Welsh Baccalaureate (Welsh Bacc) Global Citizenship Challenge Syllabus

What is the 'five ways of working' under the Welsh Future Generations Act?

Long-term thinking, prevention, integration, collaboration, and involvement.

What is the greenhouse effect?

The process by which greenhouse gases (e.g. $\ce{CO2}$, $\ce{CH4}$) in the atmosphere trap heat radiated from the Earth's surface, warming the planet.

Name three major greenhouse gases.

Carbon dioxide ($\ce{CO2}$), methane ($\ce{CH4}$) and nitrous oxide ($\ce{N2O}$).

What is the main human cause of climate change?

The burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas), which releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, enhancing the greenhouse effect.

What was the key target of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change?

To limit global average temperature rise to well below $2\,^{\circ}\text{C}$ above pre-industrial levels, pursuing efforts to limit it to $1.5\,^{\circ}\text{C}$.

What does 'carbon footprint' mean?

The total amount of greenhouse gases (expressed as $\ce{CO2}$ equivalent) produced directly and indirectly by an individual, organisation, activity or product.

Distinguish between climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Mitigation reduces or prevents greenhouse gas emissions (e.g. renewable energy); adaptation adjusts to the effects of climate change already happening (e.g. flood defences).

What does 'net zero' mean as a climate target?

Achieving a balance where greenhouse gas emissions added to the atmosphere are equal to those removed, giving no net increase.

Distinguish between absolute poverty and relative poverty.

Absolute poverty is lacking the basic means for survival (food, shelter, clean water); relative poverty is having far less income/resources than the average in one's own society.

What is the World Bank's commonly cited international extreme-poverty line (2022 update)?

Living on less than about \$2.15 per person per day (in 2017 purchasing-power-parity dollars).

Define 'inequality' in a global context.

The unequal distribution of resources, wealth, income, power or opportunities between individuals, groups or countries.

What is Fair Trade?

A movement and certification system ensuring producers in developing countries receive fair prices, decent working conditions and a social premium for community development.

What does the Fairtrade Mark guarantee to producers?

A minimum guaranteed price for their goods plus an additional Fairtrade Premium to invest in their community or business.

What is the 'development gap'?

The difference in wealth, living standards and quality of life between the richest (more economically developed) and poorest (less economically developed) countries.

Give two common indicators used to measure a country's development.

GDP per capita and the Human Development Index (HDI); also life expectancy and literacy rates.

What three dimensions make up the Human Development Index (HDI)?

A long and healthy life (life expectancy), knowledge (education/schooling), and a decent standard of living (GNI per capita).

Distinguish between a refugee and an economic migrant.

A refugee is forced to flee their country due to persecution, war or violence and cannot safely return; an economic migrant chooses to move mainly to find work or improve living standards.

What are 'push' and 'pull' factors in migration?

Push factors drive people away from a place (e.g. war, poverty, persecution); pull factors attract people to a new place (e.g. jobs, safety, better services).

What is an asylum seeker?

A person who has fled their country and formally applied for protection (asylum) in another country, awaiting a decision on their refugee status.

Name two common causes of conflict that drive migration and human rights crises.

Competition over resources (e.g. land, water, oil) and political, ethnic or religious tensions/persecution.

What is a stakeholder in the analysis of a global issue?

Any person, group or organisation with an interest in, or who is affected by or can affect, the issue (e.g. governments, businesses, NGOs, communities, individuals).

When selecting a global issue to research, what makes a good choice?

An issue that is relevant, of genuine global significance, manageable in scope, has reliable evidence available, and allows analysis of causes, effects and possible solutions.

What is the difference between a primary and a secondary source in research?

A primary source is original/first-hand evidence (e.g. interviews, surveys you conduct); a secondary source interprets or reports on primary data (e.g. textbooks, news articles, reports).

Why is it important to evaluate the reliability of sources?

To ensure information is accurate, current, unbiased and credible, so conclusions and recommendations are trustworthy rather than based on misinformation or bias.

What does it mean to analyse the 'causes' and 'effects' of a global issue?

Causes are the underlying reasons the issue exists or arises; effects are the consequences or impacts it has on people, communities, economies and the environment.

What is the difference between a cause and a consequence (effect)?

A cause is what leads to or triggers the issue; a consequence/effect is the result or outcome that follows from it.

When proposing solutions to a global issue, what should a strong proposal consider?

Whether the solution is realistic, sustainable, who would implement it, costs and benefits, and its impact on different stakeholders (feasibility and effectiveness).

Distinguish between 'global' action and 'local' action on an issue.

Global action involves international cooperation, treaties or organisations (e.g. UN); local action involves individuals and communities making changes in their own area (e.g. recycling, fundraising).

What does the slogan 'think globally, act locally' mean?

Consider the wider global impact of issues while taking practical action within your own community to contribute to global change.

When communicating findings and recommendations, what should you tailor to your audience?

The language, format, tone and level of detail — choosing an appropriate medium (e.g. presentation, report, poster, campaign) so the message is clear, persuasive and accessible to that audience.