Politics and the Environment

Module code: PL3076

While the UK passed the first modern environmental laws in the mid-19th century, it has only been relatively recently that it has become a prominent political issue. Evidence of our damaging effect on our planet's ecosystem is growing. However, when politicians try and deal with this, economic arguments can often get in the way. This module will introduce you to the key political arguments and debates surrounding the environment.

You'll look at the history of the environment as a political issue, focusing on its rise in importance over recent years. You'll also examine the limits to growth debate generated by a 1972 computer simulation of continued population and economic growth with finite resources. In addition, you'll apply and analyse environmental ethics and examine Green political thought, common in much of the Western world.