Geography

Environmental Risks and Hazards (Elective)

Module code: F8508ES
Level 4
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture
Assessment modes: Computer based exam

Environmental Risks and Hazards (ERH) is a 15-credit interdisciplinary module that introduces the risks, hazards and disasters associated with the Earth’s natural environments and the growing impacts of human activity on them. First, it considers the nature of hazards, disasters, risks and how their impacts can be reduced through mitigation, protection and adaptation. Then ERH discusses the ‘big four’ historical hazards (floods, droughts, earthquakes, tropical cyclones) as well as other significant hazards (volcanoes, mass movement, biophysical, technological). Next we consider some of the main environmental hazards of the 20th and 21st centuries (sea-level change, climate change causes and consequences), informed by the recent reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This is followed by a case study focusing on the sensitive cryosphere, in which we consider how the Earth’s polar and alpine regions are changing rapidly and generating hazards and risks of global significance.

Module learning outcomes

To demonstrate knowledge of basic theories and concepts about environmental risks and hazards.
To demonstrate understanding of the fundamental natural processes and human responses associated with environmental risks and hazards.
To evaluate theories and concepts in risk and hazard planning and management.
To demonstrate an appreciation of qualitative and quantitative data relating to risks and hazards.T