IB ESS HL 7.2.7 Energy security Question Bank
Practise IB ESS HL 7.2.7 by applying energy security 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
7.2.7 (HL)—Energy security question 1
[Maximum number: 9]
Increasing concern for energy security is likely to lead to more sustainable energy choices.
Discuss the validity of this statement, with reference to named countries.
The following guide for using the markbands suggests certain features that may be offered in responses. The five headings coincide with the criteria given in each of the markbands (although "ESS terminology" has been conflated with "Understanding concepts"). This guide simply provides some possible inclusions and should not be seen as requisite or comprehensive. It outlines the kind of elements to look for when deciding on the appropriate markband and the specific mark within that band.
Answers may include:
- understanding concepts \& terminology of energy security; renewable/ non-renewable energy; sustainability; fossil fuels; nuclear; solar, biomass, hydropower, wind, wave, tidal or geothermal energy; emissions; etc
- breadth in addressing and linking different countries' issues of energy security with their energy choices and the relative sustainability of renewable/ non-renewable energy sources; etc
- examples of renewable/non-renewable energy sources; countries' energy choices; issues of energy security; impacts of exploiting energy resources; etc
- balanced analysis of whether energy choices driven by concern for energy security are more or less sustainable; acknowledging relevant counter-arguments/alternative viewpoints;
- a conclusion that is consistent with, and supported by analysis and examples given eg although more sustainable renewable energy choices will usually provide energy security, in some countries, because of local availability of non-renewable sources, the concern for security has been met by less sustainable sources eg US exploitation of tar sands; NB This is only an example of a possible conclusion. Candidates' conclusions do not have to agree.
Please see markbands on page 21.
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