Environmental Management & Ethics

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/environmental-management-ethics

Introduction

### Course Review: Environmental Management & Ethics on Coursera In an era marked by pressing environmental challenges, the *Environmental Management & Ethics* course on Coursera stands out as a vital educational opportunity for future decision-makers and environmental professionals. Offered with the objective of bridging the gap between science, ethics, and effective management, this course equips learners with the necessary tools to engage with complex environmental dilemmas. #### Course Overview The course addresses the increasing complexity of environmental issues that extend beyond local contexts. It acknowledges that decision-makers are often faced with uncertainties, ambiguities, and ethical implications when navigating these multifaceted problems. Learners are guided through an analysis of these challenges and are equipped with decision-making tools relevant to environmental management and regulation. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Welcome and Introduction** - The course begins with a thoughtful introduction to the wide array of environmental ethical dilemmas we face today, setting the stage for what learners can expect. 2. **Environmental Ethics** - This module delves into the foundational concepts of environmental ethics and explores three distinct types of environmental ethics, providing a theoretical framework for understanding moral considerations in environmental decision-making. 3. **Environmental Management of Wicked Problems** - Unlike past environmental issues that were often straightforward and localized, contemporary problems are described as "wicked." This module highlights the intricacies of managing such issues, emphasizing the need for innovative and adaptable solutions. 4. **Decision-Support Tools** - Learners are introduced to various decision-support tools such as cost-benefit analysis, risk assessment, and technology assessment. The module critically evaluates the ethical foundations and embedded values of these tools, making it clear that decision-making is not just a technical exercise but a deeply ethical one. 5. **Environmental Regulation and Principles** - This segment summarizes key environmental regulations and principles that guide international environmental management. Understanding these principles is crucial for anyone looking to influence policy or practice in a meaningful way. 6. **Recommendations on Your Chosen Environmental Ethical Dilemma** - In this practical, hands-on module, learners are tasked with developing recommendations to address a specific environmental ethical dilemma. This real-world application fosters critical thinking and the ability to devise practical solutions. #### Course Highlights - **Engaging Content:** The course content is structured to encourage critical thinking and personal engagement with ethical dilemmas. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, learners are not just passive recipients of information but active participants in their own learning. - **Excellent Instruction:** The course is led by knowledgeable instructors who bring a wealth of experience and insight into environmental management and ethical considerations. - **Interactive Learning Environment:** With opportunities for discussion, reflection, and peer interaction, the course fosters a collaborative learning experience that enriches understanding and promotes diverse perspectives. #### Recommendations I highly recommend the *Environmental Management & Ethics* course for anyone interested in environmental science, policy-making, sustainability, or ethics. This course is particularly beneficial for: - **Students and Professionals:** Those pursuing careers in environmental management, public policy, or related fields will find this course invaluable for acquiring a robust moral and practical framework. - **Decision-Makers and Leaders:** Current and future leaders in organizations confronting environmental challenges will gain strategic insights and ethical considerations vital for responsible decision-making. - **Engaged Citizens:** Anyone with a passion for the environment and a desire to understand the complexities of environmental ethics will benefit from and enjoy this enriching educational experience. Enrolling in this course will not only enhance your knowledge but will also empower you to contribute thoughtfully and ethically to the ongoing discourse about our planet's future. Don't miss out on this opportunity to become more informed and responsible in the face of today's environmental challenges!

Syllabus

Welcome and introduction

The environmental ethical dilemmas that we face a immense. In this module, we will introduce you to our course on Environmental Management & Ethics.

In this module, we will introduce you to environmental ethics in general and three different kinds of environmental ethics in specific.

In the past, environmental problems were local and we could use our senses to detect them. We could see them, smell them and feel them and we could develop uniform solutions to them. They were tame problems. More and more of the environmental dilemmas and problems that we face are not tame. In this module, you will learn about environmental management of wicked problems in contrast to tame problems.

Tools and methods such as cost-benefit analysis, risk assessment, technology assessment often provide support to decision-maker when it making decisions about how to best management the environment and environmental resources. These decision-support tools have different ethical foundations and different set of values embedded in them, which are important to have in mind.

In this module, we will introduce you to the main different kinds of implementing environmental regulation as well as some of the key environmental principles on which environmental management is based internationally.

In this module, you will learn-by-doing how hard it can be to develop a set of clear recommendation to solve a given environmental ethical dilemma.