IB ESS SL 8.2.10 Ecological urban planning Question Bank
Practise IB ESS SL/HL 8.2.10 by applying ecological urban planning concepts to exam-style environmental systems questions.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS SL
- Level
- SL
Practise IB ESS SL/HL 8.2.10 by applying ecological urban planning concepts to exam-style environmental systems questions.

Green roof examples in Beijing

Urban trees and green space in Beijing

Urban park/green space in Beijing

Green belt/urban forest in Beijing
Figure In 2018, the Beijing Clean Air Action Plan included limiting car ownership with quotas of 100000 new car purchases per year.
Coal consumption was reduced from 30 million tonnes in 2005 to 4 million tonnes.
The plan created forested areas and green spaces including 5 urban forests, 21 green spaces, 10 leisure parks and 100 km of greenways.
Beijing has the potential to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Outline two environmental advantages of 'greening the city' as illustrated in Figure.
a. plants absorb air pollutants / plants act as carbon sinks / plants produce oxygen;
b. plants/green areas provide habitat for wildlife/biodiversity/honey bees/wildlife corridors;
c. plants absorb/intercept rainfall and reduce risk of flash floods / plants intercept run-off and acts as filters removing pollutants/particulates which in turn can help to improve water quality of nearby rivers/lakes / plant roots hold soil and reduce soil erosion / plants can act as a wind break and reduce wind erosion of the soil;
d. provides thermoregulation for houses / reduces heat island effect / reduces air temperature by providing shade;
e. plants can absorb noise / reduce noise pollution;
Marking guidance:
Do not accept only 'improves air quality'.
Do not accept only 'increases biodiversity'
Do not accept only 'allows species to breed'.
Do not accept only 'prevents floods/soil erosion'.
Do not accept responses that are focused on social/cultural/aesthetic/economic aspects.
Note: Accept other reasonable response linked to an environmental benefit.