Environmental Challenges: Rights and Values in Ecosystem Services
Learn how we can learn to manage our natural resources with integrity and stop differences in values creating conflict in this University of Leeds's online course.
Duration
2 weeks
Weekly study
5 hours
100% online
How it works
Unlimited subscription
Learn more
Accreditation
More info
Humans are very innovative, but we’ve also created many ecological problems. We’ve changed the face of the planet, fished the oceans, and we’re causing climate change through emissions.
Designing institutional arrangements that recognise ecosystem services in the values we place upon natural systems will be an important way to help governing the planet, for both present and future generations.
This course explores three approaches to rights and values, and applies these to ecosystem services around the world. It also includes advice on producing press releases about environmental issues.
Week 1
The principles of rights and values
Welcome
Welcome to Rights and Values in Ecosystem Services. This course explores three basic principles when considering natural resource management.
Activity 1 - The nature of values
This first principle examines the nature of values, examining the different types and how these can conflict.
Activity 2 – Coasian bargaining
This second principle deals with the negotiations when there is an environmental harm produced by one agent that affects another. This is called ‘Coasian bargaining’ after the Nobel Prize winning economist, Ron Coase.
Activity 3 – The precautionary principle
This third principle explores how we can respond to scientific uncertainty. The precautionary principle is one of the fundamental principles used for decision-making about the environment.
Revision
This revision activity is optional and is designed for those signed up for the Environmental Challenges Program.
Summary
To close this week of this course, Jon will reflect on the week through a textual summary of discussions, questions and comments.
Week 2
Applying the principles
About week 2
This Week we explore the basic principles in context, through a case study and topical discussion.
Case study: Precaution and the nature of values
In this activity, we consider how the precautionary principle has been applied to the issues of genetically modified organisms, and asbestos.
Discussion: Ecosystem services
In this activity we discuss how ecosystem services are valued and managed.
Writing about – Press releases
As promised at the beginning of the course, you now have the opportunity to write a press release for an environmental development.
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 textual 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.
More courses you might like
Learners who joined this course have also enjoyed these courses.
