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NotesESS
All Subjects

IB ESS SL Notes

Environmental Systems and Societies

Aimnova offers free IB ESS revision notes for the 2024–2029 syllabus, covering all 8 units from Foundations of ESS to Human Systems and Resource Use. Each of the 30+ topics includes concise definitions, diagrams, real-world examples, spaced-repetition flashcards, and IB-style practice questions with AI feedback — no sign-up required to read the notes.

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) explores the interactions between natural ecosystems and human societies. The course covers environmental systems, biodiversity, energy flows, climate change, resource management, and sustainability — equipping students with a scientific and ethical framework for understanding environmental challenges.

These notes are organised by unit and topic according to the official IB syllabus, helping you revise systematically for Paper 1 and Paper 2. Whether you are preparing for assessments or doing a final review before exams, this structured approach ensures you cover every part of the ESS course efficiently.

What's included

  • 30+ topics across 8 units, aligned to the IB 2024–2029 syllabus
  • Concise notes with definitions, diagrams, and real-world examples
  • Spaced-repetition flashcards for every topic
  • IB-style practice questions with AI marking and feedback
  • SL and HL coverage with level toggle
  • Free to access — no account required for notes

How to use ESS notes

  1. 1Start with a unit overview. Click any Unit heading to see all topics and key themes for that unit.
  2. 2Read micro-topic notes. Each topic links to detailed, exam-aligned notes with definitions, diagrams, and examples.
  3. 3Test with flashcards. Every topic has spaced-repetition flashcards to lock key terms into your memory.
  4. 4Practise exam questions. Apply what you know with practice questions and get AI feedback on your answers.
ESS FlashcardsESS Exam SkillsESS Revision Guide

Unit 1: Foundations of ESS

1.1Perspectives
1.2Systems
1.3Sustainability

Unit 2: Ecosystems and Ecology

2.1Individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems
2.2Energy and biomass in ecosystems
2.3Biogeochemical cycles
2.4Climate and biomes
2.5Zonation, succession and change in ecosystems
2.6Human impact on ecosystems (to redistribute to Topics 3 & 6)

Unit 3: Biodiversity, Conservation and Change

3.1Biodiversity and evolution
3.2Human impact on biodiversity
3.3Conservation and regeneration

Unit 4: Water and Aquatic Food Production

4.1Water systems
4.2Water access, use and security
4.3Aquatic food production systems
4.4Water pollution

Unit 5: Soil Systems and Terrestrial Food Production

5.1Soil systems
5.2Agriculture and food

Unit 6: Atmospheric Systems and Societies

6.1Introduction to the atmosphere
6.2Climate change—causes and impacts
6.3Climate change—mitigation and adaptation
6.4Stratospheric ozone

Unit 7: Climate Change and Energy Production

7.1Natural resources—uses and management
7.2Energy sources—uses and management
7.3Solid waste

Unit 8: Human Systems and Resource Use

8.1Human populations
8.2Urban systems and urban planning
8.3Urban air pollution

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