
Dependence on polluting fuels and transport.
Unsustainable farming, logging, mining or fishing.
Limited public awareness or convenient alternatives.
Short-term economic incentives.
Population pressure and weak planning.

Possible Consequences

Respiratory illness and contaminated food or water.
Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Reduced agricultural or fishing productivity.
Damage to tourism and local economies.
Greater flooding, erosion or heat risk.
High cleanup and healthcare costs.
Displacement of communities.
Conflict between conservation areas and local livelihoods.

Possible Courses Of Action

Set and enforce emissions and waste standards.
Improve public transport, recycling and wastewater treatment.
Use producer-responsibility systems for packaging and hazardous waste.
Protect and restore habitats with local community participation.
Support cleaner production and agricultural methods.
Use environmental impact assessment before major projects.
Provide alternatives and compensation where conservation limits livelihoods.
Educate consumers while making sustainable choices affordable and practical.

Possible Individual Report Questions

Should governments ban single-use plastics?
Can protected areas succeed without restricting local communities?
Should companies pay the full cost of pollution they create?
Is economic growth compatible with biodiversity conservation?
Are individual lifestyle changes effective enough to reduce pollution?

Possible Team Project Ideas

Carry out a school or neighbourhood waste audit and test one reduction strategy.
Map litter, air-quality or noise problems in a local area.
Create a conservation campaign for a local species or habitat.
Investigate recycling access and propose a practical improvement.
Organise a cleanup while recording the types and likely sources of waste.

Useful Types Of Evidence

Air- and water-quality measurements.
Waste audits and recycling data.
Environmental impact assessments.
Health records and community interviews.
Species counts and habitat maps.
Company reports, inspection records and conservation evaluations.

Skill Practice

Choose one local environmental problem. Identify the main source, the groups affected, the groups responsible and one realistic action. Explain which evidence is needed before assigning responsibility.

Lesson Summary

Pollution and conservation involve health, livelihoods, ecosystems and fairness.
Responsibility is often shared across producers, governments and consumers.
Actions should be assessed for enforcement, cost and effects on local communities.
Environmental claims require scientific evidence and stakeholder perspectives.