IB DP ESS 1.3 Sustainability Teaching Notes & PowerPoint 2026

This comprehensive teaching and revision resource covers the Sustainability topic (Topic 1.3) from the IB Diploma Programme Environmental Systems and Societies course. It is designed to serve two purposes: as detailed teaching notes for instructors and as structured revision material for students preparing for ESS assessments.

Editable PowerPoint Version Included

In addition to the printable PDF, this resource includes an editable PowerPoint presentation that mirrors the entire content. Teachers may customise text, reorganise slides, add visuals, embed videos or interactive media, and adapt the sequence for classroom instruction or blended learning environments. This flexibility supports engaging lessons and effective digital delivery.

What Makes This Resource Useful for ESS Teachers

Follows the Subject Guide Directly
• Content is organised according to the IB ESS subject guide.
• All required assessment statements for Topic 1.3 Sustainability are covered in order.
• Use it confidently to ensure full syllabus coverage.

Helpful for New Teachers
• Provides a clear, logical pathway through the Sustainability topic if you are new to teaching ESS.
• Can be used as core teaching notes, saving valuable preparation time.

Dual-Purpose Design
• Use as your own reference when planning lessons.
• Provide to students as revision notes.
• Explanations are clear enough for independent study yet detailed enough to support teaching.

Content Included

• Definition and key concepts of sustainability
• Principles of sustainable development and ecosystems
• Interactions between environmental, economic, and social systems
• Indicators used to measure sustainability outcomes
• Case studies demonstrating sustainability challenges and solutions
• Sustainable management strategies and policy approaches
• Links to global goals and international frameworks
• HL content and examples clearly indicated
• Diagrams, charts, and visual models to reinforce understanding
• Key terms and definitions highlighted for revision

This resource includes structured summaries and visuals to support confident teaching, conceptual clarity, and focused revision ahead of assessments.

This is a straightforward teaching tool that presents the Sustainability topic in a structured, curriculum-aligned format, making essential ESS content accessible and easy to integrate into your lessons or revision sessions.