Week 1: Introduction to Environmental Change & Management

Environmental Change and Management

Students develop an understanding of the functioning of environments and the scale of human-induced environmental change challenging sustainability. They explore worldviews influencing approaches to environmental use and management. 

Students undertake an investigative study of the causes and consequences of environmental change in an environment in Australia and another country. They compare and evaluate the management responses in both countries and propose ways individuals can contribute to environmental sustainability. 

Week 1: Introduction to Environmental Change & Management

Lesson 1: Understanding Environmental Change

• • Introduction to the concept of environmental change and its significance.

  • Discuss different types of environmental change, such as natural and human-induced changes.

  • Explore the causes and impacts of environmental change on ecosystems and human societies.

Introduction:

Environmental change refers to the alteration in the natural systems and processes that occur within the environment. It is a significant topic as it directly impacts ecosystems, biodiversity, and the well-being of human societies. Understanding environmental change is crucial for developing strategies to manage and mitigate its impacts.

Types of Environmental Change:

There are two main types of environmental change: natural and human-induced changes.

Natural Environmental Change:

Natural environmental change occurs as a result of natural processes and phenomena. Examples include climate variations, geological events such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and ecological succession. These changes often happen over long periods, shaping landscapes, and influencing the distribution of species.

Human-Induced Environmental Change:

Human-induced environmental change refers to alterations in the environment caused by human activities. These changes can be rapid and have significant consequences. Human-induced changes include deforestation, pollution, climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions, habitat destruction, and the introduction of invasive species.

Causes and Impacts of Environmental Change:

• Natural causes: These include natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes, as well as long-term climate patterns such as El Niño and La Niña.

• Human causes: Human activities such as deforestation, industrialisation, agriculture, pollution, and the burning of fossil fuels contribute to environmental change.

Impacts of Environmental Change:

• Ecosystem impacts: Changes in temperature, rainfall patterns, and habitats can lead to shifts in ecosystems and loss of biodiversity. Species may struggle to adapt or face extinction, disrupting food chains and ecosystem services.

• Societal impacts: Environmental change can affect human health, food security, water availability, and economic activities. It can lead to natural disasters, displacement of populations, and conflicts over resources.

Understanding the causes and impacts of environmental change is essential for developing effective strategies to manage and mitigate its effects. By recognising the role of both natural and human factors, we can work towards sustainable solutions that promote the health of our ecosystems and the well-being of societies.

Lesson 2: Environmental Management Approaches

• • Introduce various approaches to environmental management, including conservation, preservation, and restoration.

  • Discuss the roles of individuals, communities, governments, and international organisations in environmental management.

  • Analyse case studies showcasing successful environmental management initiatives.

Introduction:

Environmental management plays a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources. It involves implementing strategies and practices to protect and restore ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, and minimize the negative impacts of human activities on the environment. 

This lesson will introduce various approaches to environmental management, highlight the roles of different stakeholders, and analyse successful environmental management initiatives through case studies.

Approaches to Environmental Management:

Conservation:

Conservation focuses on the sustainable use and management of natural resources while maintaining ecological integrity. It involves practices such as sustainable harvesting, protected areas, and biodiversity conservation. Conservation aims to balance human needs with the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity.

Preservation:

Preservation emphasizes protecting and maintaining natural areas in their pristine state. It often involves setting aside areas as national parks or nature reserves with strict regulations on human intervention. Preservation aims to safeguard unique ecosystems, rare species, and cultural heritage for future generations.

Restoration:

Restoration aims to revive and rehabilitate degraded ecosystems through active intervention. It involves actions like reforestation, habitat restoration, and reintroduction of native species. Restoration contributes to the recovery of ecosystems and their services, improving biodiversity, and enhancing ecosystem resilience.

Roles of Stakeholders in Environmental Management:

Individuals:

Individuals play a crucial role in environmental management through their daily choices and actions. Conserving resources, practicing sustainable consumption, and adopting environmentally-friendly behaviors can contribute to the overall sustainability of the environment.

Communities:

Communities can initiate local environmental management initiatives, such as community-based conservation projects or sustainable agriculture practices. Collaboration and collective action within communities can lead to effective environmental stewardship.

Governments:

Governments establish policies, laws, and regulations to manage the environment. They provide frameworks for sustainable resource use, establish protected areas, and monitor compliance. Governments also play a role in international agreements and collaborations for global environmental management.

International Organisations:

International organisations, such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), coordinate global efforts in environmental management. They promote knowledge sharing, support capacity building, and facilitate international agreements for addressing environmental challenges.

Analysing Case Studies:

Analysing case studies of successful environmental management initiatives provides real-world examples and insights into effective practices. Case studies can include projects like sustainable fisheries management, reforestation programs, community-led conservation efforts, or international agreements like the Paris Agreement on climate change. Through analysis, students can identify key strategies, challenges faced, and the positive outcomes achieved.

Understanding the various approaches to environmental management and the roles of different stakeholders allows us to appreciate the complexity of addressing environmental challenges. By exploring successful case studies, students can gain inspiration and insights to develop their own environmental management initiatives.

Activity 1: Environmental Management Role Play

Objective: To explore the roles of different stakeholders in environmental management and understand their perspectives and responsibilities.

Instructions:

1. Divide into small groups, each group is a specific stakeholder role, such as individual, community member, government representative, or environmental organisation representative.

2. Provide each group with a scenario or environmental management challenge, such as the establishment of a protected area or the management of a local water resource.

3. In their groups, students should discuss and prepare arguments, strategies, and actions based on their assigned stakeholder roles.

4. Conduct a role play activity where each group presents their perspectives, goals, and proposed actions to address the environmental challenge.

5. Engage in a constructive debate, considering the different viewpoints and collaborating to find common ground or compromises.

Activity 2: Case Study Analysis and Presentation (Fast Finishers)

Objective: To analyse and evaluate real-world case studies of successful environmental management initiatives.

Instructions:

Select a few case studies related to successful environmental management initiatives, ensuring a variety of approaches and scales (local, national, international).

Then:

• Description of the environmental challenge and goals of the initiative.

• Strategies and actions implemented to address the challenge.

• Stakeholders involved and their roles.

• Outcomes and impacts achieved.

• Challenges faced and lessons learned.