Category: Geography

Should developing economies prioritise environmental sustainability over economic growth?

~ thegsaljournal ~ Leave a comment

Rehan (Year 12) Editor's note: Rehan, now in Year 13, wrote this essay in year 12. Developing economies face a critical choice between prioritizing environmental sustainability and pursuing economic growth, with climate change posing an urgent global threat that demands economic transformation. CPD Currently, the greatest threat to developing economies is climate change, and it … Continue reading Should developing economies prioritise environmental sustainability over economic growth?

Which aspects of physical geography have the strongest effects on the economic growth and/or output of a country?

~ thegsaljournal ~ Leave a comment

Reuben (Year 9) Editor's note: Now in Year 10, Reuben carefully researched and wrote this interesting essay on the role that physical geography plays in shaping the economy. Geography, including natural resources and access to water, plays a crucial role in shaping a country's economic growth and output by influencing its ability to export and … Continue reading Which aspects of physical geography have the strongest effects on the economic growth and/or output of a country?

Does expanding the gig economy contribute positively to sustainable economic growth?

~ thegsaljournal ~ Leave a comment

Nayonika (Year 12) Editor's note: Nayonika, now in Year 13, wrote this thought-provoking essay and submitted it to the annual Northeastern University London Essay Competition. CPD The “gig economy” refers to the idea of firms hiring freelancers and temporary workers rather than permanent employees. The gig economy currently is expanding at an exponential rate revolutionising … Continue reading Does expanding the gig economy contribute positively to sustainable economic growth?

Has the Demographic Timebomb already been Detonated?

~ thegsaljournal ~ Leave a comment

Hannah (Year 12) Editor's note: Hannah wrote this essay during her time in Year 12 at GSAL. It was submitted for peer review at Routes: The Journal for Student Geographers. Hannah is now studying Geography at the University of Durham. CPD The ‘demographic timebomb’ is often used to refer to the crisis that many countries … Continue reading Has the Demographic Timebomb already been Detonated?

‘Millions in Africa are poorer today because of aid; misery and poverty have not ended but increased’ (DAMBISA MOYO). What do you think?

~ thegsaljournal ~ Leave a comment

Hannah (Year 12) Editor's note: Hannah wrote this essay during her time in Year 12 at GSAL. It was entered into the annual Minds Underground Essay Competition. Hannah is now studying Geography at the University of Durham. CPD Dambisa Moyo argues in her book ‘Dead Aid’ (Moyo, 2010), that foreign aid has failed to promote … Continue reading ‘Millions in Africa are poorer today because of aid; misery and poverty have not ended but increased’ (DAMBISA MOYO). What do you think?

Does free trade actually benefit economies of developing nations?

~ thegsaljournal ~ Leave a comment

Rahul (Year 12) Editor's note: Year 12 student Rahul, now in Year 13, wrote this essay on free trade - little did he know how relevant it would be at the time of publication in May 2025, with Trump's tariffs and global trade arguably at a crossroads! CPD The impact of free trade on developing … Continue reading Does free trade actually benefit economies of developing nations?

Why do civilisations collapse? Is our civilisation in danger?

~ thegsaljournal ~ Leave a comment

Hanna (Year 11 student) Editor's note: Year 11 student Hanna submitted this excellent essay to the prestigious John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize 2024. In a strong field of entries from all over the world, Hanna's entry was recognised as 'Very Highly Commended'. The essay demonstrates excellent independent research, skilled synthesis of a range of … Continue reading Why do civilisations collapse? Is our civilisation in danger?

What were the most important impacts of the Industrial Revolution on urban living conditions in Leeds?

~ thegsaljournal ~ Leave a comment

Yuhan (Year 9 student) Editor’s note: This carefully researched and well-written essay was submitted to the annual Perse Aristotelian Award Essay Competition. CPD One major impact of the Industrial Revolution on Leeds is the quality of life led by residents. From when Maurice Paynel founded Leeds in 1207 [1] to today, the quality of life in Leeds, and … Continue reading What were the most important impacts of the Industrial Revolution on urban living conditions in Leeds?

What is globalisation and is it widening the gap between rich and poor countries?

~ thegsaljournal ~ Leave a comment

Naomi (Year 9 Student) Editor’s note: This excellent essay was submitted to the annual Perse Aristotelian Award Essay Competition. CPD “It has been said that arguing against globalisation is like arguing against the laws of gravity” Kofi Anann Introduction What type of challenge are we confronting? The combined wealth of the eight richest individuals is equivalent to the … Continue reading What is globalisation and is it widening the gap between rich and poor countries?