We are living in the era of the Anthropocene when humans have become the key driver of planetary changes. This module provides you with a comprehensive introduction to sustainability and environmental sustainability building on the planetary boundary concept to discuss the environmental limits within which human societies can safely operate. Using a strongly interdisciplinary approach based on human and environmental geography, we discuss key environmental challenges including climate change, food systems, biodiversity loss, pollution, among others. We explore contemporary debates around sustainable development and critically analyse these in relation to real world sustainability problems along with an understanding of the relevant policy and governance context. You will be introduced to a series of case studies that illustrate human-environment relations as connected to social, economic and political processes at different scales. The module introduces the interconnectedness and the interrelation of the environmental and social systems, and the complexities involved.
Lecture 16, Seminar 16
1000 words Extended Writing. Assessment Details: Essay worth 30%.
Presentation and a 1500 word report Project. Assessment Details: Mini-Project worth 70%.
Reassessment Method: Like for like
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
understand and describe the linkages between the main pillars of sustainability, namely, environment, economy and society
describe and evaluate the key environmental challenges in the contemporary world
Recognise and outline the fundamental principles of sustainable development
apply the general principles of environmental sustainability to describe, discuss and evaluate the challenges of real-world resource use and /or management issues
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