What is IB Environmental Systems & Societies?: Overview for Students

As an educator with extensive experience in science and environmental studies, I've spent many years learning about the complex interaction between human societies and environmental systems.

Through my roles as an IB ESS teacher and private tutor, I've seen how much students can gain from studying this fascinating interdisciplinary subject.

In this article, we'll explore:

• What IB Environmental Systems & Societies actually is

• How it’s assessed

• Why it's an exciting choice for students aiming to understand and tackle the environmental challenges we are currently facing

What is IB Environmental Systems & Societies?: Quick Summary

The question I was most commonly asked as an IB ESS teacher was: what actually is ESS?

You may have heard that ESS, which stands for “Environmental Systems and Societies”, is just a combination of Biology and Geography.

While this is true in some aspects, ESS actually represents a unique blend of topics ranging from science to geography, politics, economics, and even ethics.

This IB subject offers students a holistic perspective on environmental issues, meaning that you will learn how human societies are deeply interconnected with natural systems, such as our climate and various ecosystems.

In my previous role as Head of Department for ESS at St Edward’s School in Oxford, I was often asked by students and their parents for a brief summary of this subject. 

Simply put:

• ESS provides a comprehensive understanding of environmental systems and the societal factors influencing them

• It gives students the tools to analyse complex environmental issues

• At its core, ESS aims to help students have informed and personal viewpoints about environmental issues by developing their critical thinking and practical investigation skills

Why Study Environmental Systems & Societies at IB?

The next question students would ask me was: why should I study IB ESS?

Not only is ESS a highly relevant subject, it also opens doors to many opportunities, as it has great practical applications beyond the classroom. Let me give you a few compelling reasons to consider making ESS part of your IB curriculum:

Interdisciplinary Approach

ESS breaks away from traditional subject discipline boundaries, offering a unique blend of science and social science elements.

In the classroom, I found that this interdisciplinary approach enhanced my students’ critical thinking skills and prepared them to tackle real-world challenges from multiple perspectives

This is a skill that universities or future employers value very highly.

Versatility in IB Subject Choices

Almost uniquely among IB subjects, ESS can fit into two different subject groups, providing students with flexibility in their course selection.

Choosing ESS as your Group 3 subject allows you to select two other sciences, while choosing it in Group 4 means you can study two humanities subjects from Group 3.

Whether paired with sciences or humanities, ESS complements a wide range of subjects such as Biology, Geography, Economics, and Politics.

Relevance to University and Career Pathways

ESS lays a solid foundation for further studies at university level in fields such as Biology, Geography, Anthropology, Environmental Science, and more.

In addition, the skills acquired in ESS, including analytical reasoning and the ability to communicate clearly about current environmental issues, are highly valued in diverse career paths, including ecological consultancy, nature conservation, journalism and even environmental law.

What Does IB Environmental Systems & Societies Cover?

The IB ESS syllabus spans a wide range of topics. From ecosystem dynamics to climate change, each module covers critical aspects of our planet's environmental health.

Here's a glimpse into the key areas covered:

For a full breakdown of the IB ESS SL and HL topics, along with a quick look at some of the subtopics you can expect to encounter, see our helpful article: IB Environmental Systems & Societies Topics: Full List.

How is IB Environmental Systems & Societies Assessed?

What is Covered in IB ESS Paper 1

• Format: Data-based questions on an unseen case study

• Skills Assessed:

  • Data interpretation and analysis

  • Application of concepts to real-world scenarios

  • Critical thinking and evaluation

• Topics Covered:

  • Any syllabus topic could appear, but questions will be based on the provided case study.

What is Covered in IB ESS Paper 2

• Format:

  • Section A: Short-answer and data-based questions

  • Section B: Structured essay questions

    • Each essay question is split into three parts (there is always a 4 mark question, 7 mark question and 9 mark question)

    • SL: answer one essay from a choice of two

    • HL: answer two essays from a choice of three

• Skills Assessed:

  • Knowledge recall and understanding

  • Application and analysis of environmental issues

  • Evaluation and synthesis of arguments

• Topics Covered:

  • All syllabus topics are examinable.

  • HL students explore additional depth and complexity, making more connections between diverse areas of the syllabus.

  • HL students must also apply the three HL lenses when analysing environmental issues.

What Are the Different Assessment Objectives?

The assessment objectives (AO) reflect how the aims of the ESS course are assessed.

The intention is that students, in the context of environmental systems and related issues, can fulfil the following assessment objectives:

AO1: Knowledge and understanding

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• relevant concepts, theories and perspectives

• data and data manipulation

• methods and models

• relevant case studies and real-world examples.

AO2: Application and analysis

Explain, analyse and develop:

• relevant concepts, theories and perspectives

• data and data interpretation

• methodologies and models

• clear explanations and arguments

• relevant case studies and real-world examples.

AO3: Evaluation and synthesis

Evaluate and synthesize:

• relevant concepts, theories and perspectives

• data, and use it to inform and justify conclusions

• methodologies and models, recognizing their value and limitations

• arguments and proposed solutions to environmental issues

• environmental issues within their political, economic, ethical, social and cultural contexts.

AO4: Use and application of appropriate skills

• Identify an appropriate environmental issue and research question for investigation.

• Select and demonstrate the use of appropriate methodologies and skills to carry out ethical investigations into environmental issues.

What Skills Will Students Learn?

Gain Research and Inquiry Skills

You’ll develop practical skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation through fieldwork and lab investigations. These skills are essential for scientific understanding and are useful in a wide range of future studies or careers.

Think Critically About Global Challenges

You’ll learn how to analyse environmental issues from multiple perspectives—scientific, ethical, economic, and cultural. This critical thinking approach helps you evaluate real-world problems and consider a range of possible solutions.

Be Ready to Take Informed Action

ESS prepares you to become an informed citizen who can contribute to a more sustainable future. You’ll study real-world case studies that will help you understand what effective action looks like on local and global scales.

Top Tips for Success

1. Master the ESS Syllabus

Your first step to success is knowing exactly what the IB expects you to learn. Use the syllabus as your revision checklist—track your progress, highlight weaker areas, and make sure you’re confident with all the core concepts and HL content (if applicable).

2. Think in Systems, Not Just Facts

ESS is all about connections. Instead of memorising isolated facts, focus on how environmental systems interact—like how energy flows, feedback loops work, or how one change can ripple through an entire ecosystem. Using concept maps can help you visualise and retain these links more effectively.

These tips are just the beginning. For more expert guidance and detailed revision strategies, check out our full guide: How to Revise IB Environmental Systems & Societies.

Frequently Asked Questions about Environmental Systems & Societies

Is IB Environmental Systems & Societies hard?

So, is ESS hard? Whilst it is not considered one of the hardest IB subjects, but it does come with its own unique challenges.

It combines both scientific and social science thinking, requiring students to interpret data, write extended responses, and understand complex environmental systems.

That said, it’s designed to be accessible, especially for students who enjoy real-world topics and interdisciplinary learning.

The new Higher Level (HL) course offers a more in-depth and academically demanding option for those seeking a deeper challenge.

Is IB Environmental Systems & Societies easy to pass?

Yes, most students find ESS manageable with consistent effort and structured revision.

The average global grade for ESS SL in May 2024 was 4.2 out of 7, which shows that the majority of students pass comfortably.

Success comes from staying engaged with the material, practising data-based questions, and mastering how to apply real-world case studies in exams.

What careers can IB Environmental Systems & Societies lead to?

As mentioned earlier, ESS can help set you on a path to a wide range of careers in both science and the humanities, especially those focused on sustainability, conservation, and global development.

It’s a great foundation for fields like environmental science, ecology, urban planning, renewable energy, public policy, international relations, education, and green business. 

The course builds valuable skills in critical thinking, systems analysis, and global awareness—making it relevant to many modern career paths.

A final word from me

In conclusion, IB ESS offers a pathway for students to understand the intricate relationships between environmental systems and human societies.

With its diverse curriculum, interdisciplinary approach, and relevance to real-world challenges, ESS empowers students to become informed global citizens and advocates for environmental stewardship.

As an educator deeply invested in environmental education, I wholeheartedly endorse IB ESS as a challenging and stimulating learning experience that prepares students to work towards a more sustainable future!