Geography in the news is the topic of discussion for the Junior Cycle geography CBA 1. For this assessment, you need to discuss a geography topic that often comes up in the news. However, selecting what to do can be a pain. To make your life easier, check out these ideas for a geography CBA 1:
1. Wild Fire in Australia
I’m sure you are very aware of the Australian wildfires that start every year. Unfortunately, these wildfires are progressively getting worse and continue to cause massive harm to our world. The Australian fires have a particular impact on native wildlife and plants.
Wildfires in Australia destroy important farmland and disrupt food supplies, they also cause people to need to move to new homes, and they can accelerate the rate of global warming. There has also been heavy criticism of the Australian government for failing to act on preventing these wildfires from happening again. Suggesting how to reduce the risk of wildfires in arid continents like Australia is a great way of adding some extra marks to bump up your grade.
2. Volcanic Eruption in Tonga
In January 2022, a massive volcanic eruption occurred on the pacific island of Tonga. This enormous eruption pumped miles of ash into the air and caused a tidal wave that devastated nearby islands.
Your CBA 1 can focus on the impact of these eruptions and how a small country like Tonga could protect itself against future eruptions. You can even discuss how rising sea levels can make tidal waves more harmful in small pacific islands.
You should also analyze the size and scale of the eruption, with comparisons to other infamous eruptions that have caused major harm in the past.
3. Flash Flooding in Nepal
Nepal is a country that is frequently hit by flash floods. Flash flooding occurs when a large amount of rainwater or ice water suddenly hits an area, and collects into an inland flood that devastates communities.
This CBA 1 can explore the causes of flash flooding in Nepal, like melting glaciers in the Himalayas and increased water flow during the wet season. In addition, you can speculate on whether these floods will get worse and report on the loss of life and the cost of repairs attributed to flash flooding in Nepal.
This topic allows you to discuss climate change and how our actions can cause untold harm to some of the most vulnerable people in our world.
4. Freezing Temperatures Impacting Travel
In December of 2022, the temperatures dropped around Ireland to below-freezing levels. This caused massive disruptions to travel, with rail, air, and road travel all disrupted by the change in weather. You could research the number of travel disruptions in Ireland due to cold weather during this period.
You can also compare the weather for this period with how it was historically. This analysis can then be used to assess whether the weather is getting colder and whether the Irish government should have been prepared for cold weather disruptions. You can then recommend preventing these disruptions from occurring again in the future.
5. Impact of tourism on a coastal area
In this project, students can investigate the effects of tourism on a specific coastal area, including its economic benefits, such as job creation and increased revenue, as well as its social impacts, such as increased cultural diversity, and environmental impacts, such as increased pollution and damage to ecosystems.
6. Local transport systems
This project involves researching the different modes of transport available in a specific location, including cars, buses, trains, and bikes, and analyzing the benefits and drawbacks of each. Students can also investigate the impact of each mode of transport on traffic congestion, air quality, and public health.
7. Impact of urbanization and suburbanization
In this project, students can analyze the changes in land use patterns caused by urbanization and suburbanization and how they affect local communities. Topics of study might include changes in housing, recreation, and transportation, as well as the impact of urbanization on the environment and local wildlife.
8. Comparison of rural and urban areas
This project requires students to compare and contrast the physical and human characteristics of a rural and urban area, such as population density, land use patterns, and infrastructure. They can also investigate the advantages and disadvantages of living in each type of area.
9. Management and conservation of a national park
Students can research the management and conservation efforts of a specific national park or protected area, including the role of government agencies, local communities, and non-government organizations. Topics of study might include wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and visitor management, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with managing protected areas for both conservation and recreation.
10. Climate and weather patterns in a specific region
This project can involve researching the climate and weather patterns of a specific region, including average temperatures, precipitation levels, and extreme weather events. Students can also investigate the impact of these patterns on local agriculture and natural resources, as well as the potential impact of climate change on the region.
11. Water resources management in a watershed
This project involves studying the management of water resources in a specific watershed, including the sources of water, the use of water for agriculture, industry, and household purposes, and the impact of water use on the environment. Topics of study may also include the role of government agencies and water management plans in ensuring sustainable water use.
12. Natural disasters and their impact on a community
In this project, students can research the impact of natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods on a specific community, including the physical damage caused, the impact on infrastructure and transportation, and the response of the community and government agencies.
13. Mapping and analyzing land use patterns in a specific area
This project involves creating maps of a specific area to show the distribution of different land uses, such as residential, commercial, and industrial. Students can also analyze the impacts of these land uses on the environment, including the loss of green spaces and the degradation of water quality.
14. Biodiversity and conservation in a specific ecosystem
This project involves researching the diversity of plant and animal species in a specific ecosystem, such as a forest, wetland, or grassland, and the factors that affect their distribution and abundance. Topics of study may also include the impact of human activities on biodiversity, such as deforestation and habitat fragmentation, and the role of conservation efforts in protecting biodiversity.
15. Create a climate graph
Plot the average temperature and precipitation data for a specific location over a period of time and analyze the climate patterns. For example, you could research the climate data for a city and create a graph to show the monthly average temperature and rainfall. This activity will help students understand how climate is affected by different factors and how it changes over time.
16. Investigate the water cycle
Create a diagram or model to show the different stages of the water cycle and explain the processes involved. This activity will help students understand the importance of the water cycle in the natural environment and how it affects various aspects of life.
17. Map reading and analysis
Study a topographical map and analyze the physical features of a specific area, such as hills, valleys, rivers, and coastlines. This activity will help students develop their map-reading skills and understand how different physical features shape the landscape.
18. Coastal erosion
Investigate the causes and effects of coastal erosion on a specific beach and propose potential solutions to mitigate its impact. This activity will help students understand the impact of human activities on coastal ecosystems and the importance of protecting our coastlines.
19. Weather patterns
Collect data on weather patterns for a specific location over a period of time and analyze the trends and patterns. This activity will help students understand the various weather patterns that occur in a specific location and how they change over time.
20. River systems
Study the course of a river and analyze the different physical processes that occur along its length, such as erosion, transportation, and deposition. This activity will help students understand the dynamic nature of rivers and how they shape the landscape over time. Additionally, students will also learn about the various landforms that are created by the actions of rivers, such as meanders, oxbow lakes, and deltas.