Marking instructions

Markers must apply the descriptors in line with the general marking guidance and the qualities outlined in the levels-based mark scheme below.

Responses that demonstrate only AO1 without any AO2 should be awarded marks as follows:

Level 1 AO1 performance: 1 mark
Level 2 AO1 performance: 2 marks
Level 3 AO1 performance: 3 marks
Level 4 AO1 performance: 4–5 marks.

Indicative content guidance

The indicative content below is not prescriptive and candidates are not required to include all of it. Other relevant material not suggested below must also be credited.

Please remember that descriptors provide guidance as to the appropriate level. Bullet points covering indicative content do not translate directly into marks

Relevant points may include:

AO1

IGOs have been formed to manage the environmental problems facing the world with varying success.
Global environmental issues concern the quality of the environment and the biosphere.
IGOs have been involved in developing laws for managing oceans and international rivers, and managing the state of the environment.
IGOs manage Antarctica as a continent of peace and science.

AO2

IGO management of environmental challenges may include:

Attempts to find IGO agreement on reduction of carbon and CFC emissions have made limited progress.
Ocean and river agreements involve management of national access to territorial waters and resources (fish, minerals) but shared water bodies are inherently difficult to find agreement over (e.g. Nile, Ganges).
NGOs have sought international agreements, e.g. Ramsar Convention, IWC and campaigning groups (e.g. Greenpeace) seek to influence decisions.
Successes have been few, but the Montreal Protocol (1987) led to reductions in substances that damaged the ozone layer, and the Antarctic hole has begun to close.
Kyoto Protocol and Paris 2015 Agreement have attempted global commitments over CO2 emissions to reduce climate change. Progress has been slow and intermittent, with many major players refusing to join the rest (e.g. USA).
Antarctica agreement has held, but faces present and future pressure from tourism, waste and the search for new resources (oil, gold, also genetic material).

Evaluation:

Success seen in agreements such as Montreal Protocol, Ramsar, World Heritage Sites in precisely drawn agreements with scientific backing.
Major challenges have not been resolved and are likely to worsen as wealth increases globally (e.g. growing car ownership: electric cars issues, global warming).
Nationalist agendas (USA, Russia, UK) mean decisions to benefit all look less likely.
Global economic development, power of TNCs and growth of large middle classes in emerging economies reduce IGO effectiveness.

Not that answers that discuss strengths and weaknesses of IGO actions without referring to management of challenges are unlikely to reach L3.

16-20 Marks Level Description:

Demonstrates accurate and relevant geographical knowledge and understanding throughout. (AO1)
Applies knowledge and understanding of geographical information/ideas to find fully logical and relevant connections/relationships. (AO2)
Applies knowledge and understanding of geographical information/ideas to produce a full and coherent interpretation that is supported by evidence. (AO2)
Applies knowledge and understanding of geographical information/ideas to come to a rational, substantiated conclusion, fully supported by a balanced argument that is drawn together coherently. (AO2)

Managing Global Issues & Conflicts (Edexcel A Level Geography)

Topic Questions