Course: Environmental Management in Europe (EME) (3005-411)

Persons:

• Christian Bugge Henriksen (verantwortlich)

Type of Course:

e-learning

In-Class Hours Per Week:

10

Contents:

Environmental Management in Europe is an interdisciplinary E-learning course offered by the Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen (LIFE) with contributions from different European universities and institutions. It is open for MSc students from Denmark, other countries in EU and the rest of the world.
The focus of the course is environmental management of natural resources (soil, water, air and biodiversity) from a European perspective. The European Union (EU) sets the policy frame for almost all environmental regulation in the member states. This frame determines both the possibilities and the limitations for carrying out environmental management and developing environmental solutions in EU.
In the first part of the course the concept of environmental management and the e-learning platform used in the course is introduced. A short overview of the history of environmental management, European natural resources and the current state of the environment in EU is given. Environmental ethics and sustainability concepts are discussed in relation to the value systems of different stakeholders in EU environmental policy. There will be an introduction to EU law (legislation, principles and procedures), EU environmental policy instruments (command and control, economic incentives and voluntary agreements), and EU environmental policy measures (strategies and action plans). The role of different EU institutions in the creation of environmental policy is discussed.

In the second part of the course various tools and resources for environmental management are introduced. The tools include environmental modelling and scenario analysis, environmental valuation and accounting, environmental impact assessment, life cycle analysis and environmental technology. The resources include environmental research, knowledge and data centres in EU. The students learn how to use these resources as well as other sources of information about environmental issues. The current principles and practices for environmental
monitoring and quality assessment in EU are discussed. Water management is central since water quality and quantity serve as an integrated measure of pollutant loads from agriculture, industries and households.
The third and major part of the course features a number of case studies based on actual EU environmental policy initiatives (e.g. the Water Framework Directive, Natura 2000 and the Climate Change Strategy). It is investigated how these initiatives originated and how they are implemented from the EU level to the national, regional and local levels. The scientific and political background for the different initiatives are analysed and discussed. It is investigated
how environmental measurements and modelling are used to evaluate and provide arguments for changes in environmental policy. The role of different stakeholders (e.g. in agriculture, industry and NGOs) and their efforts to lobby the decision making process is analysed. It is investigated how EU directives are interpreted and implemented in the different member states and how national legislation is adjusted to meet the new demands. The subsequent environmental, economic and social consequences are discussed. In this discussion the Water
Framework Directive is central, since it links to a number of other EU directives. It is studied how EU environmental policy, directly and indirectly, promotes the development of new environmental technologies and more sustainable management practices in both industry and agriculture.
Note 1: In week no. 35 (Tuesday and Wednesday 8.00-18.00) all students will meet at LIFE to get to know each other, meet the teachers, learn about the E-learning system, and visit the European Environmental Agency in Copenhagen.
Note 2: Students may follow the course in the first or second year of their Master programme, e.g. as a part of the Basic Semester Package in the new European MSc in Environmental Science (see www.enveuro.eu).

Literature:

Course material consists of selected scientific articles and book chapters as well as audio and video files. A compendium will be available at the start of the semester.

Location:

Hohenheim

Remarks:

Internet based E-learning modules with weekly deadlines. The course can be followed from anywhere in the world (internet access is required). Week Structure: Outside schedule, except for week 35 (~Structure B: Tuesday and Friday 8.00-18.00) where students and teachers will meet at the Faculty of Life Sciences, Copenhagen University. Internet based E-learning modules (E-modules) with weekly deadlines. Each E-module is composed of a) an introductory text, b) an overview of the purpose, the subjects and the lessons learned, c) the study material (which can be text, audio and/or video files) and d) several excercises called E-lessons. The E-lesssons are online learning activities which can be either multiple-choice questionnaires, assignments or discussions. The role of the teachers are to assist student learning by serving as E-moderators for the various E-lessons. Note: Students must complete at least 75% of the E-modules to qualify for the final exam.

Module:

• 3005-410 Environmental Management in Europe (EME) (compulsory)