Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title GEOGRAPHIES OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Code ENVS516
Coordinator Dr S Wong
Geography and Planning
S.Wong@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2013-14 M Level Second Semester 15

Aims

Climate change, pollution, desertification and population explosions have posed severe threats to natural resources in the globe. The rising demands for energy, water, land and forests have also pushed our ecosystem to a 'tipping point'. How it is possible to accommodate the rapid growth of our economy, without compromising the sustainability of our natural environment, needs a radical re-thinking. This module will touch on agriculture, energy, marine and waste resources and consider how technology, governance and stewardship may offer solutions to the complex issues.


Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module, students will:

Be able to analyse the complex relationships of the 'land-water-energy' nexus;

Understand the inter-dependence between developed and developing countries;

Have critical knowledge of the possible technological and governance interventions and solutions.


Syllabus

*** 

1. Agriculture-environment policy and planning: an overview of agri-policy globally, at a European level and nationally. A key focus will be the impact of CAP on the world, European and national agricultural market. Students will also be introduced to the environmental impact of agricultural policy and proposed sustainable measures for the sector.

2. Marine Energy - wave, tidal and offshore wind: an introduction to marine renewable energy at a global and national level. The environmental and socio-economic rationale for marine RE will also be introduced and discussed.

3. Waste Management: with the amount of waste produced globally estimated to be anything up to 4 billion tonnes annually, many countries are in the grip of a 'waste crisis'. This lecture explores the attention paid, particularly from a geographical perspective, the themes of waste production and handling. The lecture will move from global scale discussions of waste trad ing and movements, to more local, micro-scale, considerations of waste managements and waste practices in and around the home.

4. Stewardship in marine and agricultural sectors: the term 'environmental stewardship' usually elicits visual cues of circa 1960 hippies dressed in tie-dyed clothing with dreadlocks, chained to trees or jumping on boats protesting against the destruction of our natural resources or killing of charismatic mega fauna. However, current day environmental stewards are starting to take various guises and forms due to international environmental directives and national policies promoting the inclusion of the public in environmental decision-making in an attempt to reduce the tragedy of the commons through a duty of care. The absence of an internationally unifying definition, and an understanding of its make-up, causes environmental stewardship to be another political buzzword, allowing governments to feel good about their inclusionary wording in policie s. This lecture explores environmental stewardship by proposing a unifying definition and unraveling its core components to create an Environmental Stewardship Model and Performance Framework so it is an assessible objective in environmental policy and management.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lectures, supported by class notes, reading lists, web sites, films, discussions and an individual project.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24

          24
Timetable (if known) tbc
 
           
Private Study 126
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Extended 5000 word essay    Semester Two  100  Yes  Standard University Policy applies - see Department/School Handbook for details.   

Recommended Texts

Berry, R. (ed.) (2006) Environmental Stewardship: critical perspectives past and present. London: T & T Clark.

Millstone, Erik (2003) The Atlas of Food: Who Eats What, Where and Why. London: Earthscan

Sesabo, Jennifer (2007) Marine Resource Conservation and Poverty Reduction Strategies in Tanzania. Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag

Devine-Wright, Patrick (ed.) (2011) Renewable energy and the public: from NIMBY to Participation. London: Earthscan

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (2007) Waste Strategy for England. London: Stationery Office.