Introduction
Resources are at the heart of environmental systems thinking, and in IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS), the 2026 first assessment syllabus highlights the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources.
This topic is central because it directly links to sustainability, ecological footprints, and global inequality. Students must not only define the categories but also evaluate their long-term use, environmental impacts, and management strategies.
Quick Start Checklist for ESS Students
When revising renewable and non-renewable resources, make sure you can:
- Define both categories clearly.
- Give examples of each type.
- Explain advantages and disadvantages.
- Connect resources to sustainability and ecological footprints.
- Use case studies in exam answers.
What Are Renewable Resources?
- Renewable resources can regenerate naturally within human lifespans if used sustainably.
- Examples: solar energy, wind, hydro, biomass, timber, fish stocks (if managed).
Strengths
- Sustainable when managed properly.
- Low greenhouse gas emissions (especially energy resources).
- Long-term availability.
Limitations
- Intermittent supply (e.g., solar and wind).
- Requires infrastructure investment.
- Can still cause environmental impacts (e.g., large dams displacing communities).
What Are Non-Renewable Resources?
- Non-renewable resources are finite—they do not replenish within human lifetimes.
- Examples: fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), nuclear fuels, minerals, metals.
Strengths
- High energy density and reliability.
- Well-developed technology and infrastructure.
- Cheap (in many regions) compared to renewables.
Limitations
- Major greenhouse gas emissions (fossil fuels).
- Pollution and health risks from extraction.
- Risk of resource depletion.
Resource Use in ESS
The syllabus requires you to connect resource categories to:
- Energy choices (renewables vs fossil fuels).
- Food production systems (renewable soil fertility vs unsustainable practices).
- Water resources (renewable freshwater vs overuse leading to scarcity).
- Carrying capacity (how resource use limits population growth).
Case Studies for ESS Exams
- Germany’s Energiewende: transition to renewable energy.
- Saudi Arabia: reliance on oil as a non-renewable resource.
- Norway: hydroelectricity as a renewable energy backbone.
- North Sea Oil: depletion and economic implications.
Renewable vs. Non-Renewable in Exams
Paper 1
Expect graphs of energy consumption, resource reserves, or ecological footprint comparisons.
Paper 2
Essay questions may include:
- “Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable resources with examples.”
- “Evaluate the role of renewable energy in sustainable development.”
Exam Tips
- Always define clearly. Start by distinguishing the categories.
- Link to sustainability. Discuss whether resource use is within ecological limits.
- Use case studies. Real-world examples strengthen your answers.
FAQs
1. Do I need to memorize energy percentages?
Not exact figures, but knowing that fossil fuels still dominate global energy use while renewables are rapidly growing is useful.
2. Are fish stocks renewable or non-renewable?
They are renewable if managed sustainably, but effectively non-renewable when overexploited. This nuance is exam-relevant.
3. Could this appear in Paper 1?
Yes. You might be asked to interpret energy mix data or resource availability graphs.
Conclusion
Understanding renewable and non-renewable resources is essential in ESS because it connects directly to sustainability. By mastering definitions, examples, and impacts—and applying case studies—you’ll be ready to tackle exam questions in the 2026 first assessment.
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