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!
