Environment Change & Policy

The aim of this module is to introduce students to processes of environmental change and to explore how policy-makers have responded to these challenges. The module has three primary components: firstly, it will examine key environmental challenges facing society at a range of spatial scales. This will introduce you to a range of issues, from global environmental issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss, to more local concerns such as environmental quality, land use change and various forms of pollution. Secondly, the module will consider the relationship between environment and society. This will include an exploration of the changing ways society has viewed or valued the environment and will also chart the emergence of environmentalism as a political force. Thirdly, the module will outline the policy response to environmental change. This component of the module will introduce students to the broad concept of sustainable development and will also provide an overview of various forms of policy instruments to address environmental challenges.