IB MYP 4-5 Biology-Mitigation of adverse effects- Study Notes - New Syllabus
IB MYP 4-5 Biology-Mitigation of adverse effects- Study Notes – New syllabus
IB MYP 4-5 Biology-Mitigation of adverse effects- Study Notes – IB MYP 4-5 Biology – per latest IB MYP Biology Syllabus.
Key Concepts:
- Sustainable resource management
- Renewable energy alternatives
- Restoration ecology
- International agreements (Paris Agreement, CITES)
- Individual and community actions
Mitigation of Adverse Effects: Sustainable Resource Management
What Does It Mean?
Mitigation of adverse effects means reducing or fixing environmental harm caused by human activities such as deforestation, pollution, or overuse of natural resources.
Sustainable resource management means using Earth’s resources in a way that meets present needs without compromising future generations. It promotes balance – use, don’t abuse.
Why Is It Important?
| Problem | Why It Needs Mitigation |
|---|---|
| Deforestation | Leads to biodiversity loss and climate change |
| Water depletion | Reduces water available for farming and drinking |
| Overfishing | Disrupts food chains and marine ecosystems |
| Fossil fuel use | Increases global warming and air pollution |
| Waste pollution | Damages land, rivers, and oceans |
Key Principles of Sustainable Resource Management
- Reduce use of limited resources (e.g., coal, water)
- Reuse and recycle materials to minimize waste
- Replace harmful activities with eco-friendly practices
- Protect ecosystems and support natural cycles
- Engage local communities in conservation
- Plan for long-term resource sustainability
Examples of Sustainable Management
| Resource | Sustainable Strategy |
|---|---|
| Forests | Afforestation, anti-logging laws |
| Water | Rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation |
| Fisheries | Fishing quotas, marine protected areas |
| Soil | Crop rotation, use of organic manure |
| Energy | Solar, wind, and hydroelectric power |
| Waste | Recycling programs, composting |
Real-World Success Stories
- Sundarbans: Community-managed mangrove protection in India & Bangladesh
- Norway: Over 90% of electricity from hydro power
- Sikkim (India): First fully organic farming state
- Maharashtra (India): Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan for water conservation
Benefits of Sustainable Management
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Preserves biodiversity | Maintains healthy food chains and ecosystems |
| Supports local economy | Resources last longer = stable livelihoods |
| Improves health | Cleaner air, water, and soil reduce diseases |
| Builds resilience | Ecosystems can recover from damage |
| Secures the future | Resources are available for future generations |
Nature gives us everything – water, food, air, and fuel. But if we overuse and pollute, the systems collapse. Sustainable resource management ensures a greener, fairer, and healthier planet for all – now and for the future.
Renewable Energy Alternatives
What Is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy comes from natural sources that replenish over time – like sunlight, wind, and water. Unlike fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas), these sources are clean, abundant, and do not harm the environment.
Why Do We Need Renewable Energy?
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Fight climate change | Cuts down carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions |
| Reduce fossil fuel use | Fossil fuels are polluting and non-renewable |
| Protect health | Clean air = fewer diseases |
| Sustainable development | Meets today’s needs without harming tomorrow |
| Saves money long-term | Once installed, systems are low-cost to run |
Types of Renewable Energy Sources
Source: Sunlight
How it works: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity
Used for: Homes, street lighting, calculators
Advantage: Silent, low maintenance
Limitation: Depends on sunlight
Source: Wind
How it works: Wind turbines spin to generate power
Used for: Wind farms, remote electricity
Advantage: No fuel, clean
Limitation: Needs windy, open areas
Source: Flowing water
How it works: Water flow turns turbines
Used in: Bhakra Nangal, Hoover Dam
Advantage: Reliable, can store energy
Limitation: Can harm river habitats
Source: Organic waste
How it works: Burned or digested to release energy
Used for: Rural cooking, biofuels
Advantage: Reuses waste
Limitation: Can cause air pollution
Geothermal Energy
Source: Earth’s internal heat
How it works: Steam from hot rocks spins turbines
Used in: Iceland, New Zealand
Advantage: Stable and constant
Limitation: Only in volcanic zones
India’s Renewable Energy Efforts
- Large solar parks in Rajasthan and Gujarat
- Wind farms in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
- International Solar Alliance to promote global solar use
- Goal: 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030
Challenges with Renewable Energy
| Challenge | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Weather dependence | Solar and wind rely on climate conditions |
| High initial cost | Set-up is expensive but pays off later |
| Infrastructure needed | Needs smart grids and energy storage |
| Land use | May use land needed for farming |
Why Renewable Is the Future
- Doesn’t run out
- Clean and non-polluting
- Reduces air and carbon pollution
- Creates jobs in green energy
- Boosts energy independence
Restoration Ecology
What Is Restoration Ecology?
Restoration ecology is the science and practice of repairing ecosystems that have been harmed by human activities or natural disasters. Its goal is to bring back biodiversity, natural balance, and ecosystem services like clean water, healthy soil, and climate stability.
Why Is It Important?
| Problem | Restoration Helps By… |
|---|---|
| Deforestation | Replanting trees and rebuilding forest habitat |
| Wetland drainage | Restoring natural water flow and wildlife zones |
| Industrial pollution | Cleaning soil and rivers, bringing back life |
| Mining or construction | Restoring land and native vegetation |
| Wildfires or floods | Stabilizing ecosystems and aiding recovery |
Key Steps in Restoration Ecology
- Assess the damage – Identify what’s lost or degraded
- Set clear goals – Choose the target ecosystem (e.g. forest, wetland)
- Remove the disturbance – Stop pollution, grazing, or logging
- Replant native species – Use local plants and trees
- Monitor and adapt
–Track changes and improve strategies
Common Techniques Used
| Technique | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Reforestation | Restores tree cover in damaged forests |
| Seeding native grasses | Rebuilds open lands and prairies |
| Wetland recreation | Restores water habitats for birds and fish |
| Soil rebuilding | Improves fertility using compost or mulch |
| Wildlife reintroduction | Brings back lost animals like pollinators or grazers |
| Pollution clean-up | Removes harmful chemicals or waste |
Real-Life Restoration Projects
| Location | Project Description |
|---|---|
| Chilka Lake, India | Wetland ecosystem restored → return of fish & birds |
| Loess Plateau, China | Soil conserved with terracing → crops returned |
| Western Ghats, India | Forest corridors built → elephant paths revived |
| Amazon Basin | Millions of trees planted by NGOs and communities |
Benefits of Restoration
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Revives biodiversity | Endangered plants and animals return |
| Improves water cycle | More rainfall, less drought |
| Boosts human health | Cleaner air, water, and food |
| Enhances resilience | Nature recovers faster after disasters |
| Climate action | Forests absorb CO₂ and cool the planet |
International Agreements: Paris Agreement & CITES
Why Are International Agreements Important?
Many environmental issues – such as climate change, wildlife trade, and pollution — cross national borders. Countries must work together through international agreements to find global solutions and share responsibilities.
Paris Agreement (2015)
What Is It?
The Paris Agreement is a global climate treaty signed in 2015 during a UN meeting in Paris. Nearly every country is part of it. The aim is to limit global warming to well below 2°C, ideally under 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels.
Key Goals
| Goal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Limit global warming | Avoid dangerous temperature rise |
| Reduce greenhouse gases | Cut CO₂, methane, and other emissions |
| Support developing countries | Funding and tech support for clean energy |
| Regular reporting | Track each country’s progress transparently |
India’s Role in the Paris Agreement
- Signed and ratified the agreement
- Committed to cutting emissions intensity
- Large investments in solar and wind energy
- Founded the International Solar Alliance
Positive Impact of the Paris Agreement
| Positive Effect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Boost to renewables | More green energy and innovation |
| Global cooperation | Nations working together |
| Cleaner industries | Push toward eco-friendly production |
| Climate awareness | More education and youth involvement |
CITES: Wildlife Protection Treaty
What Is CITES?
CITES stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Signed in 1973, it ensures that trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Over 180 countries, including India, are members.
What Does CITES Do?
| Function | Example |
|---|---|
| Ban illegal trade | No sale of ivory, tiger bones |
| Regulate legal trade | Permits required for some species |
| Monitor endangered species | Track global wildlife trade |
| Public education | Raise awareness of wildlife threats |
Species Protected by CITES
- Elephants (ivory ban)
- Rhinos (horn trade banned)
- Pangolins (highly trafficked mammals)
- Orchids, parrots, tortoises, and snakes
🇮🇳 India’s Role in CITES
- Member since 1976
- Protects species via Wildlife Protection Act
- Seizes illegal wildlife shipments at borders
- Campaigns against pet trade and poaching
Individual and Community Actions
What Does It Mean?
Individual and community actions refer to efforts by people and groups (schools, families, local clubs, villages) to protect the environment and use resources wisely.
Even small actions, when done by many, can create powerful change.
Individual Actions You Can Take
| Action | What It Helps With |
|---|---|
| Turn off taps when not in use | Saves clean water |
| Use LED bulbs and switch off lights | Reduces energy waste |
| Recycle paper, glass, plastic | Lowers landfill and pollution |
| Carry reusable bags | Reduces plastic use |
| Plant trees and keep plants | Improves air and biodiversity |
| Walk or cycle for short trips | Cuts fuel use and pollution |
| Spread awareness | Educates others about sustainability |
Community-Level Actions
| Action | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Organize clean-up drives | Keeps local areas litter-free |
| Start community gardens | Provides fresh food and green space |
| Set up waste segregation bins | Makes recycling more effective |
| Rainwater harvesting in colonies | Saves water during dry months |
| Use solar panels in common buildings | Reduces electricity bills and emissions |
| Eco-clubs in schools | Builds eco-awareness in students |
| Local awareness campaigns | Encourages more people to act |
Why These Actions Matter
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Protects natural resources | Less water, energy, and waste used |
| Reduces pollution | Improves air and water quality |
| Builds strong communities | People unite for a common goal |
| Inspires larger change | Bottom-up actions influence policies |
| Creates a sustainable future | Preserves resources for the next generation |
Real-Life Examples
- Plastic-free village: Mawlynnong (Meghalaya)
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Community-led cleanliness drives
- Housing societies with solar heaters and compost bins
- Beach clean-ups in Mumbai and Chennai led by youth groups
One person, one action = multiplied by many – leads to real change.
By working alone or together, we can protect nature, reduce waste, and build a cleaner, greener world.