Introduction
Case studies are one of the most powerful tools you have in IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS). For the 2026 first assessment, examiners expect students to use specific, well-chosen examples to support their answers in Paper 1 and Paper 2.
But how many case studies do you really need to memorize? The answer is: fewer than you think, but more than one per topic. ESS rewards students who use relevant, detailed examples, not those who try to memorize dozens of cases superficially.
Quick Start Checklist for ESS Students
When revising case studies, make sure you:
- Learn at least two contrasting case studies per major topic.
- Memorize key details (location, issue, outcome).
- Use case studies to support arguments, not as essays by themselves.
- Choose case studies that cover multiple syllabus points.
- Be able to evaluate successes and failures.
How Many Case Studies Do You Need?
- Minimum: 8–10 well-prepared case studies.
- Ideal: 12–15, spread across different topics.
- Maximum: Don’t try to memorize everything—depth matters more than quantity.
Case Studies by Topic
Biodiversity and Conservation
- Amazon Rainforest (Brazil): deforestation for cattle ranching and soy.
- Yellowstone (USA): wolf reintroduction and trophic cascades.
Water and Soil
- Aral Sea (Central Asia): water mismanagement leading to ecosystem collapse.
- Loess Plateau (China): soil restoration through reforestation.
Food Production
- Subsistence farming in the Sahel: low-tech, vulnerable to climate variability.
- Commercial farming in the USA: intensive monoculture, high ecological footprint.
Climate and Atmosphere
- Maldives: sea-level rise threatening island nations.
- Montreal Protocol (1987): success in reducing ozone depletion.
Urban Systems
- Singapore: sustainable urban planning, low footprint.
- Mumbai (India): rapid urbanization, challenges of waste and water.
How to Use Case Studies in Exams
Paper 1
- You may be given a case study in the booklet, but referencing your own examples can boost marks.
Paper 2
- Case studies are essential for essay questions.
- Example: “Evaluate strategies for sustainable land use.” → Use Amazon (unsustainable) vs. Loess Plateau (sustainable).
Exam Tips
- Choose versatile case studies. The Amazon can be used for biodiversity, land use, and climate change.
- Learn contrasts. Always have one “success” and one “failure” case ready.
- Keep details simple. Learn 3–4 key facts per case (location, problem, solution, outcome).
FAQs
1. Do I need to memorize statistics?
Not exact numbers, but approximate figures (e.g., “Amazon deforestation is equivalent to the size of Portugal every decade”) strengthen your answers.
2. Can I reuse the same case study in multiple essays?
Yes, as long as you apply it appropriately to the question.
3. Will examiners penalize me for using the same examples as everyone else?
No. Common examples like the Amazon or Maldives are fine, as long as you use them well.
Conclusion
For ESS 2026, you don’t need to memorize endless case studies—just a solid set of 12–15 versatile examples that you can apply across topics. By learning key facts, contrasting successes and failures, and practicing their use in exam-style questions, you’ll be fully prepared to score highly.
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