Geography Optional (Emerging Issues in Geography) by Anurag Pathak

Model Answer

Question #1. How might climate change-induced resource scarcity (water, arable land) lead to regional conflicts and potential border disputes?  10 marks (150 words)

Climate change acts as a threat multiplier, intensifying existing tensions over resources like water and arable land. This can lead to regional conflicts and border disputes, particularly in developing regions with weaker infrastructure and governance

Increased Competition:

• Water Scarcity: Droughts and erratic rainfall patterns due to climate change can drastically reduce freshwater availability. This intensifies competition between communities and countries sharing rivers or aquifers. The Nile River basin, for example, is a potential flashpoint as upstream nations like Ethiopia develop dams, raising concerns about downstream Egypt's water security.
• Land Degradation: Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can lead to desertification and soil erosion, reducing the amount of arable land. This forces farmers to compete for shrinking fertile areas, potentially escalating tensions between communities or even countries. The Sahel region in Africa is particularly vulnerable, with competition for land between herders and farmers already leading to clashes.

Forced Migration:

• Climate Refugees: As regions become increasingly uninhabitable due to water scarcity and land degradation, people are forced to migrate in search of better living conditions. This influx can strain resources in neighboring countries and lead to social tensions, potentially sparking conflict.

Examples:

• Syria: The Syrian civil war had complex causes, but a major factor was a long-term drought that devastated agricultural productivity and displaced rural populations. This created social unrest and contributed to the rise of extremist groups.
• Lake Chad Basin: This region, shared by Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and Nigeria, has seen a dramatic shrinkage of Lake Chad due to climate change. This has led to competition for water and grazing land between communities, contributing to instability and violence.

Potential Solutions:

• International Cooperation: Sharing resources through treaties and joint management of water resources can help mitigate conflict. The Mekong River Commission, for instance, fosters cooperation between Southeast Asian nations on water management.
• Climate Adaptation: Investing in drought-resistant crops, water conservation technologies, and sustainable land management practices can help communities adapt to changing climatic conditions.
• Conflict Prevention: Early warning systems for food and water insecurity, coupled with diplomatic efforts to address grievances, can help prevent tensions from escalating into violence.

By addressing resource scarcity proactively and fostering international cooperation, we can create a more peaceful and sustainable future in the face of climate change

Question #2. As megacities continue to grow,  analyze the emerging challenges in managing  waste disposal, energy consumption, and ensuring sustainable infrastructure. 15 marks (250 words)

As megacities balloon in population, their capacity to handle waste, power their growth, and maintain essential services is stretched thin:

1. Waste Disposal:

• Overflowing Landfills: With more people generating waste, landfills reach capacity faster. Finding new sites becomes difficult due to environmental concerns and public opposition.
• Inefficient Collection: Strained infrastructure and limited resources in sprawling cities can lead to patchy waste collection, creating unsanitary conditions and attracting pests.
• E-waste Surge: The growing use of electronics creates a new waste stream, often containing hazardous materials that require special handling.

2. Energy Consumption:

• Rising Demand: Millions of new residents require more electricity for homes, businesses, and transportation. This puts a strain on existing power grids.
• Reliance on Fossil Fuels: Many megacities depend on fossil fuels for energy, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
• Energy Inefficiency: Older buildings and lack of urban planning can lead to energy waste, with inefficient use of heating, cooling, and lighting.

3. Sustainable Infrastructure:

• Strained Capacity: Existing water supply, sanitation systems, and transportation networks struggle to keep pace with population growth, leading to shortages and breakdowns.
• Urban Sprawl: Unchecked urban sprawl increases the cost of maintaining infrastructure, as services need to extend over a wider area.
• Climate Resilience: Megacities are often vulnerable to extreme weather events like floods and heatwaves. Infrastructure needs to be adapted to withstand these challenges.

Possible Solutions

These challenges require innovative and multi-pronged approaches:

• Waste Management: Implementing waste reduction initiatives, promoting recycling and composting, and exploring waste-toenergy technologies can create a more circular economy.
• Shifting to Renewables: Investing in solar, wind, and geothermal energy can provide cleaner and more sustainable power sources.
• Smart Infrastructure: Utilizing technology to optimize energy use in buildings and transportation systems, alongside better urban planning for compact, walkable cities, can reduce overall demand.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between governments and private entities can help finance and implement sustainable infrastructure projects.

By embracing innovation and prioritizing sustainability, megacities can navigate these challenges and create a future where growth goes hand-in-hand with a healthy environment and a high quality of life for all residents.