IB ESS HL 7.1.17 Hl Renewable Resource Extraction Questions
Practise IB ESS HL 7.1.17 by applying renewable resource extraction concepts to environmental systems questions.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS HL
- Level
- HL
Exam points
- explain why renewable energy is replenished but its extraction or infrastructure can damage ecosystems
- link dams, roads, construction, water flow, sediment, migration, habitat loss and fossil-fuel inputs to renewable-resource impacts
- justify the statement for a named renewable source by weighing carbon and energy benefits against ecological, social and lifecycle costs
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IB ESS HL 7.1.17 Hl Renewable Resource Extraction Questions question 1
[Maximum number: 7]
The use of renewable resources is not always sustainable due to the activities involved in their production.
Justify this statement for a named source of renewable energy.
eg hydropower (accept other valid examples of renewable energy): hydropower is renewable because the water flow is replenished by the water cycle;
building the dam will inhibit migration of fish reducing their populations;
involve the flooding/destruction of terrestrial ecosystems;
cause sedimentation that will lead to more flooding upstream;
involve use of non-renewable building materials;
construction/maintenance involves heavy use of fossil fuels/GHG production;
reduced downstream flow threatening riverine populations/species;
(reduced downstream flow threatening) associated terrestrial systems dependent on water flow eg floodplains/wetlands;
building of access roads/growth of recreational activity may lead to damage of terrestrial/riparian systems;
may increase water loss/scarcity through increased evaporation rates;
impacts of dam may reduce sustainability of local populations through eg reduced fishing/breeding ground for parasites/loss of agricultural land;
eg solar energy:
solar energy is renewable because of continuous input/insolation;
energy for panel construction/extraction of silicon involves use of fossil fuels/GHG production;
production utilizes plastics derived from (non-renewable) fossil fuels;
manufacture results in plastic waste that is non-biodegradable;
require metals/elements that are non-renewable resources;
(metals/elements) extracted through mining that damages habitats/ecosystems;
manufacture involves use/production of many industrial toxins/hazardous waste;
manufacture/operation requires considerable water supply (for cooling etc);
transport of materials for manufacture/installation impacts environment;
limited life span/decommissioning will lead to further waste;
solar farms can take up/displace large areas of natural ecosystems;
Marking guidance:
Award [3 max] if example of energy source is non-renewable or unnamed. Award [1] for each correct answer given above or for any other points of equivalent relevance, validity and significance, up to [7 max]. If candidate addresses more than one valid resource, limit total credit to highest scoring one.
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