Environmental analysis

In this unit you will explore tools for environmental analysis and decision-making around development projects, production processes, and governmental policies. You will focus on 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, you will examine the dynamic interaction between scientists, policy makers and the broader community through a series of in-class debates, discussions, and activities around environmental justice.