IB ESS HL 7.1 Natural Resources Uses and Management Questions

Practise IB ESS HL 7.1 by linking natural-capital stocks and income to sustainable use, resource security and the choices that shape management.

Exam points

Explain natural capital as a stock, and natural income and ecosystem services as flows, using named examples.
Classify renewable, replenishable and non-renewable resources; distinguish renewability from sustainable use and yield.
Explain changing resource values and assess economic, cultural, environmental and other influences on resource-use choices.
Compare resource security in named societies; explain how uneven distribution and demand can create insecurity or conflict.
Evaluate renewable extraction by weighing supply and economic gains against ecosystem damage and long-term sustainability.
Evaluate EIAs using baseline evidence, impact prediction, mitigation, stakeholder participation and monitoring.
Assess resource-security strategies and how globalization affects supply, interdependence and national security.

Covered syllabus points

7.1.1—Natural resources definition 7.1.2—Natural capital 7.1.3—Natural income 7.1.4—"Natural capital" perspective 7.1.5—Ecosystem services 7.1.6—Resource classification 7.1.7—Natural capital value types 7.1.8—Dynamic natural capital value 7.1.9—Sustainable natural capital use 7.1.10—Resource security 7.1.11—Resource-use choices 7.1.12 (HL)—Natural capital management strategies 7.1.13 (HL)—SDGs and resource management 7.1.14 (HL)—Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)7.1.15 (HL)—EIA guidance variation 7.1.16 (HL)—Public EIAs 7.1.17 (HL)—Renewable resource extraction 7.1.18 (HL)—Short-term economic interests 7.1.19 (HL)—Resource insecurity impacts 7.1.20 (HL)—Resource security strategies 7.1.21 (HL)—Economic globalization

[Maximum number: 1]

Figure:Fact file on Mindo cloud forest

Figure 10(a): Fact file on Mindo cloud forest
Only one third of Ecuador’s identified cloud forest sites are protected. The Mindo-Nambillo cloud forest reserve forms part of several protected areas across Ecuador. The Mindo cloud forest covers 268 km2 and is home to several indigenous subgroups of the Quichua people. The village of Mindo is west of the reserve and is known for chocolate made from locally grown cacao. Organizations work with local farmers to find alternatives to cattle ranching and with indigenous groups to develop more sustainable agricultural practices, reducing habitat destruction.

Outline how the cloud forest may provide a named example of natural income.

[Maximum number: 4]

Outline how the concept of sustainability can be applied to managing natural capital.

[Maximum number: 2]

(a)

Outline one ecological service provided by the Siberian taiga.

[ 1 ]

provides habitat for animals/birds;
(photosynthesis) acts as a carbon sink/absorbs $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ reducing greenhouse emissions;
(photosynthesis) releases $\mathrm{O}_{2}$ necessary for living organisms;
filters water / maintains water table;
cools/moistens climate through evapotranspiration / source of moisture for precipitation;
vegetation prevents soil erosion;
increases/maintains biodiversity (increasing/maintaining resilience of biosphere);
pollination of plants/crops;

Do not accept only 'photosynthesis'.
Do not accept provision of goods eg timber/food.
Do not accept cultural, intrinsic or aesthetical benefits eg spiritual/tourism/recreation.
For credit response must focus on ecological service/function.

(b)

Figure:Total exports of timber (in units of thousand cubic metres) from Russia between 2012 and 2014

With reference to the timber-exports chart, calculate the percentage of Russian timber exports to China between 2012 and 2014.

[ 1 ]

$\frac{34962}{57690}\times100=60.6\%$ (approximately 61%).

No unit is required.

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Covered syllabus points

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question (a)

Question (b)