Climate Change: Causes, Effects and Human Responses
This subtopic introduces learners to the natural and human-induced drivers of climate change, such as greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and deforestation. It explores the local and global impacts, including rising sea levels and extreme weather, and equips learners to evaluate personal and governmental strategies for mitigation and adaptation, with a focus on the UK's transition to renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The WJEC Entry Level Certificate in Humanities (Entry 2) is a foundational qualification designed to introduce students to key themes in history, geography, and religious studies. It focuses on developing basic knowledge and understanding of human experiences, environments, and beliefs. This course is ideal for students who need a stepping stone to further study, as it builds essential skills in observation, description, and simple analysis.
The qualification covers three core areas: 'Exploring History' (e.g., local history, famous people, and events), 'Exploring Geography' (e.g., local environments, maps, and weather), and 'Exploring Religion' (e.g., festivals, places of worship, and moral stories). Each topic is taught through engaging, practical activities that relate to students' own lives, making the subject matter accessible and relevant.
Mastering this certificate helps students develop critical thinking and communication skills. It also provides a solid foundation for progressing to Level 1 qualifications in humanities or related subjects. By the end of the course, students should be able to identify key features of historical events, describe geographical features, and explain basic religious practices.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Chronology: Understanding the order of events in time (e.g., before/after, past/present).
- →Place: Recognising different types of places (e.g., city, village, beach) and their features.
- →Belief: Knowing that different religions have different beliefs, stories, and celebrations.
- →Evidence: Using simple sources (e.g., photos, objects, maps) to find information about the past or a place.
- →Change: Identifying how things have changed over time (e.g., transport, buildings).
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- This unit aims to enable learners to find out about the causes and effects of climate change and what individuals and the UK government can do to reduce risks posed by climate change. It looks at how the UK will meet its future energy needs in a more sustainable manner by developing and making more use of renewable energy sources.
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for clearly identifying at least two human activities that contribute to climate change, such as burning coal for electricity or cutting down forests.
- Evidence must show understanding of one effect of climate change on the UK, for example increased flooding, and link it to a specific risk.
- For higher marks, learners should describe one individual action (e.g., reducing car use) and one UK government policy (e.g., promoting offshore wind farms) that address climate change.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡When discussing effects, always use location-specific examples, e.g., 'coastal erosion in Norfolk' rather than vague global statements.
- 💡In assignments, link causes and effects clearly: for instance, explain how burning fossil fuels releases CO2, which thickens the greenhouse layer, trapping more heat and leading to melting ice caps.
- 💡Use key vocabulary from the specification in your answers, such as 'chronology', 'evidence', 'belief', and 'environment'. This shows the examiner you understand the topic.
- 💡When describing a source (e.g., a photo or map), mention at least two specific details you can see. For example, 'The photo shows a church with a tall spire and a cross on top.'
- 💡Always link your answers to the question. If asked about change, give an example of something that has changed and explain how it is different now.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Confusing climate change with day-to-day weather fluctuations, leading to statements like 'it was cold today so global warming isn't real'.
- Assuming all greenhouse gases are bad, without recognising the natural greenhouse effect that keeps Earth warm enough for life.
- Stating that all renewable energy is completely clean, overlooking impacts like land use for wind farms or manufacturing solar panels.
- Misconception: History is just a list of dates. Correction: History is about understanding why events happened and how they affect people's lives, not just memorising dates.
- Misconception: Geography is only about naming countries and capitals. Correction: Geography also involves understanding landscapes, weather, and how people interact with their environment.
- Misconception: All religions are the same. Correction: While religions share some common ideas, each has unique beliefs, practices, and stories that are important to their followers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for WJEC-CBAC Climate Change: Causes, Effects and Human Responses
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Basic literacy and numeracy skills (e.g., reading simple sentences, counting, and using a calendar).
- •Familiarity with everyday concepts of time (e.g., days of the week, seasons) and place (e.g., home, school, local area).
- •No prior knowledge of humanities is required, but an interest in people, places, and stories is helpful.
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- This unit aims to enable learners to find out about the causes and effects of climate change and what individuals and the UK government can do to reduce risks posed by climate change. It looks at how the UK will meet its future energy needs in a more sustainable manner by developing and making more use of renewable energy sources.
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