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NotesESSTopic 1.3GDP and Green GDP
Back to ESS Topics
1.3.81 min read

GDP and Green GDP

IB Environmental Systems and Societies • Unit 1

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GDP, Green GDP & GNH

Big idea: GDP is the usual way to measure a country's 'success' — but it only counts money, not the environment. Newer indicators try to fix this.

Three ways to measure a country

  • GDP (Gross Domestic Product) — total money value of all goods & services. Drawback: it ignores pollution and resource loss, so GDP can rise while nature is destroyed.
  • Green GDP — GDP minus the environmental costs (pollution, lost resources). A more honest picture.
  • GNH (Gross National Happiness) — measures wellbeing, health, education and environment, not just money (famously used by Bhutan).
Exam link: "GDP can lead to unsustainable development" — because chasing GDP growth ignores the damage done to natural capital.

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IB Exam Questions on GDP and Green GDP

Practice with IB-style questions filtered to Topic 1.3.8. Get instant AI feedback on every answer.

Practice Topic 1.3.8 QuestionsBrowse All ESS Topics

How GDP and Green GDP Appears in IB Exams

Examiners use specific command terms when asking about this topic. Here's what to expect:

Define

Give the precise meaning of key terms related to GDP and Green GDP.

AO1
Describe

Give a detailed account of processes or features in GDP and Green GDP.

AO2
Explain

Give reasons WHY — cause and effect within GDP and Green GDP.

AO3
Evaluate

Weigh strengths AND limitations of approaches in GDP and Green GDP.

AO3
Discuss

Present arguments FOR and AGAINST with a balanced conclusion.

AO3

See the full IB Command Terms guide →

Related ESS Topics

Continue learning with these related topics from the same unit:

1.1.1Perspectives
1.1.2What shapes a perspective
1.1.3Values
1.1.4Where values show
View all ESS topics

Practice with flashcards

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1.3.7Ecosystem collapse
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Environmental Justice1.3.9

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