Resource evaluation and management
D C Mercer
12 points * 3 hours per week * Second semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: Sixteen points of second-year geography subjects, or permission of head
This subject focuses on a number of national and international conflicts over the use of natural resources, eg rainforest destruction, land degradation, pressure on water supplies and common property resources such as the world's oceans. The emphasis is strongly on the socio-political-legal aspects of these disputes and on the differing attitudes to the environment of various interest groups, rather than strictly on the ecological/natural science component. The problem of the uncertainty of science in environmental management is discussed, as is the interest group orientation of scientists in environmental disputes. Another focus is a critique of market-based `solutions' to environmental problems. Particular attention is concentrated on the role of the state and international diplomacy in dealing with global and national environmental problems.
Assessment
Tutorial paper (1500 words): 10% * Essay (5000 words): 40% * Examinations (3 hours): 50%
Preliminary texts
Johnston R Environmental problems Belhaven Press, 1989
Merchant C Radical ecology. The search for a liveable world Routledge, 1992
Pepper D Eco-socialism. From deep ecology to social justice Routledge, 1993
Recommended texts
Mercer D A question of balance: Natural resources conflict issues in Australia 2nd edn, Federation Press, 1994