IB Group 3 Geography Global Resource Consumption and Security

What This Is and Why It Matters for IB

Global Resource Consumption and Security refers to the issue of how the world's resources are managed and distributed, and the impact this has on global security. This topic appears in Group 3: Individuals and Societies, specifically in the Economics syllabus. Students often get this wrong by failing to consider the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental factors. Losing marks, misunderstanding the concept of resource security, and failing to meet assessment criteria can result in a low grade.

Where It Appears in the IB Syllabus

Group 3: Individuals and Societies, Economics, Paper 3: Globalization and Economic Activity (Section 3.4: Resource Security).

Key Command Terms

• Analyze: Break down complex information into smaller parts to understand the relationships between them.
• Evaluate: Make a judgment about the value or quality of something based on evidence.
• Discuss: Present a balanced argument, considering multiple perspectives and evidence.

Step-by-Step Understanding

1. Recall the concept of resource security: Understand that resource security refers to the ability of a country or organization to access the resources it needs to function and thrive.
2. Identify the different types of resources: Recognize that resources can be economic (e.g., oil, water), social (e.g., education, healthcare), and environmental (e.g., air, water).
3. Understand the impact of resource consumption on security: Analyze how the consumption of resources can affect global security, including issues like conflict, poverty, and environmental degradation.
4. Consider the role of globalization: Evaluate how globalization has impacted resource consumption and security, including the effects of international trade and investment.
5. Apply the concept to a case study: Use a real-world example to demonstrate your understanding of resource security and its impact on global security.

⚠️ Avoid oversimplifying the issue: Resource security is a complex issue that involves multiple factors and perspectives. Avoid reducing it to a single cause or solution.

Assessment Criteria Connection

Real Student Mistakes

Example 1

A student wrote: "Resource security is only about economic resources." Why it lost marks: This statement is too narrow and fails to consider the social and environmental aspects of resource security. Correct approach: Recognize that resource security involves multiple types of resources, including economic, social, and environmental.

Example 2

A student wrote: "Globalization has only positive effects on resource security." Why it lost marks: This statement is too simplistic and fails to consider the negative impacts of globalization on resource security, such as increased competition for resources and environmental degradation. Correct approach: Evaluate the complex relationships between globalization, resource consumption, and security.

Exam Technique (Paper-specific)

• Timing allocation: Allocate 30 minutes to analyze and evaluate the relationships between resource consumption, security, and globalization.
• Structuring a response: Use an essay outline to organize your response, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Linking to command terms: Use command terms like analyze, evaluate, and discuss to structure your response and demonstrate your understanding of the topic.

Internal Assessment / Extended Essay Relevance

This topic connects to the Extended Essay in Group 3: Individuals and Societies, specifically in the Economics syllabus. Students can apply this topic to their research question by exploring the impact of resource security on global security in a specific case study.

TOK Connections (if applicable)

This topic links to Ways of Knowing, specifically Empirical Evidence, as students need to analyze and evaluate data and evidence to understand the relationships between resource consumption, security, and globalization.

Quick Check (Self-Assessment Questions)

1. What is the concept of resource security?
   • Model answer: Resource security refers to the ability of a country or organization to access the resources it needs to function and thrive.
2. What are the different types of resources?
   • Model answer: Resources can be economic (e.g., oil, water), social (e.g., education, healthcare), and environmental (e.g., air, water).
3. How has globalization impacted resource security?
   • Model answer: Globalization has impacted resource security by increasing competition for resources, leading to environmental degradation and social inequality.

Revision Card (60-Second Summary)

• Resource security: The ability of a country or organization to access the resources it needs to function and thrive.
• Types of resources: Economic, social, and environmental.
• Impact of globalization: Increased competition for resources, environmental degradation, and social inequality.
• Case study: Apply the concept of resource security to a real-world example.
• Command terms: Analyze, evaluate, and discuss.
• Assessment criteria: AO1, AO2, and AO3.

If You Get Stuck

• Review the concept of resource security: Make sure you understand the definition and the different types of resources.
• Ask your teacher or study group: Discuss the topic with your peers and teacher to gain a deeper understanding.
• Use online resources: Consult reputable sources, such as academic articles and government reports, to gain a better understanding of the topic.

Related IB Topics

• Globalization and Economic Activity: This topic connects to the concept of resource security, as globalization has impacted the way resources are consumed and distributed.
• Conflict and Security: This topic connects to the concept of resource security, as conflict can be caused by competition for resources.
• Environmental Systems and Societies: This topic connects to the concept of resource security, as environmental degradation can impact the availability of resources.