CIE Environmental Management (0680)
Environmental management is split into 2 papers totaling 160 marks, both being 1 hour and 45 minutes each ONLY:
P1-Theory (80 marks)
This paper will focus mostly on definitions and processes
You will be asked to:
Fill in the blanks with identified processes
Interpret graphs
Define keywords
State features
Explain processes
To explain anything in environmental management, it is important NOT to write in paragraphs. Stick to small, condensed points only. You must also give a conclusion of the impact.
For example: Question from 2025 Feb/March 0680 variant 2
Explain how El Niño affects fisheries along the coast of South America. [5]
Write:
El Niño causes warming of surface ocean water along the west coast of South America (especially Peru and Ecuador).
The warm water reduces or stops the upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean.
With fewer nutrients available, phytoplankton populations decrease. This leads to a reduction in fish populations that depend on plankton for food.
As a result, fish catches decline, negatively affecting fisheries and the livelihoods of fishing communities.
When asked to suggest, you state a reason and then explain what happens or why it happens, and its impact. (You will most likely be given a picture/graph/information to use while suggesting)
An example question: A student concludes that in the USA in 2020, acid rain was not a serious atmospheric pollutant. Suggest two reasons why this conclusion may not be correct. [2]
Write:
• Acidification of water bodies: Acid rain can acidify rivers and lakes, causing fish populations to decrease or die even if pollution levels seem low.
• Corrodes infrastructure: Acid rain can damage statues of limestone/other vulnerable materials, leading to loss of culturally important statues or making buildings unstable/damaged.
When asked to describe, simply explain why something occurs and its impact by bullet points, very similar to explain questions, just for fewer marks, and the explanation is given step by step.
An example question: Describe how the natural greenhouse effect creates the temperatures experienced on Earth. [4]
Write:
Short-wave radiation from the Sun passes through Earth’s atmosphere and reaches the Earth’s surface.
The Earth’s surface absorbs this energy, warms up, and then re-emits it as long-wave (infrared) radiation.
Greenhouse gases (e.g., carbon dioxide, methane, water vapour) absorb some of this outgoing infrared radiation.
The absorbed heat is re-radiated back towards the Earth’s surface, reducing heat loss to space and keeping Earth warm enough to support life.
You must also know how to describe graphs. Usually, terms like peak/fluctuates/stable/lowest are keywords here.
An example question: [A graph was shown] Describe the effect of the El Niño year on the rainfall in California. Use information from the graph to support your answer. [2]
Write:
During an El Niño year, cumulative rainfall is much higher, reaching about 160% compared to 100% in a non-El Niño year.
Rainfall occurs earlier and more intensely: The El Niño curve rises more steeply, showing that more rain falls earlier in the year (especially from January to April).
You may be asked to draw a graph or a pie chart. For pie charts specifically, you must label all the angles and make your own key. Practice drawing bar graphs, composite bar graphs, and line graphs.
You may also be asked to identify from pictures. Usually, it is the water cycle or plate tectonics, or the formation of acid rain, so practice all three of these for those questions.
Lastly, you may be asked a question where you are given a statement and asked to what extent you agree with it.
You CAN NOT write I agree with/disagree with this statement. Instead, write I do not fully agree with/disagree with this statement as:
Then provide an explanation, cause, and impact for why it is correct (write partially correct if you disagree) and why it is wrong (write why it's partially wrong if you disagree/limitations) for the full 6 marks in this question.
An example question:
A farmer says: Genetically modified crops have more benefits than negative impacts. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer. [6]
Model answer: I do not fully agree with this statement, as genetically modified (GM) crops have both clear benefits and significant limitations.
Why the statement is partially correct (benefits of GM crops):
• GM crops can be modified to grow faster or produce more grain, leading to higher food production, which helps meet the needs of a growing population.
• Some GM crops contain genes that make them toxic to insect pests, reducing crop damage and improving harvest reliability.
• Because pest-resistant GM crops need fewer chemical sprays, there is less soil and water pollution and reduced harm to beneficial insects.
• GM crops can be engineered to tolerate drought, salinity, or poor soils, allowing farming in areas that were previously unsuitable.
• Some GM crops are designed to have higher nutritional value (e.g., added vitamins), helping reduce malnutrition.
• Higher yields and reduced crop losses can increase farm income and improve food supply stability.
Limitations of the statement (negative impacts of GM crops):
• GM crops may cross-pollinate with wild plants, spreading modified genes and reducing genetic diversity in natural ecosystems.
• Continuous use of GM crops can lead to “super pests” or “super weeds”, increasing long-term chemical use.
• Farmers may need to buy patented seeds every year, increasing costs and reducing farmer independence.
• The long-term impacts on ecosystems, soil organisms, and food chains are not fully understood.
• GM crops designed to kill pests may also affect beneficial insects, disrupting ecosystems.
• Public opposition and ethical issues can limit acceptance and create social conflict over food production systems.
P2-Management in context (80 marks)
Here, you will be given data at the start of the question paper. It is IMPORTANT to read it thoroughly and reference it for nearly every question, as you will have to give stated examples here. You must only focus on cause and impact, not definitions or identifications.
Memorize all the advantages and disadvantages of the theory, as they will be asked here. You will also be asked to describe/suggest from the data, and use the same checklist as P1 to score.
You will be asked a 4-mark question on sampling methods and 2 marks for their advantages and disadvantages, so ensure that is memorize.
Written by Avik Singh
Curated by Quinn Luong