Overview

Introduction to environmental management and conservation (why is it important, who does it and where does it occur). The concepts of landscape multipurpose land-use, interpretation and evaluation. Environmental ethics, conflicts and rights. Introduction to marine conservation issues and to agri-environment schemes. There will be a field trip to view examples of conflicts between conservation and other land uses. Methods to assess impacts on the environment (e.g. carbon footprints, environmental impact assessment). A look at the tools available to reduce environmental impacts, and the importance of good environmental management. There will be a field trip to see how the impacts of large industrial projects are being managed and reduced. Economics and the environment: what’s the relationship? The economic problem and the importance of economics. How individual decisions add up to form social phenomena. Fundamentals of economic analysis. Markets, market failures and interventions. Institutions, incentives and interventions by governments. Growth and trade. Using economic analysis to understand the world and inform decisions. There will be a field trip to illustrate economic issues in the environment.

Learning Outcomes

• Appreciate the application of techniques to manage the impacts of development on the environment.

• Structure a written report from a range of sources.

• Understand fundamental economic concepts and be able to use these concepts to analyse contemporary environmental issues.

• Understand the institutional framework within which land is managed for environmental purposes in the UK and in the wider context.

• Understand the interdisciplinary nature of conservation.

• Understand the issues associated with multipurpose land use.