Environmental risks of economic development: past paper questions
Real questions on environmental risks of economic development
The newest 20 of 63 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0460/22 · February/March 2026 · Q6b(iii)[4]
(iii) The area shown in Figure 6.2 is part of a national park. Evaluate the economic advantages and environmental disadvantages of locating the woodchip industry in such a location. ECONOMIC AUVANtAGES .......... environmental disadVantageS. ..........
See it on the paper → - 0460/13 · May/June 2025 · Q5a(i)[1]
State the average global temperature in 1900. °C
See it on the paper → - 0460/13 · May/June 2025 · Q5a(ii)[2]
Using Fig. 5.1 only, compare the change in carbon dioxide levels with the change in average global temperatures between 1900 and 2020. Do not use statistics.
See it on the paper → - 0460/13 · May/June 2025 · Q5a(iv)[4]
Explain how carbon dioxide has an effect on average global temperatures.
See it on the paper → - 0460/13 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(ii)[5]
Explain why it is difficult to reduce global warming.
See it on the paper → - 0460/13 · May/June 2025 · Q5c[7]
Explain how a named economic activity in an area you have studied is threatening the local natural environment. Name of area Economic activity
See it on the paper → - 0460/12 · February/March 2025 · Q5b(i)[3]
Using Fig. 5.3 only, state three ways that the natural environment is at risk from the iron and steel industry. (i)
See it on the paper → - 0460/13 · October/November 2024 · Q5a(iv)[4]
The route of the railway line will avoid Gombak Selangor Quartz Ridge and the Setiu Wetlands. Suggest how this should reduce the environmental impacts.
See it on the paper → - 0460/13 · October/November 2024 · Q5c[7]
Explain how economic activities can increase global warming. Refer to named examples.
See it on the paper → - 0460/11 · May/June 2024 · Q2b[3]
Describe the distribution of land-use zones in the city shown in Fig. 2.1.
See it on the paper → - 0460/12 · May/June 2024 · Q1a(iii)[3]
the problems which over-population may cause to the natural environment.
See it on the paper → - 0460/12 · October/November 2023 · Q2a(iv)[4]
Suggest two different types of pollution in the area shown in Fig. 2.1. For each type of pollution explain why it may occur.
See it on the paper → - 0460/13 · October/November 2023 · Q6a(iv)[4]
China and the USA use large amounts of fossil fuels. Describe the threats to the natural environment of using fossil fuels.
See it on the paper → - 0460/21 · October/November 2023 · Q4a[4]
four types of pollution shown.
See it on the paper → - 0460/21 · October/November 2023 · Q4b[4]
four reasons why it may be difficult to reduce pollution in a city such as Accra.
See it on the paper → - 0460/23 · May/June 2023 · Q6b(i)[1]
What percentage of carbon dioxide emissions is produced by agriculture? %
See it on the paper → - 0460/23 · May/June 2023 · Q6b(ii)[1]
Suggest another type of graph which could be used to show the information in Fig. 6.2.
See it on the paper → - 0460/12 · February/March 2023 · Q6a(ii)[2]
Using Fig. 6.1, identify the two inputs used by cotton farmers which will pollute local rivers.
See it on the paper → - 0460/12 · February/March 2023 · Q6a(iii)[3]
Explain why river pollution is a threat to the local natural environment.
See it on the paper → - 0460/12 · February/March 2023 · Q6a(iv)[4]
Explain how carbon dioxide produced by economic activities causes global warming to increase.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Some responses comprehensively evaluated the location using the features shown in Figure 6.2 in a National Park setting as a stimulus. This resulted in a range of both economic advantages and environmental disadvantages. Limited responses • Many candidates described some appropriate advantages and/or disadvantages. • Some points needed to be more clearly linked to Figure...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0460/22 Q6(b)(iii) (Cambridge)
The majority of candidates stated that they both increase and that the carbon dioxide fluctuates but temperature is more constant.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0460/13 Q5(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
This question was generally less well answered, with little understanding shown and some confusion with the ozone layer. Many candidates did not explain the process fully using the steps described in the mark scheme and often gained one or two marks only for referring to the fact that the heat is trapped and/or that this leads to a rise in global temperature.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0460/13 Q5(a)(iv) (Cambridge)
Past papers, syllabus and examiner reports © UCLES (Cambridge University Press & Assessment). Questions are matched to topics from the official syllabus. AssessPro is independent and not endorsed by Cambridge.