Practice 1.4 Sustainability with authentic IB Environmental systems and societies (ESS - Old) 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
HLPaper 2
1.[6]
Discuss the benefits of mixed land use in urban planning.
Question 2
SL & HLPaper 1
Analyze the following diagram of the circular economy:
1.[2]
Identify two key principles of the circular economy shown in the diagram.
2.[2]
Explain how the circular economy model contributes to sustainability.
Question 3
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[2]
Describe the concept of "sustainable yield" in resource management.
Question 4
HLPaper 2
1.[8]
Discuss the impacts of rural-to-urban migration on urban infrastructure and services.
Question 5
SLPaper 2
1.[4]
Using named examples, distinguish between the concept of a “charismatic” (flagship) species and a keystone species.
2.[7]
Explain the role of two historical influences who shaped the development of the environmental movement.
3.[9]
Discuss the role of environmental value systems in the protection of tropical biomes.
Question 6
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[4]
Describe the difference between weak and strong sustainability.
Question 7
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[4]
Outline two principles of sustainable urban planning.
Question 8
HLPaper 2
1.[6]
Explain the concept of green architecture and its benefits in urban systems.
Question 9
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[4]
Describe two examples of market-based instruments for promoting sustainability.
Question 10
SLPaper 2
1.[4]
Explain how feedback loops are involved in alternate stable states and the tipping points between them.
2.[7]
Earth’s atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide reached 400 ppm in 2016. Outline the potential impacts of high levels of greenhouse gases on human societies in different locations.
3.[9]
Discuss the consequences of changing global per capita meat consumption on the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity.