IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL Topic 1 Notes

Environmental value systems (EVS) shape perceptions of environmental issues, influenced by cultural, economic, and political contexts.

Inputs of EVSs:

  • Family

  • Peers

  • Media

  • Religion

  • Education

  • Politics

  • Science

Outputs of EVSs:

  • Course of action

  • Perspectives

  • Decisions

Ecocentrism: Prioritizes ecology, advocates for environmental conservation and inherent value of all life.

Anthropocentrism: Focused on sustainable resource management for human benefit; supports regulation.

Technocentrism: Sees technology as a solution to environmental problems; values economic growth.

Deep Ecologists: Emphasize nature over humanity, promote reduced consumption.

Self-Reliance/Soft Ecologists: Encourage local action and self-sufficiency.

Environmental Managers: Advocate stewardship and legislative support for protection.

Cornucopians: Believe in infinite resources and technological solutions for environmental issues.

Key Events:

  • Silent Spring (1962): Carson's book on pesticide dangers.

  • An Inconvenient Truth: Gore's climate change documentary.

  • Minamata Disaster: Mercury poisoning in Japan.

  • Bhopal Disaster: Toxic gas leak causing fatalities in India.

  • Chernobyl Disaster: Nuclear accident with long-term effects in Ukraine.

  • Fukushima Disaster: Nuclear meltdown from tsunami in Japan.

1.2 Systems and Models:
Systems consist of interdependent parts; types include open, closed, and isolated.
Diagram 1: Types of Systems
Diagrams showing open, closed, and isolated systems with examples.

Flows can be transfers or transformations, while models provide simplified representations.
Diagram 2: Flows in a System
Diagrams illustrating transfers and transformations in systems.

1.3 Energy and Equilibria:
Energy follows thermodynamic laws; equilibrium indicates stability post-disturbance.
Diagram 3: Energy Flow in a System
Diagram to depict energy transfer and equilibria.

Feedback loops can be positive or negative, and resilience is linked to ecosystem diversity.
Diagram 4: Feedback Loops
Diagrams illustrating positive vs. negative feedback loops.

1.4 Sustainability:
Sustainability ensures resource replacement; types of natural capital include renewable, replenishable, and non-renewable.
Diagram 5: Types of Natural Capital
Diagrams highlighting the different types of natural capital.

Natural income is the yield from resources, with various value types recognized.
Diagram 6: Types of Value Associated with Natural Income
Diagrams highlighting intrinsic, economic, and ecological value types.

1.5 Humans and Pollution:
Pollution is harmful substance addition; types of pollutants include primary and secondary, sourced from point or non-point.
Diagram 7: Types of Pollutants
Diagrams showing the differences between point-source and non-point source pollution.

Management strategies involve activity alteration, regulation, and ecosystem restoration.