1.3.12—Sustainability indicators
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Objective
- 1.3.12
- Level
- HL
Choose an Indicator That Fits the Question
A sustainability indicator measures one dimension of a complex system; choose it to match the question, scale and decision.
Nitrate can track local water pollution, while carbon footprint tracks climate pressure. Combine indicators when the question includes social and ecological dimensions.
River nitrate falls after a treatment plant upgrade; that supports a local water claim but says nothing alone about social equity.
Energy cost share matches the social question; species richness measures another dimension.
One indicator is evidence about one dimension, not a complete sustainability verdict.