Criterion B: Strategy (4)

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This criterion assesses the extent to which students understand how tensions between perspectives can impact the environmental or societal outcomes of a strategy that addresses an issue central to the student’s investigation.

You will describe an existing or developing strategy and then discuss the tensions that different perspectives have with that strategy. It is not appropriate for you to devise your own strategy. The strategy does not have to be in direct relation to your investigation, but it must have a connection to the research question. It is intended that the strategy criterion will allow you to show personal engagement with the issue.
Clarifications for Strategy
The environmental issue or strategy explored can be different to the one explored in the investigation.
However, the issue must have a clearly stated and credible connection to the research question.
Tensions arise from potentially conflicting goals and needs of groups with different points of view.
Developing Your Strategy and Perspective
When planning your investigation, make sure you cover these key elements to connect your strategy with the research question:
  1. Link to Your Topic
    Describe a clear strategy that directly addresses your environmental topic or issue and connects with your research question.
  2. Use Existing Strategies
    Your strategy should be based on established methods or approaches. Focus on understanding and applying an existing strategy rather than creating a new one from scratch.
  3. Identify Tensions
    Discuss any tensions that arise from the strategy, especially when seen from different viewpoints. For example, consider how the strategy may have different implications or challenges for various stakeholders.
  4. Present Contrasting Perspectives
    Include at least two different perspectives or worldviews on the tension you’ve identified. Explain the arguments each perspective might make, including their potential outcomes.
  5. Share Your Own View
    After discussing different perspectives, include your personal take on the strategy and how you view its potential impact.
Guidelines for Developing Your Investigation
  1. Defining Your Topic
    Pick a clear environmental issue, either local or global, and provide enough background research to support your focused research question. Ensure that your question directly addresses the chosen topic.
  2. Creating a Strategy
    Your strategy should be an existing approach or intervention that addresses the issue, such as a management plan or local action. For instance, a local effort to save a forest could relate to a question about deforestation and climate change. Your strategy should connect clearly to your research question.
  3. Understanding Tensions
    Tensions occur when different groups have conflicting views on the strategy. These could arise from ethical, cultural, economic, or political differences. Choose two contrasting perspectives to explore, and discuss each group’s stance on the strategy and the impacts of this tension.
  4. Example Analysis
    For instance, if a government establishes a national park, tensions might arise with indigenous communities affected by this decision. Analyze each perspective:
    • Government’s view: Protecting biodiversity through park creation.
    • Community’s view: Concerns over restricted access to traditional land.
    • Consider both positive and negative impacts, such as employment opportunities vs. loss of traditional practices. Include your personal viewpoint on the strategy and its impacts.
  5. Using Reliable Sources
    Support your investigation with credible references and data. Ensure that your sources are traceable and provide strong support for your arguments. Primary and secondary data can be used, depending on the nature of your topic
Additional Examples of Analysis

​1. Farmers and Fertilizer Regulations
  • Strategy: A government imposes regulations on when, where, and how much fertilizer can be used to reduce river pollution.
  • Tensions: Farmers may feel the rules are limiting their productivity, while environmental groups support the regulations to protect water quality.
    • Farmers’ view: Argue that restricting fertilizer use impacts crop yields and income.
    • Environmental groups’ view: Emphasize the benefits of reduced runoff, which protects local ecosystems.
    • Potential impacts: Farmers may need to adopt sustainable practices, which could have long-term benefits but short-term costs.
    • Personal viewpoint: Discuss the importance of balancing agricultural productivity with ecosystem health.
2. Reef-Safe Sunscreen in Tourist Areas
  • Strategy: A policy requires the use of reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral reefs from harmful chemicals.
  • Tensions: Tourists may resist the higher cost of reef-safe products, while local environmentalists advocate for their use.
    • Tourists’ view: Some may find reef-safe sunscreen inconvenient or costly and prefer traditional options.
    • Environmentalists’ view: Stress the need to prevent reef damage, as many reefs are at risk from chemical exposure.
    • Potential impacts: Tourism industry may offer reef-safe options, or alternative sunscreen policies could be proposed.
    • Personal viewpoint: Reflect on the importance of protecting coral reefs and how awareness could influence tourist choices.
3. Plastic Bag Ban and Small Retailers
  • Strategy: A city bans single-use plastic bags to reduce plastic waste.
  • Tensions: Small shopkeepers may struggle with the cost of alternatives, while environmental activists push for the ban to reduce litter and pollution.
    • Shopkeepers’ view: Argue that alternative bags increase operating costs and inconvenience customers.
    • Environmental activists’ view: Stress the benefits of reducing plastic pollution, especially in local waterways.
    • Potential impacts: Shopkeepers may adapt by offering reusable bags, potentially benefiting the local environment and public image.
    • Personal viewpoint: Consider the broader environmental gains versus the financial burden on small businesses.
4. Wind Farms and Coastal Community Concerns
  • Strategy: The installation of wind farms offshore to generate renewable energy.
  • Tensions: Coastal residents may oppose the visual and noise impact, while energy companies and environmental groups advocate for renewable energy sources.
    • Residents’ view: Express concerns about the impact on tourism, property values, and local fishing activities.
    • Energy companies’ view: Emphasize the long-term benefits of reducing fossil fuel dependence and generating clean energy.
    • Potential impacts: Local employment opportunities in renewable energy vs. potential disruptions to traditional lifestyles.
    • Personal viewpoint: Reflect on the need for renewable energy balanced with respect for local livelihoods.
5. Urban Green Spaces for Heat Management
  • Strategy: A city plans to increase green spaces to counter the urban heat island effect.
  • Tensions: Real estate developers may argue against reduced building space, while public health advocates support green spaces for cooling and recreation.
    • Developers’ view: Concerned about the impact on potential real estate and economic growth.
    • Public health advocates’ view: Highlight the cooling effect, improved air quality, and benefits for community well-being.
    • Potential impacts: Short-term costs for developers vs. long-term benefits for public health and environmental quality.
    • Personal viewpoint: Reflect on the importance of balancing economic development with sustainable, healthy urban planning.