Environmental Challenges: Justice in Natural Resource Management
Understand how we ensure that the difficult decisions about the management of natural resources are just and fair for all in this University of Leeds's online course.
Duration
2 weeks
Weekly study
5 hours
100% online
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When looking at different societies and cultures around the world, it is interesting how ubiquitous the principles of justice are. It is part of our human nature to think about equality and consider fairness as something that we do naturally. However, in practical terms, equality is hard to achieve.
This course explores three aspects of justice and applies these to environmental issues surrounding natural resource management around the world. It also introduces the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Terms of Reference.
Week 1
The principles of fairness and justice
Welcome
Welcome to Justice in Natural Resource Management. This course explores three basic principles when considering natural resource management.
The justice principle
This first principle examines the theory of justice drawing on the famous thought experiment ‘The Veil of Ignorance’ devised by John Rawls.
Transaction costs
This second principle considers how we transact in society. The principle is based on the work of the father of modern institutional economics, Douglass North.
Arrow impossibility
This third principle demonstrates a paradox in democracy. Jon introduces Ken Arrow’s theory to elegantly demonstrate the impossibility of equal representation.
Revision
This revision activity provides further opportunity to explore the topics covered this week. It is recommended that you join this activity if you have signed up for the Program and are working towards academic credit.
Summary
To close this week of this course, Jon reflects on the week through a summary of discussions, questions and comments.
Week 2
Applying the principles
About week 2
The activities this week explore the basic principles in context, through a case study and topical discussion.
Case study: The conundrum of future generations
This activity explores climate change and the conundrum of future generations through a video case study.
Discussion: Natural resource management in Nepal
Jon discusses resource management in Nepal with colleagues from Nepal. Having watched the video discussion you have the opportunity to share your reflections on this topic in written or video format.
Writing about - Terms of Reference
As promised at the beginning of the course, you now have the opportunity to write an outline for a strategic environment assessment terms of reference.
Revision
This revision activity provides further opportunity to explore the topics covered this week. It is recommended that you join this activity if you have signed up for the Program and are working towards academic credit.
Summary
Jon reflects on the week through a summary of discussions, questions and comments. There is also an opportunity for you to test your understanding and find out more about the other courses in the program.
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