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Category: ESS Topic 7 Natural Resources

  • ESS 8.3.2 Acid Deposition

    ESS 8.3.2 Acid Deposition

    Learning Objectives What is Acid Deposition? Acid Deposition Acid deposition, commonly known as acid rain, refers to all forms of precipitation that contain acidic components such as sulfuric or nitric acid. It encompasses two main forms: Acidity and the pH Scale Acids are chemical substances capable of releasing hydrogen ions (H⁺) in solution. Acidity is…

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  • ESS 8.3.1 Urban Air Pollution

    ESS 8.3.1 Urban Air Pollution

    Learning Objectives Facts About Air Pollution Air pollution refers to the contamination of indoor or outdoor environments by chemical, physical, or biological agents that alter the natural composition of the atmosphere. A major component of air pollution is particulate matter (PM), consisting of extremely small solid or liquid particles suspended in the air. Pollutants originate…

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  • ESS 8.3.4 [AHL] Photochemical Smogs and Tropospheric Ozone

    ESS 8.3.4 [AHL] Photochemical Smogs and Tropospheric Ozone

    Learning Objectives Photochemical Smog Photochemical smog is a brownish atmospheric haze frequently observed in urban environments. It forms when ozone, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) derived from the combustion of fossil fuels undergo photochemical reactions in sunlight, producing a toxic mixture that includes ozone, nitric acid, aldehydes, and peroxyacyl nitrates (PANs). Although primarily…

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  • ESS 7.3.4 Waste Trade and Circular Economy in Managing SDW

    ESS 7.3.4 Waste Trade and Circular Economy in Managing SDW

    Learning Objectives Waste Trade International Trade in Waste Despite appearing counterintuitive, large volumes of waste—most commonly plastics, recyclable materials, electronic waste (e-waste), and hazardous waste—are traded internationally. For example, shipments of recyclable materials within the European Union have increased by more than 70% since 2000. The export of plastic waste is considered a significant driver…

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  • ESS 7.3.3 Disposing SDW

    ESS 7.3.3 Disposing SDW

    Learning Objectives Incineration Incinerators operate at very high temperatures, often reaching up to 2,000°C. In some systems, waste is pre-sorted to remove non-combustible or recyclable materials prior to combustion. The heat generated during the process is frequently used to produce steam for electricity generation or to provide direct heating for buildings, a practice commonly referred…

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  • ESS 7.2.2 [AHL] Energy Security Discussion

    ESS 7.2.2 [AHL] Energy Security Discussion

    Learning Objectives Our Energy Security Energy security constitutes a significant strategic concern for national governments, which must determine how best to utilise available resources to ensure reliable energy generation while safeguarding national stability. Although importing energy may be economically advantageous, reliance on external suppliers introduces geopolitical vulnerabilities; diplomatic tensions or political conflict can disrupt energy…

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  • ESS 7.3.2 Minimising SDW Strategies

    ESS 7.3.2 Minimising SDW Strategies

    Learning Objectives Minimising SDW Strategies Prevention and reduce consumption Preventing waste is the most effective strategy because it eliminates pollution at the source, as demonstrated by Japan’s packaging-minimisation policies and the EU’s single-use plastics restrictions (European Commission, 2019). Its key success lies in reducing resource extraction and emissions; however, its limitations include dependence on long-term…

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  • ESS 7.3.1 Solid Domestic Waste

    ESS 7.3.1 Solid Domestic Waste

    Learning Objectives Composition & Volume of Solid Waste Composition of Waste The composition of solid domestic waste varies spatially and temporally. Global averages conceal important differences between countries. For example, while India produces nearly 50 million metric tonnes more food waste than the United States, the per capita figures differ: the United States generates 59…

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  • ESS 7.1.3 [AHL] Management of Natural Resources

    ESS 7.1.3 [AHL] Management of Natural Resources

    Learning Objectives Summary of Management of Natural Resources Natural capital encompasses all the resources and services that nature provides without direct human intervention. It forms the foundation of all other forms of capital by sustaining the basic conditions necessary for human societies to exist and by defining the boundaries within which socio-economic systems can operate.…

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  • ESS 7.2.1 Uses and Management of Energy Sources

    ESS 7.2.1 Uses and Management of Energy Sources

    Abstract Energy resources encompass both renewable and non-renewable forms, each contributing differently to global energy supply and sustainability. As population and per capita energy demand continue to rise, global energy consumption is increasing, intensifying the need for sustainable energy strategies. The sustainability of energy sources varies widely, influencing national and regional energy decisions. These choices…

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  • ESS 7.1.2 Perspectives in Natural Resources

    ESS 7.1.2 Perspectives in Natural Resources

    Learning Objectives The Dynamic Nature of Natural Capital The relative importance of different forms of natural capital varies both temporally and spatially due to multiple interrelated factors. A resource that is accessible and valuable today may become depleted or obsolete in the future. For instance, fossil fuels that currently underpin much of the global economy…

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  • ESS 7.1.1 Natural Resources, capital and income

    ESS 7.1.1 Natural Resources, capital and income

    Learning Objectives Abstract This topic explores the concept of natural resources and natural capital as fundamental components of the Earth’s systems that support human life and economic activity. Natural resources serve as the raw materials and sources of energy used by society, while natural capital represents the total stock of these resources that generate goods…

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