Unit 9 - Essays - Sustainable Management of a Hazardous Environment

Question 1

With reference to a case study of a hazardous environment, assess the view that some of the problems of that environment are more difficult to manage than others.

Answer 1

With reference to a case study of a hazardous environment, assess the view that some of the problems of that environment are more difficult to manage than others.

Paragraph 1 – Persistent Volcanic Activity
Volcanic unpredictability at Soufrière Hills makes long-term planning difficult.
Dormant periods followed by sudden eruptions require continuous high-cost monitoring.
Paragraph 2 – Land Scarcity and Exclusion Zones
Over 60% of the island lies in an exclusion zone.
Forces population into overcrowded northern settlements with limited space.
Paragraph 3 – Economic Limitations
Collapse of agriculture, tourism, and tax revenue has hindered sustainable recovery.
Reconstruction relies heavily on UK aid; limited internal resources.
Paragraph 4 – Population Loss
7,000+ left between 1995–2000; only a third remain.
Small population slows recovery due to reduced labour force and demand.
Paragraph 5 – Monitoring and Trust
MVO provides world-class monitoring, but high cost and hazard fatigue erode public trust.
Some residents ignore evacuation advice due to repeated false alarms.

Conclusion
Judgement: Agree strongly – uncertain volcanic activity and lack of land are the most difficult to manage, while issues like monitoring and reconstruction are more solvable with funding and governance.

Question 2

Using a case study, assess the extent to which a hazardous environment can be sustainably managed.

Answer 2

Using a case study, assess the extent to which a hazardous environment can be sustainably managed.

Paragraph 1 – Risk Monitoring and Mapping
MVO enables early warnings and reduces loss of life.
Long-term sustainability depends on continuous funding and trained staff.
Paragraph 2 – Relocation and Land Use Planning
Safe zones like Lookout and Davy Hill created; Little Bay under development.
Effective but slow progress due to cost, labour shortage, and small land area.
Paragraph 3 – Economic Sustainability
Volcano and eco-tourism planned but limited uptake due to infrastructure and risk perception.
Fishing/agriculture remain constrained by ash and land loss.
Paragraph 4 – Social Sustainability
Most of population left; few incentives or opportunities to return.
Young people continue to migrate due to lack of employment/housing.
Paragraph 5 – Aid Dependence
£400m+ in UK aid provided basic services but created long-term dependency.
Weak internal capacity reduces independence and resilience.

Conclusion
Judgement: Sustainable management is partially achievable, but long-term success is limited by land scarcity, small population, and economic fragility. It is manageable only with continued external support.

Question 3

With the aid of a case study of a hazardous environment, assess how prediction and preparedness can reduce the impacts of the hazard(s) on lives and property.

Answer 3

With the aid of a case study of a hazardous environment, assess how prediction and preparedness can reduce the impacts of the hazard(s) on lives and property.

Paragraph 1 – Monitoring and Early Warning (MVO)
Seismic, gas, and deformation monitoring since 1995.
Enabled evacuations and helped avoid deaths after 1997.
Paragraph 2 – Hazard Mapping and Exclusion Zones
Risk zones (A–E) clearly defined; high-risk zones permanently evacuated.
Effective at reducing casualties, especially after 1997 eruption.
Paragraph 3 – Relocation and Safe Settlements
Populations moved to north of island (Lookout, Davy Hill).
Schools, hospitals, and shelters re-established in safer areas.
Paragraph 4 – Public Awareness and Education
Government communication improved over time.
Some mistrust remains due to hazard fatigue and repeated false alarms.
Paragraph 5 – Limitations and Resource Dependence
Expensive to maintain MVO; reliant on UK funding.
Small population reduces resilience; relocation efforts slow.

Conclusion
Judgement: Prediction and preparedness have been highly effective in reducing loss of life, but their full benefit depends on continued funding, land availability, and public cooperation.

Question 4

Using a case study, evaluate the attempted and possible solutions to the problems of sustainable management of a hazardous environment.

Answer 4

Using a case study, evaluate the attempted and possible solutions to the problems of sustainable management of a hazardous environment.

Paragraph 1 – Monitoring (MVO)
Success: World-class early warning system prevents loss of life.
Limitation: Costly and reliant on continued UK support.
Paragraph 2 – Relocation and Land Use Planning
Partial success: Resettlement in safer areas achieved.
Limitation: Little Bay development is slow; safe land is scarce.
Paragraph 3 – Economic Solutions
Attempted volcano tourism, geothermal energy, and small business grants.
Limited success: Infrastructure weak, hazard image deters tourism.
Paragraph 4 – Social and Population Stability
UK citizenship granted, but migration continues.
No major return of skilled labour or young population.
Paragraph 5 – International Aid
Mixed: £400m in aid helped short term, but created dependency.
Governance and bureaucracy slowed effectiveness.

Conclusion
Judgement: While some solutions (e.g., monitoring, relocation) have reduced risks, true sustainability remains difficult without major investment, economic diversification, and stronger local capacity.