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NotesESSTopic 1.4
Unit 1 · Foundations of ESS · Topic 1.4

IB ESS — Sustainability

Topic 1.4 explores the meaning and measurement of sustainability, including ecological footprints, the precautionary principle, and environmental value systems (ecocentric, anthropocentric, technocentric). Understanding different value systems is critical for IB ESS evaluation questions.

1.4 FlashcardsExam technique guidePractice questions

Key concepts in Sustainability

Key Idea: Topic 1.4 is about whether human life and economies can continue **without exceeding Earth’s limits**. Exams usually want you to link **environment ↔ society ↔ economy**.

✅ Sustainability (triple bottom line)

Fast exam test: If nature/society/economy cannot **bounce back** after shocks → it is not sustainable.

⚖️ Environmental justice

In longer answers, show a chain: **inequality → higher exposure/less protection → worse health/income → inequality grows** (reinforcing feedback).

🌍 Sustainable development & indicators


👣 Footprints (key calculations idea)

If **ecological footprint > biocapacity** → **biocapacity deficit** (unsustainable).

🎯 SDGs (how to write this in exams)

Evaluation rule: write **one strength + one limitation**, then conclude with a balanced judgement.

What you'll learn in Topic 1.4

  • 1.4.1 Sustainability
  • 1.4.2 Environmental Justice
  • 1.4.3 Sustainability indicators
  • 1.4.4 Footprints
  • 1.4.5 Sustainable Development Goals

Exam relevance

ESS is assessed through Paper 1 (case study) and Paper 2 (short answer & structured questions). Concepts from this topic may appear in either paper, often combined with data analysis or real-world examples.

Suggested study order: Read the notes for each sub-topic below → test yourself with flashcards → attempt practice questions → review exam technique.

Study resources — 1.4 Sustainability

1.4.1

Sustainability

NotesFlashcards
1.4.2

Environmental Justice

NotesFlashcards
1.4.3

Sustainability indicators

NotesFlashcards
1.4.4

Footprints

NotesFlashcards
1.4.5

Sustainable Development Goals

NotesFlashcards

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Topic 1.4 Sustainability forms a core part of Unit 1: Foundations of ESS in IB ESS. Mastering these concepts will strengthen your understanding of connected topics across the syllabus and prepare you for exam questions that require analysis, evaluation, and real-world application.

Frequently asked questions

What does Topic 1.4 Sustainability cover in IB ESS?
Topic 1.4 covers sustainability as part of the IB ESS syllabus. Students learn key concepts, definitions, and real-world examples that are tested in Paper 1 and Paper 2 exams.
How should I revise Sustainability for IB ESS exams?
Start by reading the micro-topic notes to understand each concept, then use flashcards to memorise key terms. Practise exam-style questions to apply your knowledge under timed conditions and review the marking criteria.
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