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IB ESS HL 4.2.2 Factors Affecting Water Availability Questions

Analyse climatic, geological, demographic and economic controls on water availability.

Syllabus
First assessment 2026
Course
ESS HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • identify physical and human factors affecting water availability, including precipitation, evaporation, storage, population, agriculture, industry, pollution and infrastructure
  • explain how demand, contamination, extraction and replenishment determine physical or economic water scarcity
  • compare regions by linking climate, water stores, technology, population and environmental value systems to water availability

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Study 4.2.2—Factors affecting water availability conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

IB ESS HL 4.2.2 Factors Affecting Water Availability Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 2]
Figure: World population growth, 1750–2050

Figure:World population growth, 1750–2050

Figure: World population growth, 1750–2050 below shows world population growth from 1750 to 2050.

Philippe Rekacewicz, UNEP/GRID-Arendal]

The lack of food and fresh water may limit the rate of global population growth beyond 2050.

Identify two reasons that may cause fresh water supply to be limiting.

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