Evacuate the view that the threats to glaciated landscapes can only be managed successfully on a
global scale. (20 Marks)
Glaciated landscapes are formed by a combination of erosion, transportation and depositional
processes. Glaciated landscapes are victim to many threats which can arise due to economic
activities and opportunities, like tourism and exploiting the lands natural resources.
An example of a glaciated landscape that has been managed successfully on a global scale is
Antarctica. Antarctica is an example of total protection. The Arctic Treaty was put in place to protect
Antarctica and its ecosystems from threats and exploitation as well as freezing all sovereignty claims.
The Arctic Treaty states that; there should be no exploitation of minerals/resources in Antarctica, no
dumping of harmful chemicals, no military and military testing, strong rules on tourism and that it is
only available for research and scientists. This is a very strong argument as the Arctic Treaty, which is
globally recognised, is in place to protect Antarctica from exploitation and threats, which agrees with
the fact that threats to glaciated landscapes can only be managed successfully on a global scale –
making this a strong argument for this view.
Another global treaty that attempts to manage the threats to glaciated landscapes is the Paris
Agreement Climate Change accord. This global treaty has resulted in many countries initiating plans
to reduce carbon emissions in order to protect the environment and the major threat of global
warming. Global warming and climate change causes drastic changes to glaciated landscapes due to
the increase in temperatures which irreversibly damages the environment and precious ecosystems.
This is a strong argument is it shows how countries can work together on a global scale to initiate
plans and attempt to manage and protect glaciated landscapes. It also shows how threats need to be
recognised on a global scale in order for them to be managed successfully, therefor agreeing that
threats to glaciated landscapes can only be managed successfully on a global scale.
Another example of a glaciated landscape that is managed is Zermatt, in Switzerland. Zermatt is a
sustainable ski resort which is an example of sustainable exploitation. Zermatt has many regulations
in place to protect the environment. For example, cars are banned and instead there are free electric
bused which reduce carbon emissions. Zermatt has been globally recognised for being a sustainable
ski resort and has won many awards globally. This is a strong argument as it shows how an exploited
place can still be sustainable, however this doesn’t agree with the view that threats to glaciated
landscapes can only be managed successfully on a global scale as Zermatt is only managed by people
in the area and the local government.
The Yamal Peninsula in Siberia, is an example of total exploitation as the oil in the region is
exploited. This not only affects the ecosystems and wildlife but affects the people e.g. The Nenets.
This is a strong argument as it shows how exploitation needs to be managed globally and restrictions
need to be put in place to protect the Yamal Peninsula from threats.
Overall, I agree with the statement that threats to glaciated landscapes can only be managed
successfully on a global scale as the Arctic Treaty is a prime example of counties working together
globally to prevent threats and exploitation to a glaciated landscape.
global scale. (20 Marks)
Glaciated landscapes are formed by a combination of erosion, transportation and depositional
processes. Glaciated landscapes are victim to many threats which can arise due to economic
activities and opportunities, like tourism and exploiting the lands natural resources.
An example of a glaciated landscape that has been managed successfully on a global scale is
Antarctica. Antarctica is an example of total protection. The Arctic Treaty was put in place to protect
Antarctica and its ecosystems from threats and exploitation as well as freezing all sovereignty claims.
The Arctic Treaty states that; there should be no exploitation of minerals/resources in Antarctica, no
dumping of harmful chemicals, no military and military testing, strong rules on tourism and that it is
only available for research and scientists. This is a very strong argument as the Arctic Treaty, which is
globally recognised, is in place to protect Antarctica from exploitation and threats, which agrees with
the fact that threats to glaciated landscapes can only be managed successfully on a global scale –
making this a strong argument for this view.
Another global treaty that attempts to manage the threats to glaciated landscapes is the Paris
Agreement Climate Change accord. This global treaty has resulted in many countries initiating plans
to reduce carbon emissions in order to protect the environment and the major threat of global
warming. Global warming and climate change causes drastic changes to glaciated landscapes due to
the increase in temperatures which irreversibly damages the environment and precious ecosystems.
This is a strong argument is it shows how countries can work together on a global scale to initiate
plans and attempt to manage and protect glaciated landscapes. It also shows how threats need to be
recognised on a global scale in order for them to be managed successfully, therefor agreeing that
threats to glaciated landscapes can only be managed successfully on a global scale.
Another example of a glaciated landscape that is managed is Zermatt, in Switzerland. Zermatt is a
sustainable ski resort which is an example of sustainable exploitation. Zermatt has many regulations
in place to protect the environment. For example, cars are banned and instead there are free electric
bused which reduce carbon emissions. Zermatt has been globally recognised for being a sustainable
ski resort and has won many awards globally. This is a strong argument as it shows how an exploited
place can still be sustainable, however this doesn’t agree with the view that threats to glaciated
landscapes can only be managed successfully on a global scale as Zermatt is only managed by people
in the area and the local government.
The Yamal Peninsula in Siberia, is an example of total exploitation as the oil in the region is
exploited. This not only affects the ecosystems and wildlife but affects the people e.g. The Nenets.
This is a strong argument as it shows how exploitation needs to be managed globally and restrictions
need to be put in place to protect the Yamal Peninsula from threats.
Overall, I agree with the statement that threats to glaciated landscapes can only be managed
successfully on a global scale as the Arctic Treaty is a prime example of counties working together
globally to prevent threats and exploitation to a glaciated landscape.
