Course Catalogue

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This course introduces key concepts of environmental risk, including systemic and cascading risks, in the context of natural and anthropogenic hazards. It highlights the importance of understanding the root causes and uncertainties of risk before considering mitigation strategies, and examines the multiple dimensions of risk such as hazards, vulnerability and capacities. Learners will explore the fundamentals of risk assessment, as well as the concepts of adaptation, resilience, and disaster risk management. The course critically examines a range of risk reduction approaches, including early warning systems, engineered measures, ecosystem-based solutions and hybrid approaches. Particular attention is given to risks in social-ecological systems across different environments, such as coastal zones, mountain regions and urban areas, alongside current international frameworks for disaster risk reduction. The course also discusses risk communication and the roles of different stakeholders in addressing environmental risks.

Teaching will be over a 2-3 week period, with further time for practical work, study & reflection.

Admission to MSc in Environmental Science (F753C-5301)

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1. Case study report (70%): a critical analysis of a real-case disaster risk reduction strategy using some of the tools that will be introduced in class (ILOs1,2,4,5,6)

2. Group presentation (30%): a proposal based on a case study for the development of an ecosystem-based or hybrid approach to disaster risk reduction (ILOs 2, 3, 6)

This course aims to

1. Increase learner understanding of the importance of analysing the root causes that underlie environmental risks in order to improve outcomes

2. Introduce the main theories and policies linked to environmental risks and demonstrate how these inform practice

3. Equip learners with the methods and approaches to carry out risk assessments and contextualise them within complex social-ecological systems and broader policy settings

4. Increase learner understanding of advantages and limitations of options for (1) disaster risk reductions to limit hazard impacts and (2) adapting to the consequences of climate chang

5. Develop critical thinking, decision making, reporting and communication skills

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Identify and critically interpret root causes of risk (including systemic and cascading risks) and uncertainties from natural and anthropogenic hazards

2. Critically evaluate theories and policies linked to environmental risks

3. Carry out risk assessments using a range of approaches and models

4. Contextualise risk assessments for complex social-ecological systems in the broader policy setting

5. Critically evaluate potential risk reduction measures, including adaptation, and understand their advantages and limitations, in particular in terms of building systems' resilience and in the context of planning or regulatory requirements

6. Demonstrate relevant presentation, analytical and reporting skills