Introduction
Climate change is one of the most important global issues, and in IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS), it is tested in multiple ways. For the 2026 first assessment, climate change appears across different parts of the syllabus: atmosphere, energy resources, land use, biodiversity, and sustainability.
Students often expect straightforward questions like “What is climate change?” but examiners usually design more challenging tasks—requiring you to analyze data, evaluate strategies, and connect climate change to other ESS themes. Mastering this topic means being able to think critically, use case studies, and apply systems thinking.
Quick Start Checklist for ESS Students
When revising climate change in ESS, make sure you can:
- Distinguish between the greenhouse effect and global warming.
- Explain the causes of climate change (natural and human).
- Analyze impacts on ecosystems, societies, and economies.
- Evaluate mitigation and adaptation strategies.
- Use case studies to illustrate both causes and solutions.
Climate Change in the ESS Syllabus
Climate change runs through several syllabus topics:
- Atmospheric systems: greenhouse gases, energy balance, enhanced greenhouse effect.
- Energy resources: reliance on fossil fuels vs. renewables.
- Soil and land use: deforestation’s contribution to carbon emissions.
- Biodiversity and conservation: extinction risks, shifting ecosystems.
- Sustainability: ecological footprints and carrying capacity.
