Community, Agency and Sustainability

The module will introduce learners to the myriad of factors that are leading to the environmental degradation of the planet and present a case for taking action as individual initiative and through collective action. The module promotes Acting for Sustainability as advocated by the European sustainability competence framework – ‘GreenComp’.

It will present learners with a wide range of evidenced based positive practical actions that the learner can take at an individual and local community level to mitigate against global problems such as climate change and biodiversity loss. The module will examine case studies of successful local community and youth programmes that have led to positive behaviour change with regard to environmental action. It will discuss communication strategies that help promote a pro sustainability message at a local level such as within the student body, family and workplace. The module will identify barriers to positive behaviour change with regard to environmental action. The module will promote informed ways to think, plan and act with empathy, responsibility, and care for our planet and for public health.

1. Examine the key environmental threats that face humanity.

2. Evaluate the effect of lifestyle and consumerism on planetary health.

3. Discuss the environmental, social and political impacts of the climate crisis.

4. Critique the impact of movements and organisations working for climate justice.

5. Design mechanisms that may influence and encourage people at home, at work and in their community to live more sustainably.

6. Critique the role of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Outdoor Education.