Geography Blog

A good thesis statement:

• tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion.
• is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.
• directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel.
• makes a claim that others might dispute.
• is usually a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

Source: http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/thesis-statements/

Write a good thesis statement for each of the IB style following questions on Global Climate Change:

1. Explain the likely effects of global warming and the international differences in response to it.
2. “The consequences of global climate change are determined by poverty.” Discuss thgis statement with reference to examples.
3. Explain how the energy and transport industries could reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in the future.
4. Is the growing concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere causing global warming? Give reasons to support your answer.
5. If countries like Canada and Russia are expected to benefit from global warming, does that mean they have no interest in working to slow down climate change?  Explain your answer.

Quick review from last class:

IB requirements: Discuss the causes and environmental consequences of global climate change.

A simplified explanation:

• 1: What is the atmosphere of the earth?
• 2. What is the importance of a) clouds and b) carbon dioxide in the energy balance of the earth?
• 3. Why is it warmer in summer than winter?
• 4. Describe how heat is transferred from the tropics towards the poles
• 5. Using an annotated diagram only:
  • illustrate the variations in temperature and pressure with altitude in the atmosphere.
  • Explain what happens to incoming solar radiation as it passes through the earth’s atmosphere.

The Value of coral reefs:

1. Questions:

1. Describe what coral is?
2. Identify where coral forms and explain why it forms there?
3. Explain 5 specific ways in which coral supports other species
4. Describe what coral feeds on
5. Explain what coral bleaching is and list causes of coral bleaching

2. Then, using this document, write a short description of the different threats to coral reefs worldwide.

3. What are the socio-economic consequences of coral reef degradation?

4. If time, write an outline for these IB style questions:

Examine the development and the environmental and economic value of coral reefs and mangrove swamps. [10]

Examine the causes and consequences of the loss of coral reefs and mangrove swamps. [10]

Mangroves:

Take detailed notes as you watch the video, focusing on mangrove formation and benefits.

The IB guide reads:

• Discuss the conflicts that arise from competing land uses and from attempts to manage coastal hazards (tsunamis and storm surges, erosion, cliff failure), pollution, habitat restoration and aquaculture.

• Case study: Describe the conflicting pressures on a particular coastline.
  • Discuss the management strategies adopted to resolve these pressures and evaluate their effectiveness.

Part 1:

In teams,  you will read one of the following articles and explain how the competing land uses has lead to conflict, and evaluate  the attempts made to manage the issue.

Coastal Hazards: Sand Dune May Lose Part Of Its Top As Rustic Goes Chic

Pollution: Fishers still angry about 2010 BP oil spill

Habitat Restoration: Fishermen turned tourist guide

Aquaculture: The salmon business: Can marine farming ever be eco friendly?

Share your findings with the class.

Part 2: 

• Discuss the conflicts that arise from competing land uses
• What attempts have been made to manage coastal hazards?

 Part 3:

Using this PPT, continue your class notes to include definitions of the a) land use, b) natural threats and c) coastal management strategies listed in the presentation. Then, d) answer the discussion questions and the EMS questions.

Part 4: Your choice of Summative assessment. This will be your case study for the Management Strategies section. 

Choose one:

Read Codrington p. 260-267 (management strategies) – Then, individually answer p. 262 Block 6N 1, 2 and p.267 Block 6O, 1, 2 & 3

OR

Write an essay answering question #4 on EMS p. 41 (2 pages max)

• Include:
  • Maps
  • A time line
  • Diagrams describing the functioning of the various management strategies
  • Detailed explanations of the causes of coastal degradation (human and natural)

OR

2 page essay