Social Policy and the Environment

(3-5 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

The context for this module is the significant environmental challenges faced by public policy makers, both those associated with climate change (e.g. greenhouse gases and global warming, droughts, flooding, and rising sea levels) as well as other environmental challenges (e.g. resource depletion, waste, pollution and biodiversity). The module focuses on the important linkages between economic, environmental and social development. It examines the risks associated with environmental challenges and their implications for human habitats, livelihoods and well-being. It explores the potential for managing these risks via a range of responses. While the particular challenges facing developing countries are outlined, strategies to promote more sustainable development in high consumption societies are the main focus of the module. These include international (UN, OECD, EU), national, and local regulations and policies. Questions of equity, and environmental justice in relation to particular policy outcomes are explored, as well as the distribution of costs and burdens between social groups and how polices might redress these. The module examines the different roles and potential contributions of various actors (governments at all levels, the private sector, NGOs, and civil society). The second half of the module focuses on the promotion of sustainable communities in particular the role of key policy areas such as: housing, planning and land use; urban policies; transport; employment; health; and education. Particular attention is paid to issues relating to water, energy, fuel poverty, and food security. Finally, it explores the utility of a range of tools such urban sustainability reporting, ecological foot-printing and sustainable development indicators.