7.2.1

Question 1

Outline the effects of growing interdependence of global systems

Answer 1

A range of global systems have developed reflecting increased global interdependence

This means the success of one place is dependent on the success of other nations/regions

Conversely problems in one place can rapidly lead to problems in other nations/regions

Question 2

Outline 2 examples of economic interdependence

Answer 2

Countries rely on each other to buy and sell the goods that they need and produce

Dependence on flows of labour to provide a workforce

Question 3

Outline an example of political interdependence

Answer 3

Countries need to work together to tackle global issues
Political unrest
Conflict

Question 4

Outline 2 examples of social interdependence

Answer 4

Diaspora all over the world increase the social interdependence

Media (films, tv, music and internet) are increasingly consumed around the world rather than just in the country of origin

Question 5

Outline an example of environmental interdependence

Answer 5

Countries are dependent on each other to protect the environment and deal with global threats
Climate change
Loss of biodiversity

Question 6

Outline positive and negative impacts of unequal flows of people

Answer 6

Positive impacts
Economic growth in HDE countries such as Germany due to more people working and paying taxes

Reduced unemployment in LDE countries such as Nigeria as people can move to seek jobs elsewhere

Remittances can boost growth and development in LDE and EME countries e.g. India is the largest recipient of remittances receiving over $100 billion in 2022

Negative impacts

LDE countries may suffer from brain drain e.g. health professionals such as doctors and nurses leaving countries like Nigeria (long-term)

LDE countries may suffer from brain drain e.g. health professionals such as doctors and nurses leaving countries like Nigeria

Question 7

Outline positive and negative impacts of unequal flows of capital

Answer 7

Positive impact

Economic growth and development due to FDI, aid and remittances e.g. remittances account for 2-4% of India’s GDP

Improved quality of life due to more job opportunities and better infrastructure e.g. China has invested in high-speed rail links in East Africa which has boosted trade and business opportunities

Lower production costs mean cheaper goods for people and larger profits for TNCs such as Apple

Negative impacts

Local businesses may struggle to compete with TNCs e.g. smaller retail companies may close if a Walmart opens nearby

Outsourcing leads to deindustrialisation and unemployment in HDE countries e.g. in Detroit, USA

Environmental degradation and exploitation of workers e.g. Foxconn workers in China were forced to work long hours for low pay

Question 8

Outline positive and negative impacts of unequal flows of technology

Answer 8

Positive impact

Can improve quality of life due to access to better health care and cleaner energy e.g. vaccinations have significantly reduced cases of Polio in Nigeria

Can promote economic growth and development through creation of jobs e.g. installation of solar panels in rural Rwanda provided access to electricity enabling people to improve skills and productivity

Can lead to better education due to more access to information and technology via online learning platforms, digital textbooks and distance learning opportunities

Negative impacts

Some people may struggle to access the latest innovations due to patents e.g. patents on antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV made the medication unaffordable for many

Can cause environmental degradation and climate change due to pollution e.g. coal accounts for 70% of electricity generation in India