28 Apr IB ESS New Syllabus
The International Baccalaureate (IB) has introduced a revised syllabus for Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS), effective from August 2024, with first examinations scheduled for 2026. This update aims to enhance students’ understanding of environmental challenges through an interdisciplinary approach, combining elements of both science and social studies.
ESS integrates knowledge from both the sciences and individuals and societies, allowing students to study the course as either a science or a social science, or even as both.
The curriculum emphasizes three core concepts—perspectives, systems, and sustainability—encouraging holistic thinking about environmental issues.
Structured Topics:
- Foundations: Explores perspectives, systems, and sustainability.
- Ecology: Examines how ecosystems function.
- Biodiversity and Conservation: Covers evolution, threats, and conservation measures. Water: Focuses on systems, access, pollution, and water security
- Land: Discusses soil, agriculture, and forestry.
- Atmosphere and Climate Change: Investigates causes, mitigation, and adaptation.
- Natural Resources: Looks into use, choices, impact, and waste.
- Human Populations and Urban Systems: Analyzes sustainability, urban environments, and air pollution
- Higher Level (HL) Extensions: Delve into environmental law, economics, and ethics.
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