Environmental Studies QQI L5

Participant Profile:
This course is suitable for those interested in Environmental issues providing the participant with a comprehension of how planet earth functions, of how humans interact with the planet and to explore possible solutions to resulting environmental problems. NOTE: This is a classroom based course

Programme Description:
The programme will facilitate that participant to examine and explore: • The functioning of the earth as a series of inter-related systems - the importance of maintaining the healthy functioning of these systems as the basis for a sustainable future for the planet • What “resources” means to include differentiating between renewable, potentially renewable and non-renewable resources - natural capital, powered by solar capital provides us with natural resources and natural services, material and non-material resources • The concepts of “sustainable yield” and “environmental degradation • Examine the “tragedy of the commons” and possible solutions to the problem – overuse of common property, resources, as outlined by Garret Hardin. • The current environmental concerns with water to include some possible solutions to the problem of water as a depleting resource • The importance of renewable resources to include the possibilities regarding their future use - solar, flowing water, wind, biomass and geothermal – renewables for future sustainable strategy developments • The relationship between population growth and environmental degradation - ecological footprint – population of planet and general waste generation issues / solutions • Malthusian theory of population and environment and its adaptation for the twenty-first century • What is meant by lesser developed country (LDC) and more developed country (MDC) to include the main characteristics • Sustainability & Sustainable development • Climate Change – Global Warming - the greenhouse effect • Biodiversity & Conservation - • Explain Natura 2000 - what it means and what it hopes to achieve • Ireland's Environment • Regulation, legislation & Environmental • EU Action programmes • Evaluate and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) • Accredited Environmental Management Systems See website/brochure for detailed course content.