UNIT 1: CHANGING POPULATION

1.1 Population & Economic Development Patterns

How population varies between places

1.2 Changing Populations & Places

Processes of population change and their effect on people and places

1.3 Challenges & Opportunities

Population possibilities and power over the decision-making process

UNIT 2: GLOBAL CLIMATE - VULNERABILITY & RESISTANCE

2.1 Causes of Climate Change

How natural and human processes affect the global energy balance

2.2 Consequences of Climate Change

The effects of global climate change on places, societies and environmental systems

2.3 Responding to Climate Change

Possibilities for responding to climate change and power over the decision-making process

UNIT 3: GLOBAL RESOURCE CONSUMPTION & SOCIETY

3.1 Trends in Consumption

How global development processes affect resource availability and consumption

3.2 Impacts of Changing Trends

How pressure on resources affects the future security of places

3.3 Resource Stewardship

Possibilities for managing resources sustainably and power over the decision-making process

The core theme provides an overview of the geographic foundation for the key global issues of our time. The purpose is to provide a broad factual and conceptual introduction to the geography of population dynamics, climate change and resource consumption issues.

The content is underpinned by the four key concepts of the course: places, power, processes and possibilities. Each unit examines issues at different scales from local to global, as well as the interaction between different places.

Attention should be given to the positive aspects of change (not only the negative ones), to the need to accept responsibility for seeking solutions to the demographic, economic and environmental issues—and, where appropriate, to the management strategies adopted to meet the challenges.

It is not intended for the units to be taught sequentially. The approach to teaching is not prescribed, and the content can be taught with flexibility according to the interests of the learners.

Each section of a unit is allocated 7–8 hours of teaching time, which includes time to develop AO3 (synthesis/evaluation) and AO4 (mapping/graphical) skills. (IB DP Geography Guide, 2017)

Core