GES2420

Environmental policy and management

Professor Chris Cocklin, Associate Professor David Mercer and Professor Joe Powell

4 points - 2 hours per week on average (two lectures and one lecture and one 1-hour tutorial in alternate weeks) - Second semester - Clayton - Prerequisites: A first-year sequence in geography, or permission of head of department - Prohibition: GES2430

Objectives To complete this subject students need to demonstrate an understanding of the social, political and bureaucratic underpinning of environmental policy-making and environmental management; recognise the importance of maintaining and extending disciplinary perspectives on environmental policy and management; be familiar with case studies which help to explain the complex nature of the evolution and implementation of environmental policies in various national and international settings; appreciate both the contributions and the limitations of science in the context of environmental policy and management; understand the characteristics and role of methods and techniques that are used in the context of environmental management and decision making; and be aware of the distinction between environmental managerialism and environmental management.

Synopsis Environmental priorities now permeate almost all decision making in both the public and private spheres. In the first of the three main parts in which this subject is presented we examine the rise of environmentalism, explore the variety of perspectives and ideologies in respect of the environment, and consider the premise that environmental issues are socially constructed. Issues of governance, policy and regulation are the focus of the second substantive part of the subject. Themes that feature in these discussions include the internationalisation of environmental policy, the rise of corporate environmentalism, native title and indigenous rights, and the importance of property rights. Case studies of policy and governance include water resources, heritage and biological diversity. The third main part of the subject introduces frameworks that have been developed to facilitate environmental evaluation and decision making, including: environmental impact assessment, social impact assessment, corporate environmental auditing, state of the environment reporting, and public participation.

Assessment Written (1500 words): 45% - Examination (1.5 hours): 45% - Tutorial attendance and performance: 10%

Recommended texts

Aplin G and others Global environment crises: An Australian perspective OUP, 1995
Diesendorf M and Hamilton C Human ecology, human economy Allen and Unwin, 1997
Mercer D A question of balance: Natural resources conflict issues in Australia 2nd edn, Federation Press 1995
O'Riordan T (ed.) Environmental Science for environmental management Longman, 1995

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