Environmental analysis

This unit equips you with an understanding of tools for environmental analysis and decision-making around development projects, production processes, and governmental policies. Particular attention is given to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), a key tool for environmental management and reporting. We learn how EIAs are conducted, and scrutinise their merits, limitations, and controversies. We also discuss Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), connecting these tools to contemporary topics such as sustainable food production, the Paris Agreement, and ‘negative emissions’ concepts. Throughout, the dynamic interaction between scientists, policy makers and the broader community will be explored through a series of in-class debates, discussions, and activities around environmental justice.