In AP Environmental Science (APES), case studies aren’t just filler content — they’re a direct link between textbook concepts and real-world environmental challenges. On the APES exam, especially in FRQs, you’ll often be asked to analyze a scenario involving specific locations, species, or environmental policies.
College Board loves authentic, data-driven examples because they test your ability to apply science to policy, economics, and ethics. Knowing a few high-impact case studies — and how to use them strategically — can make the difference between a 3 and a 5.
What Is a Case Study in APES?
A case study in APES is a detailed example of an environmental issue, event, or management strategy. It usually includes:
- Geographic location
- The environmental problem
- Scientific data (trends, measurements, or impacts)
- Human actions contributing to the issue
- Possible solutions or mitigation strategies
On the exam, you might see:
- FRQ #1 or #2: Graph/data analysis with a real-world scenario
- FRQ #3: Policy or proposal question using a known environmental issue
Top APES Case Study Examples to Know
1. Minamata Disease, Japan
- Issue: Mercury poisoning in coastal communities due to industrial wastewater from Chisso Corporation.
- Impact: Neurological damage, birth defects, and long-term health problems.
- Exam Relevance: Toxicology, biomagnification, water pollution, corporate environmental responsibility.
2. Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster (Ukraine, 1986)
- Issue: Explosion and meltdown at a nuclear power plant.
- Impact: Massive radiation release, human evacuation, long-term ecological impacts.
- Exam Relevance: Nuclear energy risks, ecological succession, health effects of radiation.
3. Aral Sea Shrinkage
- Location: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
- Cause: Diversion of rivers for cotton irrigation.
- Impact: Collapse of the fishing industry, increased salinity, dust storms carrying toxic chemicals.
- Exam Relevance: Water management, human alteration of ecosystems, desertification.
4. Easter Island Ecological Collapse
- Issue: Deforestation and resource depletion by human inhabitants.
- Impact: Loss of biodiversity, societal collapse.
- Exam Relevance: Tragedy of the commons, carrying capacity, sustainability lessons.
5. Love Canal, New York
- Issue: Neighborhood built over a toxic chemical dump site.
- Impact: Health crises, federal intervention, creation of Superfund program.
- Exam Relevance: Hazardous waste management, policy creation.
6. Three Gorges Dam, China
- Issue: Largest hydroelectric dam in the world.
- Impact: Displacement of people, changes in sediment flow, alteration of aquatic ecosystems.
- Exam Relevance: Renewable energy trade-offs, habitat destruction, sedimentation.
7. Ogallala Aquifer Depletion (USA)
- Issue: Overpumping of groundwater for irrigation.
- Impact: Declining water table, agricultural stress.
- Exam Relevance: Water resource management, agricultural sustainability.
How to Use Case Studies on the APES Exam
1. Name It
Always include the name and location of the case study. Example:
"The Aral Sea, located between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, has shrunk dramatically due to river diversion for cotton irrigation."
2. Connect It
Link the case study to the APES topic being tested:
- Pollution → Minamata Disease
- Energy resources → Chernobyl or Three Gorges Dam
- Tragedy of the commons → Easter Island
3. Explain It
Provide specifics — dates, causes, and quantified impacts if possible.
4. Evaluate It
Mention at least one solution or policy that addressed the problem.
Case Study Practice Question
FRQ Prompt: A country plans to build a new hydroelectric dam. Using an example from your knowledge, discuss one environmental advantage and one environmental disadvantage of such a project.
Sample Answer:
The Three Gorges Dam in China generates large amounts of renewable electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, it displaced over 1.3 million people and disrupted aquatic ecosystems, including the endangered Chinese river dolphin.
Tips for Memorizing Case Studies
- Use flashcards with:
- Name/location
- Cause
- Environmental impact
- Relevant APES topic
- Group by topic: pollution, energy, biodiversity, water, etc.
- Review at least once a week until exam day.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Being too vague (“a dam in China” instead of “Three Gorges Dam”)
- Mixing up locations or causes
- Forgetting to link the case study to the specific question
- Providing only one side of the story (benefit or harm, but not both)
FAQs
Q: How many case studies should I memorize for APES?
A: Aim for 8–10 well-chosen examples that cover all major topics.
Q: Can I make up a case study if I forget the name?
A: No — the College Board expects accurate examples. If you can’t remember a name, use a generic description but give detailed science.
Q: Will case studies always appear on the exam?
A: Not explicitly, but FRQs often benefit from including them as evidence.
Final Exam Day Tip
Bring at least 3–4 case studies to mind for each APES major theme. That way, no matter the question, you have a real-world example ready to strengthen your argument.
✅ From RevisionDojo: If you want our complete APES Case Study Master Sheet with summaries, diagrams, and FRQ-ready examples, download it free from our AP Environmental Science resource library.
