CourseCourseQuestionQuestion
IB Environmental Systems and Societies
Topic 1: Foundation
1.1 Perspectives
1.2 Systems
1.2.1—Systems definition
1.2.2—Systems approach
1.2.3—System diagrams
1.2.4—Types of flows
1.2.5—Open vs. closed systems
1.2.6—Earth as integrated system
1.2.7—System scales
1.2.8—Negative feedback loops
1.2.9—Stable equilibrium in ecosystems
1.2.10—Positive feedback loops
1.2.11—Tipping points
1.2.12—Tipping point effects
1.2.13—Models
1.2.14—Model limitations
1.2.15—Emergent properties
1.2.16—System resilience
1.2.17—Factors affecting resilience
1.2.18—Human impacts on resilience
1.3 Sustainability
Topic 2: Ecology
Topic 3: Biodiversity and conservation
Topic 4: Water
Topic 5: Land
Topic 6: Atmosphere and climate change
Topic 7: Natural resources
Topic 8: Human populations and urban systems
IB/ESS/SL//Concept/Topic 1: Foundation/1.2 Systems/1.2.16—System resilience

Topic 1: Foundation

Syllabus
First assessment 2026
Section
—
Level
SL

Exam analysis

Most tested topics

  1. Perspectives
  2. Systems
  3. Sustainability