Overconsumption is a major concern in IB Geography, particularly within the Global Resource Consumption and Security unit. Overconsumption occurs when resources are used faster than they can be naturally replenished. This pattern is most evident in high-income countries, where consumption levels far exceed basic human needs, creating significant environmental impacts at both local and global scales.

One of the most serious environmental impacts of overconsumption is resource depletion. Fossil fuels, minerals, freshwater, and fertile soils are being extracted and used at unsustainable rates. As easily accessible resources are exhausted, extraction moves to more fragile and remote environments, increasing environmental damage and energy use. This reduces the availability of resources for future generations and undermines sustainability.

Overconsumption also leads to widespread pollution. Industrial production, transport, and energy generation release pollutants into the air, water, and soil. High levels of consumption increase waste generation, including plastics, electronic waste, and chemical pollutants. Many of these materials are non-biodegradable and accumulate in ecosystems, harming wildlife and human health. Oceans are particularly affected, with plastic pollution threatening marine life and food chains.

Deforestation and habitat destruction are closely linked to overconsumption. Rising demand for food, timber, and consumer goods drives the clearing of forests for agriculture, mining, and urban expansion. This leads to loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecosystems, and reduced carbon sequestration. Forest loss also contributes to climate change, creating further environmental stress.

Overconsumption contributes significantly to climate change. High energy demand, especially from fossil fuels, increases greenhouse gas emissions. Consumption-driven lifestyles involving private transport, air travel, and energy-intensive products raise carbon footprints. These emissions intensify global warming and increase the frequency of extreme weather events.

In IB Geography, it is important to recognise that overconsumption is unevenly distributed. A small proportion of the global population is responsible for the majority of environmental damage, while low-income countries often experience the consequences without receiving the benefits of high consumption. This raises ethical questions about responsibility and environmental justice.

Environmental impacts of overconsumption reduce ecosystem resilience and increase vulnerability to climate change and resource scarcity. Without changes in consumption patterns, environmental degradation will continue to accelerate.

Overall, overconsumption drives resource depletion, pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. Addressing these impacts requires reducing waste, improving efficiency, and promoting more sustainable consumption behaviours.

RevisionDojo helps IB Geography students understand the environmental impacts of overconsumption by linking consumption patterns to sustainability and exam-style evaluation.