3.2.1.1 How atmospheric energy processes involving ultra violet (UV), infrared (IR) and visible light in the stratosphere and troposphere affect life-support systems

3.2.1.2 Global climate change: how interconnected natural systems cause environmental change

3.2.1.3 Ozone depletion

3.2.1.4 Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking

3.2.2.1 The impact of unsustainable exploitation

3.2.2.2 Analysis and evaluation of strategies for sustainable management

3.2.2.3 Ocean currents: the importance of thermohaline circulation in distributing heat and regulating climate

3.2.2.4 Increasing sustainability by treating contaminated water

3.2.2.5 Increasing sustainability by economical use and the exploitation of new sources

3.2.2.6 Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking

3.2.3.1 Minerals extracted from the lithosphere

3.2.3.2 Geological processes that produced localised concentrations of recoverable mineral deposits

3.2.3.3 Reserves and resource

3.2.3.4 How a range of exploratory techniques work

3.2.3.5 Factors affecting mine viability

3.2.3.6 Control of the environmental impacts of mineral exploitation

3.2.3.7 Strategies to secure future mineral supplies

3.2.3.8 Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking

3.2.4.1 The importance of biogeochemical cycles for living organisms

3.2.4.2 The carbon cycle including human influences

3.2.4.3 The nitrogen cycle including human influences

3.2.4.4 The phosphorus cycle including human influences

3.2.4.5 Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking

3.2.5.1 How human activities affect soil fertility

3.2.5.2 Causes of soil degradation and erosion

3.2.5.3 Soil management strategies to increase sustainability

3.2.5.4 Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking