O-LevelGeographyEconomic development2217/12 · Oct/Nov 2022 · Q625 Marks

(a) Study Fig. 6.1, which shows information about the generation of electricity in Germany (an MEDC in Europe) in 2019. [Figure 6.1] (b) Study Fig. 6.2, which is a scatter graph showing information about GDP per person (a measure of wealth) and electricity use per person. [Figure 6.2]

(a)(i)Complete Fig. 6.1 to show the following information: percentage of electricity produced from natural gas = 16%[1]
(a)(ii)Name two types of renewable energy which could be included in the bar for 'other renewables'. 1 2[2]
(a)(iii)Using Fig. 6.1 only, compare the use of renewable and non-renewable energy in Germany. Use statistics in your answer.[3]
(a)(iv)Germany generated twice as much electricity from renewable sources in 2019 than it did in 2010. Suggest reasons for this increase.[4]
(b)(i)Describe the relationship between GDP per person and electricity use per person shown by Fig. 6.2. Use examples of countries and statistics to support your answer.[3]
(b)(ii)Many countries use large amounts of electricity. Explain why there are concerns about the impacts of electricity generation on the global natural environment.[5]
(c)For an area you have studied, explain how the risks to the local natural environment of a named economic activity are being managed. Name of area ........................................................... Economic activity ...........................................................[7]

This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] Completion of bar at 16%
[1] HEP/hydro/hydel;
[1] Geothermal;
[1] Tidal power;
[1] Wave power;
[1] Biomass/methane etc.
[1] More from non-renewable;
[1] More non-renewable coal is used than renewable wind/solar;
[1] Coal 30% compared with wind 23%/solar 10%;
[1] There are more different types of renewable energy than non-renewable;
[1] 46% non-renewable but 41% renewable etc.
[1] Non-renewable sources need replacing/are being depleted/are hard to obtain/are finite;
[1] Cheap running costs/high (increasing)/fluctuating cost of non-renewables;
[1] Renewables will not run out;
[1] Renewable energy does not pollute the atmosphere;
[1] Need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions/slow down global warming;
[1] Renewable energy does not produce waste;
[1] Renewable energy does not pollute water courses;
[1] Pressure groups/protest/International agreements;
[1] Better technology developed to generate renewable energy etc.
[1] Positive connection/higher GDP higher use of energy;
[1] Relationship is not exact/anomalies/weak relationship;
[1] Statistics for two countries to support positive relationship or anomaly; (two countries required with data for each variable);
[1] E.g., China 6500 (GDP)/3200 (kWh) and Canada 52500 (GDP)/14600 (kWh) (allow 500 tolerance either way) etc.
[1] Production of carbon dioxide/greenhouse gases/carbon emissions;
[1] Enhances global warming;
[1] Melting ice caps;
[1] Worries about rise in sea level/flooding of coastal lowlands or islands;
[1] And increasing droughts/heat waves/more extremes of climate;
[1] Production of oxides of sulphur;
[1] Causes acid rain;
[1] May result in radiation leaks;
[1] Deforestation;
[1] Loss of habitat;
[1] Less plants to absorb carbon dioxide;
[1] Impact on food chains/migration patterns;
[1] Loss of species/extinction/reduction in biodiversity etc.
Level 1 (1-3 marks): Statements including limited detail which describe how risks of an economic activity to the local natural environment are being managed.
Level 2 (4-6 marks): Uses named example. More developed statements which explain how risks of an economic activity to the local natural environment are being managed.
Level 3 (7 marks): Uses named example. Comprehensive and accurate statements including some place specific reference.
Content Guide (for 6c): Answers are likely to refer to: Logging; Tourism; Manufacturing industry; Quarrying; Agriculture etc. Management strategies are likely to include: Planning restrictions; Legislation; Protection of ecosystems; National Parks; Control of numbers; Technological improvements; Use of renewable energy etc. Place specific reference is likely to consist of: Locational details/names of places within chosen area, Specific details/statistics.