Explain why intensive livestock farming is considered unsustainable and damaging to the environment.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Intensive livestock production involves keeping large numbers of animals at high density, restricting their movement and maintaining a constant temperature to maximise meat and dairy yields.
Model answer (4 marks)
Intensive livestock farming is unsustainable because it produces large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
It requires vast areas of land, leading to deforestation and the loss of natural habitats.
The loss of habitats reduces biodiversity and can cause species extinction.
Finally, the system depends on non‑renewable resources and cannot be maintained indefinitely without further environmental damage.
It requires vast areas of land, leading to deforestation and the loss of natural habitats.
The loss of habitats reduces biodiversity and can cause species extinction.
Finally, the system depends on non‑renewable resources and cannot be maintained indefinitely without further environmental damage.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact phrases from the mark scheme (methane, deforestation, biodiversity, non‑renewable resources).
- Show clear cause–effect links between each point and the unsustainability.
- Keep each point concise – one sentence per mark.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up methane with CO₂ or not recognising methane’s role in the greenhouse effect.
- Failing to mention deforestation or biodiversity loss.
- Using vague terms like "environmental harm" without specifying the mechanisms.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Livestock produce large amounts of methane, which contributes to global warming / the greenhouse effect
- Large amounts of land / forests must be cleared / deforested to make space for livestock farming
- Destroying habitats / deforestation leads to loss of biodiversity / extinction of species
- Intensive farming is unsustainable because it relies on non-renewable resources / cannot be maintained indefinitely without depleting resources / damaging the environment
Related
- All Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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