Risk, Environment and Governance (U00797)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : GEO-3-RSKENVGOV

This course examines the challenges involved in understanding and governing environmental risks (broadly defined) produced in industrial society. The course contrasts standard approaches to environmental economics and management with more critical approaches which question the monetization of nature and the assessment of risk by 'experts'. Attention is paid to the psychological and cultural bases of risk perception. We will examine the contention that we now live in a distinct 'risk society' in which traditional environmental regulation, and insurance, is increasingly redundant as hazards (like GM foods, chemical pollution, and climate change) become more uncertain over both space and time. The implications for the international governance of risks will be considered, focusing on the challenges of international co-operation and the formation of multilateral environmental agreements, such as the Montreal Protocol on CFCs. We'll also examine the potential conflict between free-trade and the environment. Finally the course will look at new trends in environmental governance, examining the concept of 'ecological modernisation' which suggests that environmental and economic goals can/must be reconciled, new forms of regulation beyond the state such as inter-firm relations and environmental management systems, and the importance of public participation and democratic decision-making in environmental policy. We will discuss the extent to which these new trends complement or conflict with one another.

Entry Requirements

? Special Arrangements for Entry : Requests for registration must be made by email to Shiela.Wilson@ed.ac.uk
Availability to Visiting Undergraduates may be dependent on demand from internal students.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Geography, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Other subject areas

Environmental Courses, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
18/09/2007	14:00	15:50	Room 2.19, Old Infirmary (Geography)	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	14:00	15:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

- To explore different conceptions of 'risk', and problematise the distinction between 'objective' and 'subjective' approaches.
- To examine different approaches to the governance of risk: by individuals, by the state, by insurers and by businesses.
- To consider the problems posed for governance by 'new' and uncertain risks.
- To examine the commercial, political and ethical implications of environmental risk management.
- To introduce ideas for future research into environmental risk and governance and to enhance a range of study skills.