AQA A-Level Geography Paper 2, June 2025: Question 5
48 marks · Hard difficulty · Extended Response
Assess resource security including energy sources, global trade in iron ore, sustainable water supply challenges, the future role of geopolitics in mineral security, and the impacts of carbon cycle changes on energy management.
Practise this questionQuestion
Question text
05.1 Outline differences between primary and secondary sources of energy.
[4 marks]
Extra space …
Figure 9a and Figure 9b are in the insert.
Figure 9a shows the value of iron ore imported by the 15 largest importers in 2021.
Figure 9b shows the value of iron ore exported by the 15 largest exporters in 2021.
05.2 Analyse the data shown in Figure 9a and Figure 9b.
[6 marks]
(30) …
Extra space …
Figure 10a and Figure 10b are in the insert.
Figure 10a shows the amount and management of wastewater for countries at
different income levels.
Figure 10b shows information from a campaign to promote the importance of
greywater management in rural India.
05.3 Using Figure 10a, Figure 10b and your own knowledge, assess the challenges in 8
achieving a sustainable water supply.
[9 marks]
(31)
Extra space …
… 33
(32)
05.4 To what extent will geopolitics become increasingly important in mineral resource
security in the future?
[9 marks]
… 34
Extra space … 8
(33) …
05.5 ‘Impacts of changes to the carbon cycle will cause significant challenges for the
management of energy supply and/or energy consumption.’
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
[20 marks]
… 35
(34)
… 36
Extra space 8
(35) …
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
Total
Qu Part Marking guidance
marks
05 1 Outline differences between primary and secondary sources of 4
energy. AO1 = 4
Point marked
Allow 1 mark per valid point with extra mark(s) for developed points (d).
To achieve full marks the response must explicitly seek to draw out the
differences between primary and secondary sources of energy.
Maximum 1 mark for a simple list of energy sources. Credit examples
where appropriate.
Notes for answers
• Primary energy comes directly from energy contained in natural
resources (1) with a valid qualified example to illustrate the form -
such as burning wood or gas to cook food (1)
• Secondary sources do not come directly from nature as they require
refining / processing (1) with a valid qualified example to illustrate the
form such as crude oil which needs to be converted to petrol for use in
vehicles (1). Secondary energy is derived from primary sources of
energy. (1d)
• Primary sources of energy in their natural form include tidal, uranium
(nuclear), wave, wind or running water (1) which can directly generate
secondary sources such as electricity (1d). Primary sources such as
crude oil can be processed into secondary sources such as petroleum
or diesel (1).
• Some biofuels are either primary or secondary sources of energy (1).
Some like fuelwood are burnt directly providing energy for cooking and
heating (1d). Whilst others like bioethanol or biodiesel are produced
from natural raw materials (agricultural crops), which are then
combusted to release the energy (1d).–A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY – –
The notes for answers are not exhaustive. Credit any valid points.
05 2 Analyse the data shown in Figure 9a and Figure 9b. 6
AO3 = 6
AO3 - Analysis of the quantitative data shown in Figure 9a and
Figure 9b.
Mark scheme
Level 2 (4–6 marks)
AO3 – Clear analysis and interpretation of the quantitative evidence
provided, which makes appropriate use of data in support. Clear
connection(s) between different aspects of the data and evidence.
Level 1 (1–3 marks)
AO3 – Basic analysis and interpretation of the quantitative evidence
provided, which makes limited use of data and evidence in support.
Basic connection(s) between different aspects of the data and evidence.
36 Notes for answers
The question requires analysis of the two line graphs shown in Figure 9a
and Figure 9b. Connections can be made between the two graphs.
AO3
• Figure 9a shows that there is significant variation in the value of iron
ore imports for the 15 countries, Figure 9b shows that there is also
variation in the value of the exports, although the range of the
differences is lower.
• Figure 9a shows that China dominates iron ore imports. The value of
China’s imports is just under 10 times greater than Japan’s in rank 2.
China accounts for around 70% of imports and Japan around 7%.
• Figure 9a shows that the value of China’s iron ore imports is about 3
times the value of the other 14 countries combined. The 14 other
countries’ imports total around $60bn dollars compared to China’s
$180bn dollars (approximately).
• Figure 9a and Figure 9b show that the geographical pattern of imports
and exports differs. Only 1/5 of the countries are both in the top 15
importers and exporters of iron ore – China, Malaysia and Russia.
• Figure 9b shows that unlike iron ore exports, there are two countries
that dominate. Despite having 4 times the exports of 3rd place South
Africa, 2nd place Brazil has only about 40% of the exports of Australia.
• Like China in Figure 9a, the value of 1st place Australia’s exports are
larger than the total value of the next 14 countries’ exports.
• Figure 9a and Figure 9b show that the total value of the imports and
exports of the top 15 importers and exporters, are similar with imports
totalling about £230bn and exports about $210bn.
– A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY – –
Credit any other valid analysis.
05 3 Using Figure 10a and Figure 10b and your own knowledge, assess 9
the challenges in achieving a sustainable water supply. AO1 = 4
AO2 = 5
AO1 – Knowledge and understanding of water supply. Knowledge and
understanding of sustainability issues associated with water
management.
AO2 – Applies knowledge and understanding to the novel situation to
analyse and assess the challenges in achieving a sustainable water
supply.
Mark scheme
Level 3 (7–9 marks)
AO1 – Demonstrates detailed knowledge and understanding of
concepts, processes, interactions and change. These underpin the
response throughout.
AO2 – Applies knowledge and understanding appropriately with detail.
Connections and relationships between different aspects of study are
fully developed with complete relevance. Analysis and evaluation are
detailed and well supported with appropriate evidence.
Level 2 (4–6 marks)
AO1 – Demonstrates clear knowledge and understanding of concepts,
processes, interactions and change. These are mostly relevant though
there may be some minor inaccuracy.
AO2 – Applies clear knowledge and understanding appropriately.
Connections and relationships between different aspects of study are
evident with some relevance. Analysis and evaluation are evident and
supported with clear and appropriate evidence.
Level 1 (1–3 marks)
AO1 – Demonstrates basic knowledge and understanding of concepts,
processes, interactions and change. This offers limited relevance with
inaccuracy.
AO2 – Applies limited knowledge and understanding. Connections and
relationships between different aspects of study are basic with limited
relevance. Analysis and evaluation are basic and supported with limited
appropriate evidence.
Notes for answers
The question requires an understanding of sustainability issues
associated with water supply. Figures 10a and 10b present information
relating to the management of, and issues associated with wastewater.
Candidates should apply their knowledge of sustainable water
management, to assess how wastewater–A-is a challengeLEVEL GEOGRAPHYto sustainable– –
water supply. Candidates can also gain AO1 credit for reference to other
challenges for sustainable water supply.
AO1
• Sustainability issues associated with water management: virtual water
trade, conservation, recycling, ‘greywater’ and groundwater
management.
• Strategies to increase water supply to include catchment, diversion,
38 storage and water transfers and desalination.
• Strategies to manage water consumption (including reducing demand).
• Sources of water; components of demand, water stress.
AO2
• Assessment using Figure 10a will probably come to the view that
there is very significance difference in the volumes of wastewater
produced, and more importantly in the amount that is treated and
recycled in different groups of countries. Assessment of how this
highlights the huge missed potential for increased recycling of water
and hence more sustainable water supply.
• Assessment using Figure 10a may come to the view of the extremely
small amounts of water that are currently recycled. With HICs only
recycling, and therefore reusing less than 1/7 of the wastewater they
produce there is clearly significant unsustainability in the use of water.
Increased recycling of wastewater could improve the sustainability of
supply.
• Assessment of the information in Figure 10a may come to the view
that improving the sustainability of water supply through the increased
recycling of wastewater is a significant challenge. At present only a
tiny minority of wastewater is recycled, especially in MICs and LICs,
where it may be the case that the need for improved water supply is
greatest. Assessment may suggest that this implies there are
preventing increased use of recycling – for example, cost, availability
of resources, political will, or other priorities.
• Assessment using Figure 10b may come to the view that improved
management of wastewater, can have some very specific
improvements in the sustainability of water supply and sustainable
management of water. Specifically, that if wastewater is managed well
then there is reduced potential for the contamination of groundwater,
which is a significant source of water for water supply.
• Figure 10b also highlights that better management of wastewater not
only improves the sustainability of water supply, but also other aspects
of environmental and social sustainability.
• Figure 10b highlights that poor management of wastewater leads to
groundwater contamination. Improved management would enable
groundwater to be used as a source of fresh water, and so improving
the sustainability of supply.
• Candidates may also assess other factors that pose challenges for
achieving a sustainable water supply. This may include factors
relating changing climate and rainfall patterns, or challenges relating to
increasing water supply sustainably.
• Candidates should come to a conclusion using the evidence. Any
conclusion is valid as long as it supports the content of the response–A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY–. –
Credit any other valid assessment.
05 4 To what extent will geopolitics become increasingly important in 9
mineral resource security in the future? AO1 = 4
AO2 = 5
AO1 – Knowledge and understanding of geopolitics. Knowledge and
understanding of mineral resource security.
AO2 – Application of knowledge and understanding to evaluate the
extent to which geopolitics will become increasingly important in mineral
resource security in the future.
Mark scheme
Level 3 (7–9 marks)
AO1 – Demonstrates detailed knowledge and understanding of concepts,
processes, interactions and change. These underpin the response
throughout.
AO2 – Applies knowledge and understanding appropriately with detail.
Connections and relationships between different aspects of study are
fully developed with complete relevance. Analysis and evaluation are
detailed and well supported with appropriate evidence.
Level 2 (4–6 marks)
AO1 – Demonstrates clear knowledge and understanding of concepts,
processes, interactions and change. These are mostly relevant though
there may be some minor inaccuracy.
AO2 – Applies clear knowledge and understanding appropriately.
Connections and relationships between different aspects of study are
evident with some relevance. Analysis and evaluation are evident and
supported with clear and appropriate evidence.
Level 1 (1–3 marks)
AO1 – Demonstrates basic knowledge and understanding of concepts,
processes, interactions and change. This offers limited relevance with
inaccuracy.
AO2 – Applies limited knowledge and understanding. Connections and
relationships between different aspects of study are basic with limited
relevance. Analysis and evaluation are basic and supported with limited
appropriate evidence.
Notes for answers
The question requires links to be made between two different parts of the
Resource Security specification, the geopolitics of ore mineral resource
distributions, trade and management, and the sustainability of mineral
security in the future. The question does not require reference to a
specific metal ore, but AO1 credit can be awarded for named examples–A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY– –
where appropriate.
AO1
• Global patterns of production, consumption and trade/movements of
energy and ore minerals.
• The geopolitics of mineral resource distributions, trade and
management.
• Sustainable resource development.
• Environmental impacts of a major mineral resource extraction scheme
and associated distribution networks.
• Sustainability issues associated with ore extraction, trade and
processing.
AO2
• Analysis of the extent to which the level of demand for minerals,
including metals and those used in commercial activities, and the
geographical pattern of such demand, will change in the future.
Assessment of the extent to which this will pose issues for mineral
resource security.
• Analysis of the extent to which demands for different minerals will
change in the future as technologies change, and issues this will pose
for the security of such resources.
• Analysis of the extent to which geopolitics will become increasingly
important in the future.
• In the future, environmental concerns relating to the extraction, trade
and use of minerals will become increasingly political and governed by
regional and global agreements and rules.
• As the processes that influence changes in the patterns of supply and
demand for mineral ores globally, it is inevitable that political decisions
between countries will become increasingly important.
• As environmental concerns become increasingly important in the
future, the role of global politics will increase, as it is only governments
that can act to create rules and laws to manage mineral resource
security.
• As developing economies seek to attract FDI to exploit their own
mineral ore reserves, geopolitics will play an increasingly important
role in the governance of trade.
• Candidates should come to a conclusion as to the extent to which
geopolitics will become increasingly important in mineral resource
security in the future. Any conclusion is valid as long as it is supported
by the preceding content.
– A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY – –
Credit any other valid approach.
05 5 ‘Impacts of changes to the carbon cycle will cause significant 20
challenges for the management of energy supply and/or energy AO1 = 10
consumption.’ AO2 = 10
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
AO1 – Knowledge and understanding of impacts of changes to the
carbon cycle. Knowledge and understanding of strategies to manage
energy consumption and/or strategies to increase energy supply.
AO2 – Application of knowledge and understanding to assess the extent
to which impacts of changes to the carbon cycle will cause significant
challenges for the management of energy supply and/or energy
consumption.
Notes for answers
The question links items from across specification units. Specifically
changes to the carbon cycle caused by humans, in the Water and
Carbon unit, to strategies to manage energy supply and energy demand
in the future, in the Resource Security unit. There is no requirement for
reference to specific strategies, but allow AO1 credit for named examples
where appropriate.
AO1
• Changes in the carbon cycle over time, to include human impact
(including hydrocarbon fuel extraction and burning, farming practices,
deforestation, land use changes).
• The carbon budget and the impact of the carbon cycle upon land,
ocean and atmosphere, including global climate.
• Energy supplies in a globalising world: competing national interests
and the role of transnational corporations in energy production,
processing and distribution.
• Strategies to increase energy supply (oil and gas exploration, nuclear
power and development of renewable sources).
• Strategies to manage energy consumption (including reducing
demand).
• Alternative energy futures and their relationship with a range of
technological, economic, environmental and political developments.
AO2
• Analysis and evaluation of the predicted impacts of changes to the
carbon cycle. This could include increased atmospheric temperatures,
changes to the amount and pattern of precipitation.
• Global temperatures are predicted to increase. Many urban areas are
already experiencing extreme summer temperatures. In 2018
increased demand for energy driven by increased use of air-
conditioning during high summer temperatures contributed to record
energy consumption that year. If strategies to meet this increased
demand lead to more energy generation from the burning of
hydrocarbons this could exacerbate the–A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHYimpacts ofchanges to the– –
carbon cycle, potentially leading to more warming. A more logical
42 response would be to try to manage demand through building design,
ventilation and insulation.
• Analysis may suggest that it is the continuing burning of fossil fuels to
meet increased demand and consumption that is leading to the
impacts of changes to the carbon cycle.
• Candidates may assess the extent to which strategies to manage
future increases in demand and consumption for energy should in fact
be to ensure increases in future energy supply are met through
renewable sources. Responses may assess the extent to which
increasing supply through renewable sources is viable.
• Whilst energy supply transitions to more renewable sources,
candidates may assess the extent to which different components of
energy demand can reduce their level of consumption. Responses
may assess the extent to which different sectors – industry, transport,
residential, commerce and agriculture – can reduce their level of
energy consumption.
• Responses should come to a conclusion as to the extent to which they
agree with the statement. Any conclusion is valid as long as it is
supported by the preceding content.
– A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY – –
Credit any other valid approach.
Marking grid for question 5.5
Level/ Criteria/Descriptor
Mark
Range
Level 4 • Detailed evaluative conclusion that is rational and firmly based on knowledge and
(16–20 understanding which is applied to the context of the question (AO2).
marks) • Detailed, coherent and relevant analysis and evaluation in the application of knowledge
and understanding throughout (AO2).
• Full evidence of links between knowledge and understanding to the application of
knowledge and understanding in different contexts (AO2).
• Detailed, highly relevant and appropriate knowledge and understanding of place(s) and
environments used throughout (AO1).
• Full and accurate knowledge and understanding of key concepts and processes
throughout (AO1).
• Detailed awareness of scale and temporal change which is well integrated where
appropriate (AO1).
Level 3 • Clear evaluative conclusion that is based on knowledge and understanding which is
(11–15 applied to the context of the question (AO2).
marks) • Generally clear, coherent and relevant analysis and evaluation in the application of
knowledge and understanding (AO2).
• Generally clear evidence of links between knowledge and understanding to the
application of knowledge and understanding in different contexts (AO2).
• Generally clear and relevant knowledge and understanding of place(s) and environments
(AO1).
• Generally clear and accurate knowledge and understanding of key concepts and
processes (AO1).
• Generally clear awareness of scale and temporal change which is integrated where
appropriate (AO1).
Level 2 • Some sense of an evaluative conclusion partially based upon knowledge and
(6–10 understanding which is applied to the context of the question (AO2).
marks) • Some partially relevant analysis and evaluation in the application of knowledge and
understanding (AO2). 43
• Some evidence of links between knowledge and understanding to the application of
knowledge and understanding in different contexts (AO2).
• Some relevant knowledge and understanding of place(s) and environments which is
partially relevant (AO1).
• Some knowledge and understanding of key concepts, processes and interactions and
change (AO1).
• Some awareness of scale and temporal change which is sometimes integrated where
appropriate. There may be a few inaccuracies (AO1).
Level 1 • Very limited and/or unsupported evaluative conclusion that is loosely based upon
(1–5 knowledge and understanding which is applied to the context of the question (AO2).
marks) • Very limited analysis and evaluation in the application of knowledge and understanding.
This lacks clarity and coherence (AO2).
• Very limited and rarely logical evidence of links between knowledge and understanding
to the application of knowledge and understanding in different contexts (AO2).
• Very limited relevant knowledge and understanding of place(s) and environments (AO1).
• Isolated knowledge and understanding of key concepts and processes (AO1).
• Very limited awareness of scale and temporal change which is rarely integrated where
appropriate. There may be a number of inaccuracies (AO1).
Level 0 • Nothing worthy of credit.
(0 marks)
How to answer it
AQA A-Level Geography: Resource Security (Paper 2)
This paper section examines core syllabus components of Resource Security (Section C, Option 5):
- 05.1 (AO1): Conceptual distinction between primary and secondary energy sources with applied examples.
- 05.2 (AO3): Comparative graphical and statistical data analysis of global mineral trade flows (iron ore imports vs exports).
- 05.3 (AO1 + AO2): Synoptic evaluation of wastewater/greywater management and broader physical, economic, and political challenges to sustainable water supply.
- 05.4 (AO1 + AO2): Evaluative analysis of geopolitical tension, resource nationalism, and shifting trade patterns in critical mineral security.
- 05.5 (AO1 + AO2 synoptic 20-marker): Cross-topic synthesis linking Physical Geography (Water and Carbon Cycles) with Human Geography (Energy management, supply, and demand).
Primary vs Secondary Energy Sources
Outline differences between primary and secondary sources of energy.
✅ Model Answer (Full 4/4 Marks)
A primary energy source is energy found in natural forms and directly harvested from nature without prior conversion or transformation (1 mark). Examples include raw fossil fuels (coal, crude oil, natural gas) burned directly for heat or cooking, uranium, sunlight, wind, and tidal flows (1 mark).
In contrast, a secondary energy source does not occur naturally in usable form; it is produced through the conversion or processing of primary sources (1 mark). For instance, crude oil (primary) is refined into petroleum/diesel, or coal/gas/wind kinetic energy is transformed into electricity in power stations (1 mark).
🧠 Exam Technique & Nuance
- Biofuels Distinction: Biofuels can be classified as either depending on context: fuelwood/crop residues burned directly are primary, whereas chemically refined biodiesels or bioethanol manufactured from crops are secondary. Mentioning this nuance demonstrates top-level mastery.
- Explicit Linking: Use comparative conjunctives such as "whereas" or "unlike primary energy..." to guarantee credit for outlining the difference rather than writing two unconnected descriptions.
❌ Common Errors
- Confusing primary/secondary energy with renewable/non-renewable energy (e.g., claiming secondary means renewable).
- Writing a pure list of energy types (capped at 1 mark).
- Forgetting to state that electricity is a secondary carrier, not a naturally extracted fuel.
Iron Ore Global Trade Flows (Figures 9a & 9b)
Analyse the data shown in Figure 9a (Top 15 Importers) and Figure 9b (Top 15 Exporters).
📐 Data Breakdown & Mathematical Analysis
Calculate total values: The top 15 importers total ~£230bn, nearly matching the top 15 exporters (~£210bn). Both graphs display acute skew toward one or two dominant nations.
China imported roughly $180bn of iron ore in 2021—representing ~70% of all imports shown. China's import value is ~10× greater than 2nd place Japan (~$18bn) and exceeds the combined total of the remaining 14 countries by triple (~$60bn combined vs China's $180bn).
Australia dominates with ~$118bn (over 50% of the top 15 export value), exceeding the sum of the next 14 exporters combined. Australia + Brazil (2nd place, ~$48bn, ~40% of Australia's total) together account for over 75% of global top-tier exports. 3rd place South Africa drops sharply to under $10bn.
Only 1/5th (3 out of 15) countries appear in both rankings: China, Malaysia, and Russia, demonstrating that major extraction zones are geographically decoupled from heavy manufacturing consumption centres.
✅ Examiner-Level Response Structure (Level 2: 4–6 marks)
- Trend 1: Identify extreme asymmetry in both datasets (Australia dominates supply; China dominates demand).
- Trend 2: Quantify drop-offs using manipulated figures, ratios, and percentages rather than raw data quoting.
- Synthesis: Explicitly cross-reference Fig 9a with Fig 9b (e.g., contrasting the spatial pattern of producer nations vs processing nations; noting the 3 dual-role nations).
❌ Common Traps
- Data Lifting: Listing numbers country-by-country without performing comparisons, sums, or ratios (keeps marks in Level 1).
- Isolated Analysis: Analysing Fig 9a completely, then Fig 9b, without synthesizing cross-graph connections.
Sustainable Water Supply & Wastewater Management
Using Figure 10a, Figure 10b and your own knowledge, assess the challenges in achieving a sustainable water supply.
💡 Key Knowledge (AO1)
- Sustainability Strategies: Recycling, greywater reclamation, virtual water management, aquifer recharge, leak reduction, and demand regulation.
- Supply vs Demand: Supply augmentation (desalination, inter-basin transfers, dam mega-projects) vs demand reduction (metering, tiered pricing, public education).
- Water Stress Indices: Physical water scarcity vs economic water scarcity (infrastructure deficits).
🧠 Figure Integration & Evaluation (AO2)
- Figure 10a (Income vs Wastewater): High-Income Countries (HICs) generate far more wastewater per capita but treat high proportions; however, recycling remains miniscule (less than 1/7 treated water reused). LICs/MICs treat under 10% due to capital and infrastructure shortages.
- Figure 10b (Rural India Greywater): Unmanaged greywater causes biological and chemical pollution of aquifers and open wells, destroying pristine groundwater reserves. Community-scale soak pits offer low-cost remediation.
- Evaluative Judgment: Overcoming economic/political challenges is far more critical in developing contexts than technological availability.
✅ Level 3 Band Criteria (7–9 marks)
Must combine direct interpretation of the figures (income disparities in treatment, groundwater contamination risks) with independent case knowledge (e.g., transboundary conflicts like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, or over-abstraction of aquifers like the Ogallala or California Central Valley). Concludes with a justified assessment of which challenges (governance, financing, or climate change) are the greatest barriers.
❌ Common Errors
- Ignoring Figure 10b entirely and only discussing domestic water-saving tips.
- Failing to link wastewater treatment rates back to overall sustainable fresh water supply.
Geopolitics in Future Mineral Resource Security
To what extent will geopolitics become increasingly important in mineral resource security in the future?
💡 Core Themes to Deploy
- The Energy Transition: Soaring global demand for critical transition minerals (lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements / REEs, copper) driven by electric vehicles and renewables.
- Geopolitical Bottlenecks: Concentration of supply chains (e.g., DRC for cobalt; China for REE refining and graphite processing; South America's Lithium Triangle).
- Resource Nationalism & Treaties: Export bans (e.g., Indonesia on raw nickel ore), cartels, bilateral agreements, and FDI tied to political alliances (e.g., China's Belt and Road Initiative).
🧠 Constructing a Balanced AO2 Argument
- Side A (Geopolitics WILL be vital): Strategic rivalries between the West and China; deep-sea mining jurisdictional disputes under the UN International Seabed Authority; trade embargoes and domestic processing mandates.
- Side B (Other factors EQUALLY/MORE vital): Technological breakthroughs (e.g., sodium-ion batteries replacing cobalt/lithium; enhanced recycling/circular economy); physical geology/discovery of new reserves; environmental & social licensing (Indigenous land rights).
- Conclusion: Acknowledge that while geology dictates deposit location, geopolitics strictly dictates access, trade routes, and refining viability.
Carbon Cycle Disruptions vs Energy Supply & Demand
'Impacts of changes to the carbon cycle will cause significant challenges for the management of energy supply and/or energy consumption.' To what extent do you agree?
💡 Key Synoptic Knowledge (AO1)
- Carbon Cycle Alterations: Combustion of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial agriculture elevating atmospheric CO₂; ocean acidification; enhanced greenhouse effect altering atmospheric and oceanic circulation.
- Feedback to Climate & Weather: Higher global mean temperatures, prolonged droughts, heatwaves, intensified storm tracks, unpredictable precipitation cycles, and permafrost thawing.
- Energy Management Dimensions:
- Supply side: Hydropower vulnerabilities during prolonged droughts; nuclear power station cooling water deficits / river temperature thresholds; offshore renewable asset damage from extreme weather; fossil fuel phase-outs under net-zero mandates.
- Demand side: Peak electricity loads driven by air conditioning during unprecedented summer heatwaves; shifting winter heating requirements; transition to EV fleet charging grid pressures.
🧠 Essay Structure & Analytical Paths (AO2)
Paragraph 1: Climate Impacts on Energy Supply
Thermal plants (nuclear/gas) require cold river intake; French nuclear shutdowns during European heatwaves. Hydropower stations (e.g., Lake Mead / Hoover Dam or Yangtze basin) crippled by glacial retreat and drought.
Paragraph 2: Feedback Loops on Energy Demand
Extreme urban heat islands trigger explosive cooling demand. If met by fossil fuels, it exacerbates carbon emissions (positive feedback). Mitigation requires demand-side management: passive architectural cooling, insulation, smart grids.
Paragraph 3: Counter-Argument / Other Competing Drivers
Are carbon cycle impacts the only or primary challenge? Geopolitical conflicts (e.g., Russia-Ukraine disruption to European gas), population growth, industrialisation in emerging economies, and economic cost of green transition capital are equally powerful disruptors.
Conclusion & Synthesis:
Nuanced agreement: Carbon cycle alterations drive the structural need to transition, but economic and geopolitical friction dictate the feasibility of meeting demand.
❌ Common Errors in 20-Mark Essays
- Forgetting the Carbon Cycle: Writing purely about energy policy (solar vs wind) without tying back to the physical carbon cycle, atmospheric CO₂, or climate feedbacks.
- Ignoring Demand: Discussing only energy power generation (supply) while completely ignoring energy efficiency, conservation, and changing consumption patterns.
- Lack of Case Evidence: Speaking in theoretical terms without concrete examples (e.g., Texas grid failure, European heatwaves, French EDF river cooling limits).
- Unbalanced Conclusion: Writing a sudden one-sentence ending that doesn't weigh the comparative severity of challenges.
Topics
3.1 Physical geography · 3.2 Human geography · 3.4 Geographical skills checklist · 3.1.1 Water and carbon cycles · 3.2.5 Resource security · 3.4.1 Qualitative skills and quantitative skills · 3.4.2 Specific skills
Question and mark scheme from the AQA A-Level Geography examination, Paper 2, June 2025. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.