Evaluate pollution management strategies for reducing photochemical smog [9 marks]

Indicative Content	Guidance
Altering human activities: Encourage less fossil fuel consumption → e.g. through purchase/installation of energy-efficient technologies / use of public/shared transport / walking/cycling Strengths: Encourages sustainable practices in daily life Reduces individual carbon footprints Limitations: Depends on individual behaviour change → this is difficult to bring about Potential resistance to changes due to lifestyle preferences Regulating and reducing pollutants: Prevention / source control → strategies aimed at preventing the formation of smog precursors → e.g. emissions standards for vehicles/industries Regulatory measures → government regulations to help manage photochemical smog → e.g. implementation of air quality standards / emission limits / greater taxation Strengths: Establishes clear standards/guidelines for emissions Provides a structured framework for industry compliance Limitations: Potential economic implications for businesses e.g. those that rely on heavy industry / transportation of goods Requires continuous monitoring and difficult to enforce Regulating fuel quality: Strengths: Sets standards for quality of fuel inputs → reduces emissions of primary pollutants Limitations: Requires substantial infrastructure changes Difficult to monitor/enforce Potential push-back from the fuel industry	You will always have to answer two 9 mark questions from Section B in your IB ESS SL Paper 2 exam This is a 'level of response' answer. The examiner will award you a combined mark out of 9 for knowledge, application, analysis and evaluation ‘Evaluate’ (for 9 marks) requires: Knowledge of concepts, principles and models Application to the context using relevant and focused examples Analysis showing logical and coherent chains of reasoning of a range of issues Evaluation showing critical thinking linked to the context Depth is more important than breadth It is sensible to discuss two or three main points but to apply, analyse and evaluate them fully For top-level evaluation, informed judgement is required This can be demonstrated in a conclusion that synthesises and weighs up the arguments to form a supported answer to the question
Model Answer
Photochemical smog is a complex air pollution issue, which demands a variety of different pollution management strategies in order to prevent the degradation of the environment and protect air quality, particularly in urban areas. Reducing the release of smog precursors, mainly primary pollutants such as carbon dioxide, soot and oxides of nitrogen and sulfur, requires strict emissions standards for vehicles and industries [Ap]. This proactive approach would reduce pollution at its source, reducing smog formation, but may be very difficult to enforce and can be at the expense of economic growth if businesses are financially affected, by greater environmental taxes for example [An]. Technological solutions, such as catalytic converters, can also address smog pollution at its source, by effectively cleaning primary pollutants from car exhausts [Ap]. These devices are widely used and contribute significantly to reducing vehicular emissions. However, their impact is limited to specific sources, and their effectiveness depends on proper maintenance and replacement [An]. The rise of ultra low-emission hybrid and electric vehicles is also helping to reduce the contribution of vehicles to smog formation. The promotion of alternative transportation is a practical strategy for reducing smog-forming activities [K]. Cities such as Copenhagen and Bogotá have successfully implemented extensive public transit systems and cycling infrastructure, providing people with viable alternatives to traditional transport option, such as cars or taxis [Ap]. This not only reduces emissions but also enhances overall urban mobility and quality of life. Public awareness and education campaigns can also be another effective pollution management [K]. By informing and engaging the public, communities can collectively adopt more sustainable practices, contributing to smog reduction. Successful initiatives, such as community-led air quality monitoring projects and school educational programs, can inspire people to work together to combat environmental challenges, particularly those directly effecting them, as experienced by people in smog-affected cities [Ap]. However, it can still be very difficult to encourage people to change their behaviours, especially when they are used to a certain level of comfort regarding their vehicle and energy usage [An]. Finally, clean-up measures, including reforestation, re-greening, and conservation efforts, contribute to carbon sequestration and promote ecosystem health. However, these are reactive strategies that take time to yield tangible results, and urban environments with limited green spaces may face challenges in implementing these approaches [An]. In conclusion, a combined approach that integrates preventive measures, regulatory frameworks, promotion of alternative transportation, public engagement, and technological advancements is essential for managing photochemical smog [E]. Getting the right balance between these strategies, whilst considering the challenges relating to each approach, is key to achieving sustainable improvements in air quality and mitigating the impact of photochemical smog on the environment and public health [E].
Commentary
This answer is an example - yours may be different The answer discusses a variety of different strategies and finishes with a supported final judgement The effectiveness of each approach is evaluated in their respective paragraphs The response is annotated to show where the skills of knowledge (K), application (Ap), analysis (An) and evaluation (E) have been demonstrated

Photochemical Smog (SL IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Topic Questions