IB Environmental Systems and Societies • SL

Environmental Systems and Societies SL

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1 Foundations of ESS

1.1 Environmental Value Systems

1.1.1 Definition of EVS

1.1.2 Types of EVS

1.1.3 Evolution of EVS

2 Ecosystems & Ecology

2.1 Species & Populations

2.1.1 Definition of Species

2.1.2 Population Growth Patterns

2.1.3 Population Distribution

2.1.4 Niche and Habitat

2.2 Communities & Ecosystems

2.2.1 Community Structure

2.2.2 Trophic Interactions

2.2.3 Symbiotic Relationships

2.3 Flows of Energy & Matter

2.3.1 Primary & Secondary Productivity

2.3.2 Nutrient Cycles Overview

2.3.3 Carbon Cycle

2.4 Investigating Ecosystems

2.4.1 Fieldwork Techniques

2.4.2 Statistical Analysis

2.4.3 Ethical Considerations in Fieldwork

3 Biodiversity & Conservation

3.1 An Introduction to Biodiversity

3.1.1 Genetic Diversity

3.1.2 Species Diversity

3.1.3 Ecosystem Diversity

3.1.4 Measuring Biodiversity

3.2 Origins of Biodiversity

3.2.1 Natural Selection

3.2.2 Adaptive Radiation

3.2.3 Geological Events & Biodiversity

3.3 Threats to Biodiversity

3.3.1 Deforestation

3.3.2 Pollution & Biodiversity

3.3.3 Climate Change

3.4 Conservation of Biodiversity

3.4.1 Protected Areas

3.4.2 Wildlife Corridors

3.4.3 Captive Breeding & Reintroduction

4 Water & Aquatic Food Production Systems & Societies

4.1 Introduction to Water Systems

4.1.1 Hydrological Cycle

4.1.2 Freshwater vs. Saltwater

4.1.3 Aquifers & Groundwater

4.2 Access to Fresh Water

4.2.1 Water Scarcity

4.2.2 Water Management

4.2.3 Water Pollution

4.3 Water Pollution

4.3.1 Types of Water Pollutants

4.3.2 Eutrophication

4.3.3 Water Treatment

5 Soil Systems & Terrestrial Food Production Systems & Societies

5.1 Introduction to Soil Systems

5.1.1 Soil Composition Basics

5.1.2 Mineral Components

5.1.3 Organic Matter

5.1.4 Soil Water Dynamics

5.1.5 Soil Profiles & Horizons

5.2 Terrestrial Food Production Systems & Food Choices

5.2.1 Traditional Farming Practices

5.2.2 Modern Agricultural Innovations

5.3 Soil Degradation & Conservation

5.3.1 Erosion Mechanisms

5.3.2 Salinisation & Sodification

5.3.3 Soil Compaction

6 Atmospheric Systems & Societies

6.1 Introduction to the Atmosphere

6.1.1 Major Gases in the Atmosphere

6.1.2 Role of Greenhouse Gases

6.1.3 Atmospheric Pressure & Temperature

6.1.4 Solar Radiation & Earth's Albedo

6.2 Stratospheric Ozone

6.2.1 Chemistry of Ozone Formation

6.2.2 Role of CFCs in Ozone Depletion

6.2.3 Monitoring Ozone Levels

6.3 Photochemical Smog

6.3.1 Primary vs. Secondary Pollutants

6.3.2 Nitrogen Oxides & VOCs

6.3.3 Urban vs. Rural Smog

6.4 Acid Deposition

6.4.1 Sources of Acidic Pollutants

6.4.2 Soil & Water Buffering

6.4.3 Impact on Aquatic Ecosystems

7 Climate Change & Energy Production

7.1 Energy Choices & Security

7.1.1 Coal Extraction & Use

7.1.2 Oil: Reserves & Drilling

7.1.3 Natural Gas & Fracking

7.1.4 Solar Energy Technologies

7.1.5 Wind Energy: Onshore & Offshore

7.1.6 Hydroelectric Power

7.1.7 Geothermal Energy Exploration

7.1.8 Nuclear Energy: Fission vs. Fusion

7.2 Climate Change: Causes & Impacts

7.2.1 Natural vs. Anthropogenic Causes

7.2.2 Deforestation & Carbon Emissions

7.3 Climate Change: Mitigation & Adaptation

7.3.1 Carbon Capture & Storage

7.3.2 Reforestation & Afforestation

8 Human Systems & Resource Use

8.1 Population Dynamics

8.1.1 Population Growth Patterns

8.1.2 Demographic Transition Model

8.1.3 Factors Influencing Population Growth

8.1.4 Population Pyramids

8.2 Resource Use in Society

8.2.1 Types of Resources

8.2.2 Ecological Footprint

8.2.3 Sustainability & Resource Management

8.3 Energy & Equitable Resource Use

8.3.1 Global Energy Consumption Patterns

8.3.2 Energy Efficiency & Conservation

8.4 Sustainability & Conservation

8.4.1 Sustainable Development Goals

8.4.2 Conservation Strategies

8.4.3 Role of Indigenous Knowledge

2.2.4 Keystone Species

2.3.4 Nitrogen Cycle

3.2.4 Human Influence on Biodiversity

3.3.4 Overharvesting

3.3.5 Urbanisation

3.4.4 Conservation Education

3.4.5 International Conservation Efforts

5.2.3 Agroecology & Sustainable Practices

5.2.4 Impact of Pesticides & Fertiliser

5.2.5 Dietary Choices & Carbon Footprint

5.3.4 Soil Conservation Techniques

5.3.5 Role of Agroforestry

6.2.4 Global Efforts in Ozone Conservation

6.3.4 Technological Solutions to Reduce Smog

6.4.4 Building Materials & Acid Rain

7.2.3 Industrial Processes & Emissions

7.2.4 Transportation & Carbon Footprint

7.2.5 Polar Ice Melt & Sea Level Rise

7.2.6 Ocean Acidification

7.3.3 Kyoto vs. Paris Agreements

7.3.4 Urban Planning & Climate Adaptation

7.3.5 Role of Green Technologies

8.2.4 Overconsumption & Its Impacts

8.3.3 Equity in Resource Distribution

8.3.4 Role of Technology in Resource Equity

8.4.4 Challenges to Sustainable Development

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