(Other
titles – or variations of these titles – may be negotiated with the teacher for
the relevant topic)
1. In what ways might social
science contribute to the solution of environmental problems?
2. 'Environmental issues are
socially constructed'. Discuss. Illustrate your answer with reference to at
least one major environmental issue.
3. Explain the rise of
environmental consciousness during the second half of the 20th
century.
4. Why is public understanding
of environmental issues so limited? What can be done about it?
5. Why is climate change ‘a
diabolical problem’? What does this imply for its solution?
6. Is the
NIMBY concept helpful in understanding why people oppose low carbon energy
technologies?
7. 'The precautionary principle
merely feeds a sense of environmental crisis. It does not provide a sound basis
for environmental decision making.' Discuss.
8. Can
Environmental citizenship be used as a strategy for tackling climate change
while maintaining democratic principles?
9.
Are traditional peoples guardians of the environment?
10. What is the relevance of traditional knowledge to
international environmental policy?
11. ‘The so-called “principles
of environmental policy” are so lacking in substance that they are wholly
inadequate as a coherent basis for environmental quality legislation’. Discuss.
12. What lessons for the implementation of environmental
principles through law can be learned from the operation of national
legislation intended to facilitate the remediation of contaminated land?
13.
What the strengths and weaknesses of ecotourism as a strategy for conservation
and development?
14.
What is wrong with political ecology?
