The module is interdisciplinary in nature, drawing on ecological and social perspectives to explore a wide field of ideas (e.g. political ecology, environmental sociology, environmental philosophies and justice). It discusses the development of environmental advocacy both in the Global North and South and evaluates the roles of key actors. Different approaches to environmental advocacy are evaluated including indirect consumer/ economic action and direct through protest and legal challenge. The role of the creative arts (poetry, theatre, film, installations) in highlighting environmental issues is evaluated along with the increasing use of Big Data and visualisation in the presentation of complex data pertaining to climate, pollution, human society. Attention is thus paid to changing attitudes to the environment, and the underlying philosophies that these characterise. Specific focus will be given to shifts in the vocabulary and rhetoric of the climate change debate as it is reframed as a climate crisis / emergency. The contemporary role of the media and public communication in shaping what are pressing environmental issues is also considered. The role of social media as a portal to raise public awareness and to recruit and organise new activists will be examined. In that light the re-emerging trend of young advocates (such as Greta Thunberg) and links to other social movements and groups are considered. There are challenges and opportunities presented by the emergence of new forms of communication and generational shifts in news consumption. It is important that these are understood by those seeking to influence environmental behaviour.

A 1000 word critique of an environmental data visualisation. Students can use Stephen Few’s framework (or other published examples) and will be required to establish the origin, purpose and intended audience of the graphic. Testing Learning Outcomes – 2 ,3 and 5

Using an environmental issue of personal interest / concern students may choose one of three coursework options depending on their interests. Testing Learning Outcomes – 1, 4 and 5

IN PAIRS – Curate and record a podcast of 25 minutes in length with both contributors taking an equal part in the recorded content. The podcast should be sufficiently weighty in scientific content to be hosted by The Guardian Environment platform.

INDIVIDUALLY – Write and record a TED talk of 10-15 minutes in length.

INDIVIDUALLY – Write an article for “The Conversation” online platform – 500 words of succinct journalism with appropriate hyperlinks and images.

The module will be delivered through a combination of:

(a) Classes that will combine, on a flexible basis online and on campus, seminars with workshop exercises 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

Opportunities for formative feedback will be provided during sessions. For example, students will work in pairs / groups to critique a range of data visualisations alongside the module tutor to develop their skills. Students will also be encouraged to share their communication artefact with their peers before submission to refine it before final submission.

PROVIDE CRITICAL COMMENTARY OF THE CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES UNDERPINNING ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND ACTIVISM AS WELL AS UNDERSTANDING THE HISTORY OF THEIR DEVELOPMENT IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT.

UNDERSTAND THE HISTORY OF ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT AND HOW THIS SHAPES ITS CURRENT EXPRESSION.

ELUCIDATE THE ROLE OF KEY ACTORS AND DIFFERENT “ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLICS” IN FRAMING LOCAL, NATIONAL AND GLOBAL POLICY.

ANALYSE AND CRITICALLY EVALUATE THE ROLE OF DATA VISUALISATION IN ENVIORNMENTAL EDUCATION.

DEMONSTRATE CREATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY THROUGH A VARIETY OF CURRENT SCIENCE COMMUNICATION CHANNELS.

High quality teaching space with usual audio-visual facilities.
Library resources both physical and online.

Berners-Lee, M. (2019) There is No Planet B. A Handbook for the Make or Break Years. Cambridge: CUP.

Buckingham, S & Turner M. (2008) Understanding Environmental Issues. London: Sage.

Coolsaet, B (Ed.) (2021) Environmental Justice: Key Issues. Abingdon: Earthscan (Routledge)
Eden, S. (2016) Environmental Publics. Abingdon: Routledge.

Goodall, C (2020) What we need to do now – for a zero-carbon future. London: Profile Books.
Hansen, A. (2018) Environment, Media and Communication (2nd edition). Abingdon: Routledge

Thunberg, G. (2019) No-one is too small to make a difference.

PLUS up to date journal papers / articles set as reading each week.