Scribd
Upload
27 views5 pages

IESO Study Guide All Topics

The study guide for the International Environmental Science Olympiad covers core principles of environmental science, including ecology, biodiversity, and human impacts such as pollution and climate change. It also discusses energy resources, environmental policies, sustainability practices, scientific techniques, and emerging topics like technological innovations and global challenges. Recommended resources for further study include key books, websites, and journals.

Uploaded by

mahathivupa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
27 views5 pages

IESO Study Guide All Topics

The study guide for the International Environmental Science Olympiad covers core principles of environmental science, including ecology, biodiversity, and human impacts such as pollution and climate change. It also discusses energy resources, environmental policies, sustainability practices, scientific techniques, and emerging topics like technological innovations and global challenges. Recommended resources for further study include key books, websites, and journals.

Uploaded by

mahathivupa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

Study Guide for the International Environmental Science

Olympiad
1. Core Principles of Environmental Science

●​ Ecology:
○​ Ecosystems: Structure, functions, energy flow, trophic levels,
and food webs.
○​ Biogeochemical cycles: Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and
water cycles.
○​ Population dynamics: Carrying capacity, reproductive
strategies (r/K selection), and population growth models.
●​ Biodiversity:
○​ Levels of biodiversity: Genetic, species, and ecosystem
diversity.
○​ Importance of biodiversity for ecosystem services.
○​ Threats: Habitat loss, climate change, invasive species,
overexploitation.

2. Earth Systems and Resources

●​ Geology:
○​ Rock cycle, plate tectonics, and soil formation.
○​ Natural hazards: Earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides.
●​ Hydrology:
○​ Water cycle: Processes, reservoirs, and fluxes.
○​ Aquifers and groundwater recharge.
○​ Watershed management and water pollution.
●​ Atmosphere:
○​ Atmospheric layers and composition.
○​ Weather vs. climate.
○​ Greenhouse gases and global warming.

3. Human Impact on the Environment

●​ Pollution:
○​ Types: Air, water, soil, and noise pollution.
○​ Sources and mitigation strategies.
○​ Case studies: Acid rain, oil spills, and eutrophication.
●​ Climate Change:
○​ Causes: Natural vs. anthropogenic.
○​ Effects: Rising sea levels, extreme weather, and species
extinction.
○​ International efforts: Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement.
●​ Land Use:
○​ Deforestation, desertification, and urbanization.
○​ Sustainable agriculture and forestry.

4. Energy and Resources

●​ Renewable Resources:
○​ Types: Solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass.
○​ Advantages and challenges.
●​ Nonrenewable Resources:
○​ Fossil fuels: Coal, oil, natural gas.
○​ Environmental and health impacts.
○​ Transition to cleaner energy.
●​ Energy Efficiency:
○​ Conservation strategies.
○​ Technologies for reducing energy use.

5. Environmental Policies and Ethics

●​ Key International Treaties:


○​ Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
○​ CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species).
○​ Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
●​ Ethical Frameworks:
○​ Anthropocentrism vs. ecocentrism.
■​ Anthropocentrism: Protecting/conserving nature for its material or physical
benefits for humans
■​ Ecocentrism: Conserving the environment for the environment’s benefit
○​ Environmental justice and equity.

6. Sustainability
●​ Principles of Sustainable Development:
○​ Balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and
social equity.
●​ Sustainable Practices:
○​ Circular economy and waste reduction.
○​ Green infrastructure and urban planning.

7. Scientific Techniques and Data Analysis

●​ Field Methods:
○​ Sampling techniques (quadrats, transects, mark-recapture).
○​ Water quality testing (pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen).
●​ Data Interpretation:
○​ Graphs and statistical methods.
○​ Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping and
analysis.
●​ Experimental Design:
○​ Hypothesis formation, controls, and reproducibility.

8. Case Studies and Practical Applications

●​ Review significant environmental case studies:


○​ The Aral Sea disaster.
○​ The Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
○​ Costa Rica’s reforestation success.
●​ Application of concepts to real-world problems:
○​ Designing sustainable cities.
○​ Developing conservation strategies for endangered species.

9. Emerging Topics

●​ Technological Innovations:
○​ Renewable energy advancements.
○​ Biotechnology in conservation.
●​ Global Challenges:
○​ Microplastics and nanomaterials.
○​ Climate adaptation and resilience.

Study Tips
●​ Practice Past Papers: Familiarize yourself with the question format
and time management.
●​ Hands-On Experience: Engage in environmental monitoring projects
or citizen science.
●​ Stay Updated: Follow current environmental news and
breakthroughs.

Recommended Resources

●​ Books:
○​ "Environment: The Science Behind the Stories" by Withgott and
Laposata.
○​ "Living in the Environment" by G. Tyler Miller and Scott
Spoolman.
●​ Websites:
○​ National Geographic Environment.
○​ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
●​ Journals:
○​ Science and Nature (environmental sections).

Good luck in your preparation!

You might also like