Introduction
Population growth is one of the most fundamental pressures on sustainability. In IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS), the 2026 first assessment syllabus treats population dynamics as a driver of many environmental problems, including food insecurity, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
This topic is popular in exams because it requires systems thinking—students must link human population growth to environmental, social, and economic impacts. By mastering these connections, you’ll be able to write high-mark essays and interpret data effectively in both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Quick Start Checklist for ESS Students
When revising population growth and sustainability, make sure you can:
- Explain how population growth increases resource demand.
- Connect population growth to ecological footprints and carrying capacity.
- Use population models (e.g., exponential growth, logistic growth).
- Apply case studies showing population pressures.
- Evaluate strategies for sustainable population management.
Population Growth in the ESS Syllabus
Population dynamics link to several ESS themes:
- Resource use: higher demand for food, water, energy.
- Carrying capacity: how many people the Earth (or a region) can sustain.
- Ecological footprints: per capita impacts multiplied by population size.
- Sustainability: balancing development with environmental limits.
