Environmental Impact Assessment - IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS) Definition
Reviewed by: Alistair Marjot
Last updated
What is an Environmental Impact Assessment?
In IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS), an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a crucial process used to evaluate the potential environmental effects of a proposed project or development before any decisions are made.
An EIA helps predict impacts on ecosystems, human health, and natural resources, ensuring that decision-makers consider environmental sustainability and social well-being. An EIA involves identifying, predicting, and assessing both positive and negative impacts, and proposing measures to mitigate any adverse effects. The EIA process encourages informed decision-making by highlighting the trade-offs between economic development and environmental protection.
Environmental Impact Assessment Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams
Save My Exams has a great range of resources to explore the topic of Environmental Impact Assessments in more detail and master other key related terms and concepts such as resource sustainability and use of natural capital.
IB ESS (SL) Environmental Impact Assessment resources (final exams in 2025)
IB ESS (HL) Environmental Impact Assessment resources (first exams in 2026)
Explore our IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS) resources.
Examiner-written IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS) revision resources that improve your grades 2x
- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
- Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t

Share this article