Free topical revision checklist for IB DP Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS). Includes IA checklist. Track confidence (1–5), last reviewed and next review for 2026 exams. Rate your confidence (1–5), track review dates, then export as CSV or print.
| Topic | Sub-topic | Resources | Confidence (1–5) | Last reviewed | Next review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Foundations of ESS | Environmental value systems (EVS): ecocentric/anthropocentric/technocentric | Topic resources | |||
| 1. Foundations of ESS | Systems concepts: storages, flows, feedback, equilibrium | Topic resources | |||
| 1. Foundations of ESS | Models: strengths, limitations and uncertainty | Topic resources | |||
| 1. Foundations of ESS | Sustainability: natural capital, ecological footprint, SDGs | Topic resources | |||
| 1. Foundations of ESS | Fieldwork/research design; variables and sampling | Topic resources | |||
| 1. Foundations of ESS | Data handling: graphs, statistics basics, uncertainty and evaluation | Topic resources | |||
| 2. Ecosystems & biodiversity | Ecosystem structure: species, habitats, niches | Topic resources | |||
| 2. Ecosystems & biodiversity | Energy flow: trophic levels, pyramids, productivity | Topic resources | |||
| 2. Ecosystems & biodiversity | Population dynamics and community interactions | Topic resources | |||
| 2. Ecosystems & biodiversity | Biogeochemical cycles: carbon, nitrogen (and others as taught) | Topic resources | |||
| 2. Ecosystems & biodiversity | Biodiversity: measures and value; ecosystem services | Topic resources | |||
| 2. Ecosystems & biodiversity | Threats: habitat loss, invasive species, overexploitation | Topic resources | |||
| 2. Ecosystems & biodiversity | Conservation strategies: protected areas, restoration, policy tools | Topic resources | |||
| 3. Climate change & pollution | Atmospheric systems: circulation, albedo, greenhouse effect | Topic resources | |||
| 3. Climate change & pollution | Causes of climate change; feedback mechanisms | Topic resources | |||
| 3. Climate change & pollution | Impacts: ecosystems, health, food/water security, inequality | Topic resources | |||
| 3. Climate change & pollution | Mitigation vs adaptation; evaluation and trade-offs | Topic resources | |||
| 3. Climate change & pollution | Pollution: air, water, soil; point vs non-point sources | Topic resources | |||
| 3. Climate change & pollution | Biomagnification and persistent pollutants (as taught) | Topic resources | |||
| 3. Climate change & pollution | Management: regulation, technology, behavioural change | Topic resources | |||
| 4. Human systems: energy, resources & development | Energy choices: fossil, nuclear, renewables; EROI; efficiency | Topic resources | |||
| 4. Human systems: energy, resources & development | Resource use and waste: circular economy; life-cycle thinking | Topic resources | |||
| 4. Human systems: energy, resources & development | Water resource management; access, conflict and governance | Topic resources | |||
| 4. Human systems: energy, resources & development | Food systems: agriculture, fisheries, sustainability and trade-offs | Topic resources | |||
| 4. Human systems: energy, resources & development | Population and development indicators; demographic change | Topic resources | |||
| 4. Human systems: energy, resources & development | Environmental justice and inequality; policy evaluation | Topic resources | |||
| 5. Internal Assessment (IA) checklist | Research question: focused, measurable and ESS-relevant | Topic resources | |||
| 5. Internal Assessment (IA) checklist | Method: sampling design, controls, repeatability and ethics/safety | Topic resources | |||
| 5. Internal Assessment (IA) checklist | Data: quality, sufficient range, and appropriate units | Topic resources | |||
| 5. Internal Assessment (IA) checklist | Analysis: processing, visuals, statistics (as appropriate) and interpretation | Topic resources | |||
| 5. Internal Assessment (IA) checklist | Conclusion linked to evidence; avoid overclaiming | Topic resources | |||
| 5. Internal Assessment (IA) checklist | Evaluation: EVS considerations, limitations, improvements, extensions | Topic resources |
Tip: Pair this checklist with past paper practice and spaced repetition. Always confirm exact assessment components (SL/HL, options) with your school’s IB DP route for the 2026 exam session.