IB ess flash cards

Climate classification (climate zones)

Climate zones are regions with similar temperature and precipitation patterns. They are controlled mainly by latitude, altitude, ocean currents, and prevailing winds. Major zones include tropical, temperate, polar, and arid.

Doubling time

70 divided by the growth rate (%)

Changing distribution of biomes due to climate change

Rising global temperatures and changing rainfall patterns cause biomes to shift poleward and to higher altitudes. Tundra shrinks, deserts expand, and many species are forced to migrate, increasing extinction risk.

Rural–urban migration

Rural–urban migration occurs when people move from rural areas to cities due to environmental push factors such as drought and soil degradation, and pull factors such as employment and access to services.

Energy policies

Energy policies are government strategies to manage energy production and consumption, often aiming to reduce fossil fuel use, increase renewable energy, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Particulate matter (PM) management

Particulate matter consists of tiny airborne particles that harm human health. Management strategies include emission standards, cleaner fuels, improved public transport, and industrial regulation.

Open-air landfill

An open-air landfill is an uncontrolled waste disposal site that releases methane and leachate, causing air, water, and soil pollution. It poses serious health and environmental risks

Waste management

Waste management involves the collection, treatment, and disposal of waste, prioritising reduction, reuse, recycling and safe disposal to minimise environmental impact.

Economic value of forests as natural capital

Forests are natural capital because they provide valuable goods and services such as timber, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and ecotourism.

Water security

Water security is the reliable access to sufficient quantities of safe water for human and ecosystem needs. It is threatened by pollution, climate change, population growth, and overuse.

Water supply improvements

Water supply can be improved through methods such as reservoirs, desalination, rainwater harvesting, and water treatment, each with economic and environmental trade-offs.

Flash flooding

Flash flooding is rapid flooding caused by intense rainfall over a short period, often worsened by impermeable surfaces, steep slopes, deforestation, and urbanisation.

Ocean productivity

Ocean productivity refers to the rate of biomass production by phytoplankton and is highest in areas with nutrient upwelling and cooler waters, and lowest in warm, nutrient-poor regions.

Water density and temperature

Water density increases as temperature decreases. Climate change warms surface waters, reducing density differences and disrupting ocean circulation and nutrient mixing.

Great Pacific Garbage Patch

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a large accumulation of plastic debris and microplastics in the North Pacific Ocean caused by ocean currents, representing a tragedy of the commons.

Wildlife corridors

Wildlife corridors are protected strips of habitat that connect fragmented ecosystems, allowing species movement, gene flow, and reduced extinction risk.

Biodiversity hotspots

Biodiversity hotspots are regions with very high species endemism that are under significant threat from human activities, making them priority areas for conservation.

Flagship species

Flagship species are charismatic organisms used to raise public awareness and funding for conservation, indirectly protecting entire ecosystems.

Sampling migratory birds

Migratory bird populations can be estimated using mark–recapture methods such as the Lincoln Index, as well as aerial surveys and drones to cover large areas.

International agreements and carbon neutrality

Carbon neutrality means achieving net-zero carbon emissions by reducing emissions and offsetting remaining outputs through international cooperation and agreements.

Gross National Happiness (GNH) vs GDP

GDP measures economic output, while GNH measures overall wellbeing, including environmental sustainability, health, and social factors.