Environmental Systems and Societies HL/SL

Environmental Systems and Societies can be studied as either a Group 3 subject, or as a Group 4 subject. It can also be studied as BOTH a Group 3 and a Group 4 subject, allowing students to choose an additional subject from another group. 

Philosophy - Why should I study Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS)? 

The ESS course has at its heart the intention of providing students with the capacity to understand and make informed decisions regarding the pressing environmental issues we face. ESS is both a complex and contemporary course that engages students in the challenges of 21st century environmental issues. Consequently, it requires its students to develop a diverse set of skills, knowledge and understanding from different disciplines. Students develop a scientific approach through explorations of environmental systems. They also acquire understandings and methods from individuals and societies subjects whilst studying sustainability issues within social, cultural, economic, political, and ethical contexts. The interdisciplinary nature of the course means students produce a synthesis of understanding from the various topics studied. It also emphasizes the ability to perform research and investigations and to participate in philosophical, ethical, and pragmatic discussions of the issues involved from the local through to the global level.

The SL course provides students with a fundamental understanding of environmental studies and experience of the associated concepts and skills. The HL course requires students to extend their knowledge and understanding of the subject, exploring the complexity of issues with additional breadth and depth, providing a solid foundation for further study at university level. The HL course has three HL only lenses—environmental law, environmental and ecological economics, and environmental ethics.

ESS aims to empower and equip students to: 

1. develop understanding of their own environmental impact, in the broader context of the impact of humanity on the Earth and its biosphere 2. develop knowledge of diverse perspectives to address issues of sustainability 

3. engage and evaluate the tensions around environmental issues using critical thinking 

4. develop a systems approach that provides a holistic lens for the exploration of environmental issues 

5. be inspired to engage in environmental issues across local and global contexts.

Course Content - What will I be studying?

ESS covers the following areas: 

Topic 1 Foundation 

1.1 Perspectives 

1.2 Systems 

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 

Higher level (HL) lens 

HL.a Environmental law 

HL.b Environmental and ecological economics 

HL.c Environmental ethics 

HL and SL: Experimental programme

  Practical work 

Collaborative sciences project 

Scientific investigation

Topics studied include plants, animals, energy, ecosystems, climate, sustainability, conservation, food systems, pollution, carbon and nutrient cycling, cultures…basically anything having anything to do with living organisms and the way they interact with people and the physical environment. Students will look at the ways different people around the world perceive and respond to various environmental issues, while considering their experiences and motivations for taking action (or not taking action). The issues students encounter in ESS are complex and challenging. Students will never be taught what to think about environmental issues; instead, students will learn about the interdependence of the various components of our planet in order to reach their own conclusions. 

Assessment - How will I be assessed? 

Prerequisites - What do I need to know before choosing ESS? 

Completion of MYP Biology, Chemistry or Physics or an equivalent level course, such as I/GCSE Combined or Coordinated Sciences. Having studied Geography prior to the DP would also be helpful - but is not necessary. At SL an MYP 4 in any science or a 5 or 6 in any I/GCSE Science course is a prerequisite. To take HL ESS, we would expect students to have achieved a 5 in MYP or a 7 or above in IGCSE Science. 

Above all, an interest in resources, sustainability, the environment and our interactions with it should allow students to do well in this subject. 

What will allow me to be successful? 

• learn the key terms (special words or phrases) associated with each unit and use them wherever possible in written work. In order to do this effectively, it is recommended that students compile a dictionary as they progress through each unit; 

• learn the case study material (area-specific examples) and use it whenever discussing an issue, theory, etc., to demonstrate fully their depth of understanding; 

• develop skills in summarizing information, i.e. reading through a long article and selecting the relevant points and using this information to formulate opinions and make analytical judgments backed up by reasoned argument;

• develop skills in analysing data from a variety of sources, e.g. graphs, tables, charts, maps, and be able to present data neatly in these forms. 

What can I do with ESS in the future? 

As ESS is both a natural and a social sciences, careers in areas such as biology, ecology, chemistry, geography, economy, management, conservation, law, and politics are all possible. The awareness and ability to make informed choices about environmental issues, as well as the systems approach that is consolidated through this course are important for careers in law, politics, business, economics and natural sciences. 

Please note that ESS may not meet entry requirements for some universities. It may not be considered to meet any Science entry requirements. In Denmark, for example, there is currently no equivalent subject in the Danish system. It comes under the category “Ikke Adgangsgivende Fag”. In other words, it does not help fulfill any of the specific entrance requirements.