The document discusses the foundations of environmental systems and societies, emphasizing how individual and collective perspectives shape our understanding of environmental issues. It outlines that perspectives are influenced by sociocultural norms, beliefs, values, experiences, and knowledge, and these influences inform how individuals view issues such as the sale of ivory and palm oil. Additionally, it highlights the importance of communication in expressing these values and perspectives within the community.

1. Perspectives
Topic 1: Foundations of
Environmental Systems
and Societies
Visual Notes for the SL and HL ESS - First examination
2026
https://fourcornerseducation.net/ESS2026/perspectives-part-1

2. ?
What
has made your
perspective?
1.1.1 A perspective is how a particular situation is viewed and understood by an
individual. It is based on a mix of personal and collective assumptions, values and
beliefs.
1.1.2. Perspectives are informed and justified by sociocultural norms, scientific
understandings, laws, religion, economic conditions, local and global events, and lived
experience, among other factors.
1.1.3 Values are qualities or principles that people feel have worth and importance in
life.
1.1.4 The values that underpin our perspectives can be seen in our communication and
actions with the wider community. The values held by organizations can be seen
through advertisements, media, policies and actions.
Topic1: Foundations
Topic 1 Perspectives part 1
Guiding Question: How do different perspectives develop?
https://fourcornerseducation.net/ESS2026/perspectives-part-1

3. you perceive or evaluate environmental issues as an
individual or as part of a group
It is part of your World View
A perspective is how
What is thisWorld View?
Topic1: Foundations
1.1 A perspective is how a particular situation is viewed and understood by an individual. It
is based on a mix of personal and collective assumptions, values and beliefs.
How might the world view of a Buddhist Might be
different from your own?
https://fourcornerseducation.net/ESS2026/perspectives-part-1

4. the sale of ivory?
How is that related to you World View?
What is your perspective on
Topic1: Foundations
1.1 A perspective is how a particular situation is viewed and understood by an individual. It
is based on a mix of personal and collective assumptions, values and beliefs.
ToK
Links
Personal Knowledge
Community of knowers
https://fourcornerseducation.net/ESS2026/perspectives-part-1

5. the sale of palm oil?
How is that related to you World View?
What is your perspective on
Topic1: Foundations
1.1 A perspective is how a particular situation is viewed and understood by an individual. It
is based on a mix of personal and collective assumptions, values and beliefs.
ToK
Links
Personal Knowledge
Community of knowers
Tracey Saxby,
Integration and
Application
Network
(ian.umces.edu/
media-library)
https://fourcornerseducation.net/ESS2026/perspectives-part-1

6. How is that related to you World View?
Topic1: Foundations
1.1 A perspective is how a particular situation is viewed and understood by an individual. It
is based on a mix of personal and collective assumptions, values and beliefs.
ToK
Links
How does your
knowledge change?
What assumptions do you
make about ivory and palm
oil?
What did you believe about
each?
https://fourcornerseducation.net/ESS2026/
perspectives-part-1

7. How are Perspectives developed?
Culture
Religion
Education
Experience
Economics
Beliefs
Values
INPUTS PROCESS OUTPUTS
Perspectives
We view issues
through our
perspective
Topic1: Foundations
1.2 Perspectives are informed and justified by sociocultural norms, scientific
understandings, laws, religion, economic conditions, local and global events, and lived
experience, among other factors.
What influences your Perspective?
https://fourcornerseducation.net/ESS2026/perspectives-part-1

8. What values do you think are important?
Topic1: Foundations
1.1.3Values are qualities or principles that people feel have worth and importance in
life.
Do you share your values with Greta or Jeremy?
How would you know?
https://fourcornerseducation.net/
ESS2026/perspectives-part-1

9. Topic1: Foundations
1.1.4 The values that underpin our perspectives can be seen in our communication
and actions with the wider community.The values held by organizations can be seen
through advertisements, media, policies and actions.
How does Greta
communicate her
perspective?
What about?

10. Work cited:
https://www.itv.com/news/2013-06-20/elephants-suffering-as-habitat-destroyed-by-palm-oil-products
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/28/blah-greta-thunberg-leaders-climate-crisis-co2-emissions
https://themarketingbirds.com/the-most-effective-ads-of-world-wildlife-fund/.
NB* Unless stated in the presentation all illustrations, figures and images are the property and copyright of N Gardner.
fourcornerseducation.net
Topic1: Foundations
Topic 1 Perspectives part 1
https://fourcornerseducation.net/ESS2026/perspectives-part-1