Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2024
First exams 2026
Resource Security & Choices (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))
Revision Note
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Resource Security & Choices
Resource security
Resource security is the ability of societies to ensure long-term availability of sufficient natural resources to meet demand
Key natural resources include water, food, energy and raw materials
Importance of resource security
Ensures stable supply to meet current and future needs
Prevents resource conflicts
Supports sustainable development
Case Study
Resource security in contrasting societies
Example 1: Food security in the United States
The US is a high-income country with advanced agricultural technology
Factors contributing to food security:
Economic: high investment in agricultural research and development
Technological: use of GMOs and advanced irrigation systems
Political: government subsidies and support for farmers
Environmental: diverse climate allows a variety of crops
Example 2: Water security in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a low-income country with challenges in water accessibility
Factors affecting water security:
Economic: limited funds for water infrastructure
Geographical: arid regions with irregular rainfall
Political: dependency on upstream countries for water sources
Technological: lack of advanced water purification and distribution systems
Factors affecting resource choices
Various factors influence how societies choose to use natural resources
These factors include economic, sociocultural, political, environmental, geographical, technological and historical considerations
Economic factors:
Cost and availability: resources that are cheaper and readily available are preferred
Market demand: high demand for certain resources drives their usage
Sociocultural factors:
Cultural preferences: traditional foods and materials influence resource choices
Population growth: increased population raises resource demand
Political factors:
Government policies: regulations and subsidies affect resource use
International relations: trade agreements and conflicts influence resource access
Environmental factors:
Sustainability: focus on using resources that do not harm the environment
Climate change: affects the availability and viability of certain resources
Geographical factors:
Resource distribution: proximity to natural resources affects their use
Natural disasters: areas with more frequent disasters may have limited resource choices
Technological factors:
Innovation: advances in technology can create new resources, enable resource extraction or improve resource use efficiency
Infrastructure: availability of technology and infrastructure influences resource use
Historical factors:
Historical usage: long-term use of certain resources can establish dependency
Colonial history: past exploitation can affect current resource availability and control
Case Study
Local resource choices
Example: Water conservation in Australia
Australia has focused on water conservation due to its arid climate and frequent droughts
Factors influencing this choice:
Economic: efficient water use reduces costs for agriculture and urban areas
Political: government initiatives promote water-saving measures and infrastructure
Environmental: conservation efforts aim to protect water ecosystems and ensure sustainable water supply
Technological: advances in irrigation technology and water recycling improve water efficiency and availability
Impact of international agreements on resource choices
International agreements, like the Paris Agreement, aim to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Different countries have set varied dates for achieving carbon neutrality (also know as net zero)
These targets are crucial for meeting global climate goals
They influence the resource choices of countries
Net zero emissions goals:
Encourage use of renewable energy over fossil fuels
Promote sustainable agricultural practices to reduce carbon footprint
Influence local and national policies to align with global sustainability targets
Case Study
Changing resource choices
Example 1: Renewable energy in Germany
Germany aims to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045
This goal is part of their wider efforts to combat climate change and transition towards a more sustainable energy system
As a result, Germany is prioritising renewable energy, especially wind and solar
Factors influencing this choice:
Economic: investment in renewable infrastructure creates jobs and reduces energy import costs
Political: government policies and subsidies support renewable energy
Environmental: reducing reliance on coal and nuclear power to lower carbon emissions
Technological: advanced technology makes renewable energy more efficient and reliable
Example 2: Electric vehicles in Norway
Norway has prioritised the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) to achieve its carbon neutrality goals and align with international climate agreements
This is directly impacting its choices regarding natural resource use
Factors influencing this choice:
Economic: significant incentives and tax exemptions for EV buyers reduce overall costs and encourage adoption, reducing the country's reliance on fossil fuels
Political: strong government support and policies favour EV infrastructure, such as widespread charging stations, encouraging a shift from oil and gas to renewable energy sources
Environmental: transitioning to EVs helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to Norway's net zero targets
Technological: advancements in EV technology, including battery life and charging speed, make EVs more practical and attractive
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Focus on understanding how various factors might influence resource choices across different countries, especially if they are different parts of the world or are at different stages of development.
You don't need to memorise the case studies given here, but be prepared to discuss real-world examples that demonstrate how resource security differs between nations and why certain factors influence resource choices.
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