Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis 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 focused 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% + Examination (3 hours): 50%