Climate change and its impacts on marine ecosystems, particularly fisheries, has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on how climate change affects ocean ecosystems, this theme has appeared in various forms over the past few years, reflecting its growing global significance.
Let’s examine a recent IELTS Task 2 question:
Some people believe that climate change is having a devastating effect on global fishing industries. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
Question Analysis
This question requires:
- A clear position on climate change’s impact on fishing industries
- Well-supported arguments with specific examples
- A balanced discussion of the extent of these effects
- Personal knowledge and relevant examples
Band 8-9 Model Essay
As the impact of climate change on global fisheries becomes increasingly evident, I strongly agree that this environmental crisis is severely affecting fishing industries worldwide. This essay will examine the major impacts and their far-reaching consequences.
Climate change’s primary effect on fisheries operates through multiple mechanisms. Rising ocean temperatures are forcing fish populations to migrate to cooler waters, disrupting traditional fishing grounds and affecting coastal communities’ livelihoods. For instance, in the North Atlantic, cod populations have shifted northward, devastating fishing communities in places like Nova Scotia that have relied on these stocks for generations.
Moreover, the effects of climate change on ocean acidification present another critical challenge. The increasing absorption of carbon dioxide by oceans is altering marine ecosystems, particularly affecting shellfish and coral reefs that provide essential habitats for many commercial fish species. In the Pacific, oyster farmers have reported significant losses due to acidification affecting shell formation in young oysters.
The economic implications are particularly severe for developing nations. Many coastal communities in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands face existential threats as their primary source of income and food security diminishes. These impacts extend beyond just fishing to affect related industries such as processing, transportation, and tourism.
In conclusion, climate change’s effects on fisheries are indeed devastating and far-reaching. Unless significant global action is taken to address climate change, these impacts will likely worsen, threatening both marine ecosystems and human communities dependent on them.
(Word count: 275)
Band 6-7 Model Essay
I agree that climate change is having a big negative effect on fishing industries around the world. This essay will discuss some main problems caused by this issue.
Firstly, climate change makes the sea temperature higher. When this happens, many fish move to different places where the water is cooler. This creates problems for fishermen because they cannot find fish in their usual fishing areas. For example, in many Asian countries, fishermen have to go further from the coast to catch fish, which costs more money for fuel.
Also, the effects of climate change on food security are serious. When fish populations decrease, many people lose their main source of food and income. This is very bad for poor communities that depend on fishing. Additionally, some types of fish might disappear completely because they cannot adapt to the new conditions.
impact of climate change on coastal communities shows that pollution and warming seas are making it harder for fish to survive. This affects not only fishermen but also many other jobs like people who sell fish in markets or work in seafood restaurants.
In conclusion, I think climate change is definitely causing big problems for fishing industries. Governments need to take action to protect both the environment and fishing communities.
(Word count: 253)
Key Vocabulary
- devastating (adj) /ˈdevəsteɪtɪŋ/ – highly destructive or damaging
- acidification (n) /əˌsɪdɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ – the process of becoming acidic
- existential (adj) /ˌeɡzɪˈstenʃl/ – relating to existence
- ecosystems (n) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəmz/ – biological communities of interacting organisms
- adaptation (n) /ˌædæpˈteɪʃn/ – the process of changing to suit different conditions
Practice Suggestion
Try writing your own essay on this related topic:
“How can governments and international organizations work together to protect marine ecosystems from climate change?”
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.