FortyFive › Revision notes › IB Environmental Systems & Societies › IB Environmental Systems & Societies: 7 · Natural resources
IB Environmental Systems & Societies: 7 · Natural resources Resource use, energy sources, solid waste. 3 subtopics, 14 key terms.
In this topic: 7.1 · 7.2 · 7.3
7.1 Natural resources: uses and managementKey terms Natural capital Natural resources that provide goods and services. Renewable / non-renewable Replaced naturally within a human lifetime / not replaced on a human timescale. Replenishable Renewed relatively slowly (e.g. groundwater). Natural income The yield obtained from natural capital (e.g. timber growth). Sustainable yield The amount that can be taken without reducing the natural capital. The value of a resource changes with culture, technology and economics (e.g. lithium became valuable with batteries).
The full notes, worked example and check questions for this subtopic are in the app.
Exam tip: Explain why the same resource can be renewable but used unsustainably (e.g. fish, groundwater).
7.2 Energy sources: uses and managementKey terms Energy security Reliable, affordable access to enough energy. Energy mix The combination of energy sources a country uses. Intermittency Supply varies with weather and time (solar, wind). Energy efficiency Getting the same service using less energy. Non-renewable : coal, oil, natural gas (high CO₂), nuclear (low carbon, but radioactive waste and accident risk).
The full notes, worked example and check questions for this subtopic are in the app.
Exam tip: Refer to a named country's energy mix and explain why it suits that country's resources and policies.
7.3 Solid wasteKey terms Municipal solid waste (MSW) Domestic and commercial waste collected by local authorities. Waste hierarchy Reduce → reuse → recycle → recover energy → dispose (landfill). Landfill Burying waste; produces methane and leachate. Incineration Burning waste, sometimes to generate electricity. Composting Decomposing organic waste into fertiliser. Waste generation rises with income and urbanisation; types include organic, paper, plastics, metals, glass, electronic waste (e-waste), hazardous waste.
The full notes, worked example and check questions for this subtopic are in the app.
Exam tip: Prioritise strategies higher up the waste hierarchy and explain why they are better.
← 6 · Atmosphere and climate change · 8 · Human populations and urban systems →
← All IB Environmental Systems & Societies topics
All notes, examples and questions are written by FortyFive. FortyFive is an independent resource, not affiliated with or endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organization. “IB” and “International Baccalaureate” are trademarks of the International Baccalaureate Organization.