Subject: Environmental Systems & Societies
Topic: Climate change and the California almond industry
Research question: To what extent is the California almond industry vulnerable to the impacts of climate change?
Outline of approach: A detailed analysis of secondary data on temperature, precipitation, diseases and productivity. The essay evaluates the impact of climate change on the almond industry in California.
Topic: Effects of ethnicity and socioeconomic status in the generation of household food waste
Research question: To what extent do income and ethnicity influence purchase habits, and hence food waste generation, among adults in Hong Kong?
Outline of approach: Primary data is collected through an online questionnaire. Research is analysed and compared with secondary sources such as scientific journals and government publications. The essay evaluates the relevance of income and ethnicity on consumption and consequent waste for adults in Hong Kong.
Topic: The ecological footprint of the school cafeteria
Research question: What overall estimate of the environmental impact of the school cafeteria can be made in terms of an ecological footprint?
Approach: An analysis of records and practical measurements assessing the inputs and outputs of the cafeteria, and a synthesis of data into a holistic model indicating the environmental impact.
Topic: Architectural sustainability and the future of Vancouver Island
Research question: What forms of sustainable construction may be utilized in the future on Vancouver Island (Canada)?
Approach: An analysis of current sustainable building techniques and a comparison of the environmental impacts of two options of sustainable housing.
Topic: Revival of the gray wolf in the National Forest of Colorado
Research question: Is the reintroduction of Canus lupus in the Pike and Isabel National Forests of Colorado (USA) possible, even with a significant cattle presence?
Approach: Presenting a potential reintroduction area and analysing, using secondary data, the viability of wolf introduction within the proposed area.
Topic: Comparing air pollution levels between a rural and an urban area in the UK
Research question: Is there a significant difference in air quality between central Cambridge and Sawston (UK)?
Approach: A fieldwork investigation using data loggers and probes to collect data. Comparison of the results with secondary data from different regions.
Topic: Climate change and the California almond industry
Research question: To what extent is the California almond industry vulnerable to the impacts of climate change?
Outline of approach: A detailed analysis of secondary data on temperature, precipitation, diseases and productivity. The essay evaluates the impact of climate change on the almond industry in California.
Topic: Effects of ethnicity and socioeconomic status in the generation of household food waste
Research question: To what extent do income and ethnicity influence purchase habits, and hence food waste generation, among adults in Hong Kong?
Outline of approach: Primary data is collected through an online questionnaire. Research is analysed and compared with secondary sources such as scientific journals and government publications. The essay evaluates the relevance of income and ethnicity on consumption and consequent waste for adults in Hong Kong.
Topic: The ecological footprint of the school cafeteria
Research question: What overall estimate of the environmental impact of the school cafeteria can be made in terms of an ecological footprint?
Approach: An analysis of records and practical measurements assessing the inputs and outputs of the cafeteria, and a synthesis of data into a holistic model indicating the environmental impact.
Topic: Architectural sustainability and the future of Vancouver Island
Research question: What forms of sustainable construction may be utilized in the future on Vancouver Island (Canada)?
Approach: An analysis of current sustainable building techniques and a comparison of the environmental impacts of two options of sustainable housing.
Topic: Revival of the gray wolf in the National Forest of Colorado
Research question: Is the reintroduction of Canus lupus in the Pike and Isabel National Forests of Colorado (USA) possible, even with a significant cattle presence?
Approach: Presenting a potential reintroduction area and analysing, using secondary data, the viability of wolf introduction within the proposed area.
Topic: Comparing air pollution levels between a rural and an urban area in the UK
Research question: Is there a significant difference in air quality between central Cambridge and Sawston (UK)?
Approach: A fieldwork investigation using data loggers and probes to collect data. Comparison of the results with secondary data from different regions.
These ESS examples are just for guidance. Students must ensure their choice of topic is focused rather than broad.
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Broad topics
Environmental effects of mining Efficiency of world food production Impacts of global warming Paper recycling |
Focused topics
The ecological recovery of worked-out bauxite quarries in Jarrahdale, Western Australia A comparison of the energy efficiency of grain production in the Netherlands and Swaziland The comparative significance of different sources of carbon dioxide pollution in Nairobi and Mombasa Managing the environmental impact of paper use at a school in Quito (Ecuador) |