Attitudes and actions

Welcome to the "Attitudes and Actions" Synoptic Theme!

If you are preparing for Paper 3 of your Edexcel A Level Geography course, you’ve probably noticed the letters (A) scattered throughout your textbook. These stand for Attitudes and Actions. This isn't just one chapter; it is a "synoptic theme"—a golden thread that connects every topic you've studied, from Tectonic Hazards to Globalisation.

In Paper 3, you will be asked to look at a specific part of the world and analyze why people think the way they do (Attitudes) and what they choose to do about it (Actions). Don't worry if this feels a bit abstract right now—we are going to break it down into simple, real-world pieces!

Quick Review: In Geography, Attitudes are the "Why" (beliefs and values) and Actions are the "How" (the things people actually do).

1. Understanding the Difference: Attitudes vs. Actions

Think of it like this: If you believe that climate change is a serious threat, that is your Attitude. If you then decide to walk to school instead of taking a car, that is your Action.

What shapes an Attitude?

People don't just pick their beliefs out of thin air. Their attitudes are shaped by:

• Identity: Who they are (e.g., a local resident vs. a CEO of a large company).
• Culture: Their background and traditions.
• Economics: How much money they have or need.
• Environment: Their relationship with the natural world.

What are Actions?

Actions are the result of these attitudes. In your exam, actions usually take the form of:

• Management Strategies: Like building a sea wall or a dam.
• Policies: Government laws about immigration or carbon taxes.
• Individual Choices: Moving house or choosing to recycle.

Key Takeaway: Attitudes are the *thoughts and values* behind the *physical things* (Actions) we see happening in the world.

2. The Spectrum of Attitudes: From Exploitation to Preservation

The syllabus (Topic 2A.10 and 2A.12) highlights a very important "spectrum" of attitudes toward the environment. You can imagine this as a sliding scale:

Exploitation (The "Profit First" View)

People with this attitude see the environment as a resource to be used for wealth. Example: A mining company wanting to dig for gold in a glaciated mountain range.

Conservation (The "Use it Wisely" View)

This is the middle ground. It means using resources but in a sustainable way so they don't run out. Example: National Parks that allow some farming but protect the wildlife.

Preservation (The "Leave it Alone" View)

This attitude argues that the environment is intrinsically valuable and should be kept exactly as it is, with no human interference. Example: Protecting "Wilderness" areas where no building is allowed.

Memory Aid: Use the "E-C-P" trick: Exploit (Use it all), Conserve (Use it carefully), Preserve (Don't touch!).

Key Takeaway: Different "players" (people involved) will sit at different points on this scale depending on what they want (e.g., money vs. beauty).

3. Direct vs. Indirect Actions

Sometimes the things we do have results we didn't plan for. The spec (Topic 2A.11) asks you to understand this difference.

Direct Actions

These are actions that happen on the ground and have an immediate impact.
Example: Tourists walking on a fragile tundra environment (Trampling) directly causes soil erosion.

Indirect Actions

These are actions that happen elsewhere but cause a change in a different system.
Example: People in cities burning fossil fuels. This releases $CO_2$, which warms the planet, which then causes glaciers to melt thousands of miles away.

Did you know? Even if you've never visited the Arctic, your daily "actions" (like using electricity) are "indirectly" altering the natural systems there!

4. Attitudes in Human Geography: Winners and Losers

In the human side of geography (Globalisation and Regenerating Places), attitudes are often about Identity and Economy.

Pro-Globalisation vs. Anti-Globalisation

• Pro-Globalisation: Often held by TNCs (Transnational Corporations) and IGOs (International Government Organisations) like the WTO. Their attitude is that free trade brings wealth to everyone.
• Anti-Globalisation: Often held by Environmental Groups or local communities who feel they are losing their culture (Cultural Erosion).

The "NIMBY" Attitude

In Topic 4A.11, you'll see the term NIMBYism. It stands for "Not In My Back Yard."
Example: A resident might agree that the UK needs more renewable energy (Positive Attitude), but they will protest if a wind farm is built right next to their house (Action).

Quick Review Box:
- TNCs: Usually have attitudes focused on profit and global reach.
- Local Residents: Usually have attitudes focused on "lived experience" and tradition.
- Governments: Often have to balance economic growth with keeping voters happy.

5. Why do Attitudes Conflict? (The Role of Players)

Conflicts happen when different "players" have different priorities. This is a massive part of your Paper 3 exam!

Common Conflicts:

• Economic vs. Environmental: Does a town build a new factory to create jobs (Action), or protect a rare wetland (Attitude of preservation)?
• Local vs. National: Does the UK government build a high-speed rail link (National Action), even if it destroys local homes and woods (Local Attitude)?
• Developed vs. Developing: Should a developing nation be allowed to use cheap coal to grow their economy, even if developed nations want them to be "green"?

Don't worry if this seems tricky! Just remember that everyone has a reason for what they believe. A person losing their job will have a very different attitude toward a new mine than a scientist studying a rare flower in that same spot.

Key Takeaway: Geography is rarely about "right or wrong" answers; it is about the conflict between different people's attitudes and the actions they take.

6. Managing the Future: Mitigation and Adaptation

When faced with a challenge (like water insecurity or climate change), our actions usually fall into two categories:

Mitigation (Stopping the cause)

Attitude: "We need to fix the root of the problem."
Action: Switching to solar power to stop $CO_2$ emissions.

Adaptation (Changing how we live)

Attitude: "The problem is here, let's deal with the effects."
Action: Building houses on stilts because sea levels are rising.

Final Summary Checklist for Paper 3

• Identify the Players: Who is involved? (TNCs, NGOs, Locals, Government).
• Identify their Attitudes: What do they value? (Money, Tradition, Nature, Power).
• Analyze their Actions: What are they doing? (Building, Legislating, Protesting).
• Spot the Conflict: Where do these attitudes crash into each other?
• Evaluate the Outcome: Who are the "winners" and who are the "losers"?

Pro Tip: When you read the Resource Booklet in your exam, underline any words that show emotion or opinion (like "unnecessary," "vital," or "threat"). These are clues to the players' Attitudes!