Practice Topic 6: Atmosphere and climate change with authentic IB Environmental systems and societies (ESS) exam questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank mirrors Paper 1, 2 structure, covering key topics like ecosystems, human impact, and sustainability. Get instant solutions, detailed explanations, and build exam confidence with questions in the style of IB examiners.
Paper
Level
Question 1
SL & HLPaper 2
The figure shows the change in stratospheric ozone levels above Lauder, New Zealand, and associated UV radiation index
(Sources: © Author(s) 2022. Weber et al., Global total ozone recovery trends attributed to ozone-depleting substance (ODS) changes derived from five merged ozone datasets licensed under CC BY 4.0 © 1996-2024 MDPI. Trends of UV radiation in Antarctica. Atmosphere, 11(8), 795. by Bernhard, G., & Stierle, S. (2020).)
1.[2]
Describe the relationship between ozone levels and the UV radiation index.
2.[1]
State one man-made factor that affects ozone levels in the stratosphere.
3.[5]
Evaluate the role of the Montreal Protocol in the protection of stratospheric ozone.
Question 2
SL & HLPaper 2
Source: https://www.scientificpsychic.com/etc/timeline/atmosphere-composition.html
1.[1]
Refer to the figure. State the one of the most abundant gases in the atmosphere about 4.3 billion years ago.
2.[1]
State the one of the most abundant gases in the atmosphere over the past 1 billion years.
3.[2]
With reference to Figure 1, identify two greenhouse gases.
4.[2]
Distinguish between the natural greenhouse effect and the enhanced greenhouse effect.
5.[2]
Identify two consequences of the enhanced greenhouse effect on the resilience of human societies.
Question 3
SLPaper 2
Figure 1: Concentration of atmospheric pollutants associated
with photochemical smog
1.[1]
Identify one primary pollutant from the pollutants shown in Figure 1.
2.[1]
Outline why the pollutant named in Part 1 is referred to as a primary pollutant.
3.[1]
Outline one reason why there is an increase in nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons early in the day.
4.[3]
Explain the changes in ozone concentration over the period shown in Figure 1.
5.[1]
State one environmental impact of the accumulation of ozone shown in Figure 1.
6.[2]
Outline two local conditions that may increase the severity of photochemical smog.
7.[1]
Outline the role of catalytic converters in reducing photochemical smog.
Question 4
SLPaper 2
1.[4]
Explain the process(es) where a species evolves over time to gain a higher tolerance to hotter climates or higher temperatures.
2.[9]
When addressing environmental issues, mitigation strategies can be seen as ecocentric and adaptation strategies as technocentric.
With reference to named strategies addressing global warming, to what extent is this view valid?
Question 5
SL & HLPaper 2
Figure. Atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide over time
(Source: Skeptical Science)
1.[2]
In 2015, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels reached 400 parts per million (ppm). Calculate the percentage increase from 1950 to 2015.
2.[1]
State a reason for the rise in carbon dioxide levels in recent times.
3.[3]
Explain the role of carbon dioxide in the greenhouse effect.
4.[3]
Describe an example of a negative feedback mechanism associated with rising carbon dioxide level.
Question 6
SLPaper 2
1.[4]
Outline two factors that affect the frequency and severity of photochemical smog in an area.
2.[7]
Evaluate strategies to manage regional acid deposition using the pollution management model.
3.[9]
To what extent have international agreements been successful in solving atmospheric air pollution and climate change?