Explain why reducing the carbon footprint of a country is difficult, even when governments and scientists agree it is necessary.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
1. Alternative energy sources are more expensive than fossil fuels, so reducing the carbon footprint requires higher costs for households and businesses.
2. Transport is essential for people and industry; it is not always practical or convenient to cut travel.
3. Planting trees to absorb CO₂ competes with land needed for food production.
4. International agreement is required, but countries may resist cuts that hurt their economy or development.
2. Transport is essential for people and industry; it is not always practical or convenient to cut travel.
3. Planting trees to absorb CO₂ competes with land needed for food production.
4. International agreement is required, but countries may resist cuts that hurt their economy or development.
Examiner tips
- Use the four points in order, linking each to a specific difficulty; keep sentences short and factual.
- Show cause‑effect: cost, practicality, land use, and politics.
- Use UK spelling and precise terminology (e.g., "alternative energy sources", "carbon footprint").
Common mistakes
- Mixing up cost of fossil fuels with cost of alternatives; stating that fossil fuels are cheaper. Assuming transport can be easily reduced without mentioning its necessity. Forgetting that tree planting competes with food land. Overlooking the need for global cooperation and political resistance.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Reducing carbon footprint often requires using alternative energy sources or cutting fossil fuel use, which is more expensive (than conventional methods / fossil fuels)
- Reducing travel or transportation is difficult because people and industries depend on it / it is not always practical to reduce
- Planting more trees (to absorb CO₂) uses land that could otherwise be used to grow crops (food)
- Global action requires international agreement / individual countries may be unwilling to reduce emissions if it affects their economy or development
Key terms in this question
Related
- All AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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