Introduction
Climate change mitigation is one of the most practical and applied topics in IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS). For the 2026 first assessment, students must understand not only the science of climate change but also the strategies societies use to reduce its impacts.
Mitigation strategies are exam favorites because they demand critical evaluation—students must balance environmental, economic, and social factors. To prepare effectively, you’ll need to know the main strategies, their strengths and weaknesses, and real-world case studies.
Quick Start Checklist for ESS Students
When revising climate change mitigation, make sure you can:
- Define mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the source).
- Distinguish between mitigation and adaptation.
- Explain key strategies (renewables, reforestation, efficiency, policies).
- Apply case studies of successful or failed strategies.
- Evaluate effectiveness and sustainability.
What Is Mitigation in ESS?
- Mitigation = actions taken to reduce the causes of climate change (greenhouse gas emissions).
- Adaptation = actions taken to cope with the effects of climate change.
Exams often test this distinction, so always define both clearly.
Key Mitigation Strategies
1. Renewable Energy Transition
- Solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal.
- Strengths: reduces CO₂ emissions, creates green jobs.
- Weaknesses: high upfront costs, intermittency issues.
- Case study: Germany’s Energiewende policy.
2. Energy Efficiency
- Insulation, efficient appliances, sustainable transport.
- Strengths: immediate reduction in energy use.
- Weaknesses: requires behavior change, incentives.
- Case study: Japan’s Cool Biz campaign reducing air conditioning use.
3. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
- Capturing CO₂ emissions and storing underground.
- Strengths: allows continued fossil fuel use while reducing emissions.
- Weaknesses: expensive, not widely adopted.
- Case study: Sleipner Project (Norway).
4. Reforestation and Afforestation
- Planting trees to absorb CO₂ and restore ecosystems.
- Strengths: improves biodiversity, carbon sinks, and soil quality.
- Weaknesses: takes decades, vulnerable to deforestation pressures.
- Case study: China’s “Green Great Wall” program.
5. International Agreements
- Paris Agreement (2015): limit warming below 2°C.
- Strengths: global cooperation, targets set by nations.
- Weaknesses: relies on voluntary commitments, uneven enforcement.
6. Carbon Taxes and Trading
- Taxes on emissions or cap-and-trade systems.
- Strengths: economic incentive to reduce emissions.
- Weaknesses: unpopular politically, risk of loopholes.
- Case study: EU Emissions Trading Scheme.
Evaluating Mitigation Strategies
ESS requires you to evaluate sustainability:
- Environmental: How much do emissions decrease?
- Economic: Is the strategy cost-effective?
- Social: Is it acceptable to the public? Does it promote equity?
Exams reward students who compare strategies rather than just list them.
Case Studies to Use in Exams
- Germany’s renewable energy transition (Energiewende).
- Paris Agreement (2015).
- China’s Green Great Wall (afforestation).
- Norway’s Sleipner CCS project.
Climate Change Mitigation in ESS Exams
Paper 1
Expect data such as CO₂ reduction targets, emissions by sector, or renewable energy use. Be ready to interpret and evaluate.
Paper 2
Typical essay-style questions include:
- “Evaluate the effectiveness of international agreements in mitigating climate change.”
- “Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of renewable energy as a mitigation strategy.”
Exam Tips
- Always compare strategies—avoid one-sided answers.
- Use real examples like Germany’s energy transition or the Paris Agreement.
- Balance evaluation—even the best strategies have weaknesses.
FAQs
1. Do I need to know specific international agreements?
Yes. The Paris Agreement is the most important, but Kyoto (1997) can also be referenced for historical context.
2. Should I focus more on mitigation or adaptation?
Both are important, but this topic focuses on mitigation. Be ready to distinguish them in exams.
3. Could mitigation strategies come up in Paper 1?
Yes. Expect data on emissions reduction or renewable adoption, followed by evaluation questions.
Conclusion
Climate change mitigation is a central topic in ESS because it shows how societies attempt to balance development with sustainability. By learning key strategies—renewables, efficiency, reforestation, policies—and evaluating their effectiveness with case studies, you’ll be well-prepared for the 2026 first assessment.
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