IB ESS HL 7.1.17 Renewable resource extraction Question Bank
Practise IB ESS HL 7.1.17 by applying renewable resource extraction concepts to exam-style environmental systems questions.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS HL
- Level
- HL
Exam points
- identify the relevant environmental system, process or evidence
- apply the correct ESS concept and explain the causal relationship
- evaluate the outcome using ecological, social or management evidence
7.1.17 (HL)—Renewable resource extraction 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.
All question bank results loaded