Active learning ideas
The final topic focuses on the practical application of environmental science through Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). Students learn how to conduct holistic evaluations of proposed development projects, such as new motorways or wind farms, balancing economic benefits against ecological and social costs. This aligns with AQA standards on sustainability and research methods.
Activity 01
Groups are given a proposal for a new housing development on a local greenfield site. They must identify the potential impacts on local biodiversity, drainage, and air quality, and propose three mitigation strategies.
What are the key stages of an Environmental Impact Assessment?
Activity 02
Students debate whether it is possible to 'decouple' economic growth from environmental degradation. They must use evidence from 'green growth' initiatives and 'degrowth' theories to support their arguments.
How do stakeholders influence environmental decision making?
Activity 03
Students identify all the stakeholders for a new airport runway (e.g., local residents, business owners, pilots, ecologists). They pair up to predict which impacts each group will care about most and how to resolve their conflicts.
Can economic growth be truly decoupled from environmental degradation?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
An EIA can stop any project that has a negative environmental impact.
An EIA is an information-gathering tool; the final decision often involves balancing the environmental data against economic and social needs. Peer discussion of real-world planning decisions helps students see how these trade-offs are made.
Sustainable development is just about the environment.
True sustainable development must balance the 'triple bottom line': environmental, social, and economic factors. A collaborative investigation into the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) helps students see this broader definition.
Methods used in this brief
Biocapacity and Ecological Footprints
Students will calculate and analyse ecological footprints to understand human demand on the Earth's ecosystems. They will explore the concept of Earth Overshoot Day.
8 methodologies
Environmental Legislation and Protocols
A review of key national and international environmental laws, treaties, and protocols. Students will evaluate the challenges of enforcing global environmental agreements.
8 methodologies