Introduction to Environmental Issues

The world is currently on the brink of a series of environmental crises that will affect all regions, countries, people and other species that inhabit the earth. The more people who understand these critical issues and their consequences, the greater chance we can make the necessary changes to all aspects of our lives. These changes include how we interact with each other, do business and travel. We have developed this course to introduce several of the most pressing environmental concerns. The material comprises a series of short animations, supplemented by text sections interspersed with knowledge checks. We invite you to watch a series of conversations between two characters. The conversations take place in different settings to highlight each issue. Alison is an interested learner and is Naomi an experienced environmental advisor who explains the problems. Alison's understanding develops as the course progresses and she begins to identify actions she can take.

Learn the differences between renewable and finite natural resources and the need to conserve them. Naomi advises Alison about waste management and questions why householders are not expected to follow the waste hierarchy for managing it. Some waste material becomes pollution and the conversation turns to the problem of air pollution with particular reference to children's health. Naomi and Alison then discuss water pollution and aquatic ‘dead zones’ before moving on to contaminated land and the issue of plastic pollution. We describe the Greenhouse Effect and explain how greenhouse gases aid climate breakdown, making this the most challenging environmental issue. The final critical point is the loss of biodiversity and the idea of a sixth mass extinction.

Throughout the course, Naomi reminds Alison and students that the environmental issues we face are all related. The case study of deforestation illustrates that resolving one issue may also affect others. This study highlights the importance of ‘systems thinking’. We will provide you with a resource document containing links organised according to each topic to complement the information. This course is relevant to everyone as the subject matter deals with the world in which we live but it is of particular interest to anyone working in the field of Ecology or the environment, including those seeking employment as environmental compliance officers, environmental field technicians or health, safety and environmental specialists.