This module discusses human responses to contemporary environmental change. Making use of the DPSIR framework (Drivers, Pressures, States, Impacts, Responses) it evaluates the impact of human society on the physical and biological systems of the earth. It starts by discussing humans as drivers of change in the environment, exploring the role of population growth, rapid urbanisation and growing consumption. The state of the land surface of the globe is then assessed using forests and deforestation as a case study for change. This is then followed by a detailed discussion of the impacts of human exploitation on planet earth through two case studies: the first on the marine environment which explores the environmental impacts of overfishing, ocean warming and ocean acidification. The second case study will focus on the terrestrial environment and will evaluate the impact of human exploitation of the soil. In the final part of the module, societal responses to these challenges will be discussed. Two avenues will be discussed: traditional nature conservation approaches based on species and habitat with an additional focus on geo-conservation; followed by a consideration of more recent attempts to use environmental economics to value ecosystem services.

Formative feedback will be given in class as part of discussions of conservation interventions. Students will be offered formative feedback on a draft of their conservation report before submission.

Assessment (100%) Coursework – report. A critical evaluation of a conservation success project. This assessment maps to Learning Outcomes (1- 6) for successful completion. The students can choose an appropriate intervention from several case studies offered. They will be required to use the ‘Drivers Pressures States Impacts Response’ (DPSIR) framework as a tool to introduce, evaluate and reflect on the conservation activity and its successes, failings and ongoing sustainability in the current global context.

The module will be delivered through a combination of:
(a) classes that will combine, on a flexible basis, lectures with workshop exercises and be used to introduce theoretical concepts and to explore case studies.
(b) independent learning through guided reading from core texts and the use of web-based materials to develop a detailed knowledge of selected at UK, European and global scales.
(c) Assessment Preparation for planning, researching and writing.

Module Learning Outcome
1. Define and demonstrate an advanced and critical understanding of key concepts and principles that underpin the ‘Drivers Pressures States Impacts Response’ (DPSIR) model.

University Learning Outcome
Knowledge & Understanding Enquiry

Module Learning Outcome
2. Elaborate the connections between people’s individual actions and the collective impact of those actions on the biodiversity and physical systems of the planet.

University Learning Outcome
Knowledge & Understanding Enquiry

Module Learning Outcome
3. To apply the ‘Drivers Pressures States Impacts Response’ (DPSIR) framework to the case study of an environmental issue.

University Learning Outcome
Application

Module Learning Outcome
4. Analyse and critically evaluate the role that conservation science plays in halting and reversing environmental degradation.

University Learning Outcome
Analysis Enquiry

Module Learning Outcome
5. Critically evaluate the ecosystem services paradigm and the role of environmental economics in conservation practice.

University Learning Outcome
Analysis

Module Learning Outcome
6. Express and communicate knowledge and ideas clearly in a substantive report.

University Learning Outcome
Communication Reflection

High quality teaching space for face to face seminars where appropriate with usual audio-visual facilities. VLE for supported asynchronous learning in support of Face to Face sessions.
Library resources both online and physical to support research.

1. Butchart, S. H. M., Walpole, M., Collen. B., et al., (2010) Global Biodiversity: Indicators of Recent Declines. Science, 328: 1164-1168.
2. Sutherland, W.J., Brotherton, P.N.M., Davies, Z.G., Ockendon, N., Pettorelli, N., Vickery, J.A (Eds.) 2020. Conservation Research, Policy and Practice. Cambridge UK: Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108638210 pdf available.
3. Sutherland, W.J., Dicks, L. V., Ockendon, N., Petrovan, S. O., Smith, R. K. (2019) What Works in Conservation. Cambridge, UK: Open Book Publishers, 2019. https://doi.org/10.11647/0BP.0179 pdf available. 4. Thompson, K (2010) Do we need pandas? The uncomfortable truth about biodiversity. Green Books: Totnes, UK.

Completed 120 credits at L4

Humans through our socio-economic activities and relentless resource use are driving the next wave of species extinctions on planet earth. We are losing habitat and species richness at every turn. This module examines the key Drivers for contemporary environmental change (such as population growth, urbanisation, resource use) and details the way in which we measure this. Environmental impacts are explored through two key case studies: human impacts on the soils and on the oceans. What can be our societal response to these losses? We consider conservation from a species, habitat and geo-conservation approach and explore whether ecosystem services and economic valuation can save the day.