Current syllabus · First assessment 2026

IB · ESS

IB ESS Study Guide & Review

Connect scientific and societal perspectives on ecosystems, resources, pollution and sustainability, then choose SL or HL for exact resources.

Choose a level to open study resources

Question Bank, Mastery, Concept and Documents links become available after SL or HL is selected.

Syllabus shape

How the ESS syllabus is organised

See the top-level syllabus shape across SL and HL. Choose a course level above before opening its exact topics and learning resources.

8
syllabus groups
30
mapped topics

Shared across levels

8 groups
  1. Topic 1: Foundation
  2. Topic 2: Ecology
  3. Topic 3: Biodiversity and conservation
  4. Topic 4: Water
  5. Topic 5: Land
  6. Topic 6: Atmosphere and climate change
  7. Topic 7: Natural resources
  8. Topic 8: Human populations and urban systems

SourceInternational Baccalaureate Organization · Environmental systems and societies guide, first assessment 2026IB Environmental Systems and Societies · First assessment 2026·Exam pagePast papers

IB ESS questions

This page follows the IB Environmental Systems and Societies guide for first assessment in 2026.

It examines environmental systems using both scientific methods and societal perspectives, including decisions about resources and sustainability.

HL adds greater depth and distinct lenses in environmental law, economics and ethics, together with a different assessment structure.

The levels have different papers, timings, weightings and syllabus depth, so a level is required before opening resources.