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'The environmental impacts of ore extraction will always be greater than that of water supply schemes.' With reference to a major ore extraction scheme and a major water supply scheme, assess the extent to which you agree with this statement. - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 5 - 2020 - Paper 2
Question 5
'The environmental impacts of ore extraction will always be greater than that of water supply schemes.' With reference to a major ore extraction scheme and a major ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'The environmental impacts of ore extraction will always be greater than that of water supply schemes.' With reference to a major ore extraction scheme and a major water supply scheme, assess the extent to which you agree with this statement. - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 5 - 2020 - Paper 2
Step 1
Reference to a Major Ore Extraction Scheme
Answer
One significant example of ore extraction is the Carajas iron-ore mine located in Brazil. The environmental impacts here include deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and changes to local ecosystems as large areas of rainforest are cleared for mining operations. Additionally, the extraction process generates significant waste material, which can lead to soil and water contamination. The scale of this operation contributes profoundly to greenhouse gas emissions, disrupting local climates and contributing to global warming.
Step 2
Reference to a Major Water Supply Scheme
Answer
Conversely, a prominent example of a water supply scheme is the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. While this project aims to provide water security to certain regions, it also involves significant environmental repercussions. These include alterations to river ecosystems, sedimentation, and potential water quality deterioration. While the project does not result in deforestation on the same scale as mining, it can still have localized detrimental impacts on wildlife and plant life linked to the alterations in water flow.
Step 3
Assess the Extent of Agreement
Answer
In assessing the extent to which I agree with the statement, one must consider the scale and nature of environmental impacts. Ore extraction, such as that from the Carajas mine, demonstrates profound and irreversible effects on large ecosystems not typically seen with water supply projects. However, this doesn't negate the significant challenges presented by projects like the Lesotho Highlands scheme, particularly in how they affect local communities and ecosystems. Thus, while ore extraction often leads to larger-scale environmental degradation, both types of schemes present serious but varying environmental challenges.