In this course we examine local, national and international environmental governance issues, with a focus on ethical principles, theories and frameworks that may be used view, analyse and address a range of environmental-development problems, such as biodiversity conservation, deforestation and climate change, fisheries management etc. We consider the organizations, institutions and actors influencing the use of the environment and resources, and we look for policies and tools to address the problems. A range of resource management regimes and modes of management are considered, including common property management, market and non-market incentives for resource management, decentralization, and corporate environmental behaviour.
 
The key questions that guide our work throughout the course are:
 
Ø  Which principles, theories and frameworks can we use to assess the causes of environmental problems, and to develop solutions?
 
Ø  What are some of the key approaches / policies to improve environmental-development outcomes?
 
The course adopts a discussion-based approach to learning which involves active student participation. Learning activities include interactive lectures, group work, class debate, a critical essay, and a mid term exam and a final exam.
 
Students are required to read the assigned material before the lecture, addressing at least the assigned questions. Questions are provided in this course outline for the first lecture. At the end of each lecture, questions will then be provided for the following lecture.
 
Supplementary readings are listed for each week (and available on the internet, or through the library) to exemplify the practical application of the theory discussed, or to allow interested students to go delve deeper in the frameworks and theories. Reading this material is not a requirement, unless specified by the course convener.