Class Themes

A fundamental reality in environmental science is that all life and Earth processes are interconnected across vast distances and over long periods of time. Yet human systems of governance work at much smaller scales, both spatially and temporally. This is perhaps especially true in the contemporary United Kingdom, where ongoing processes of regional devolution – and particularly Brexit – signal growing interest in localisation.

Geological timescales are not well-aligned with electoral cycles, and the lithosphere pays little heed to political borders. As concerns about the Anthropocene (an unofficial epoch recognising humanity’s significant impact on Earth systems) rise, the mismatch between environmental realities and political constructions becomes ever more apparent. Effective responses to climate change require global coordination, but countries have not able to agree upon shared regulations within their borders, let alone beyond them.

This field studies course invites students to use Great Britain as a case study for the interplay between environmental geology, political ecology, and devolution policy. During travels in Scotland, Wales, Devon, and Cornwall, students will encounter controversies over environmental resources, climate policies, and decision-making power.

Devolution – the process of shifting control from a central government to subnational authorities – has given several British regions increased say over environmental matters. But devolution is far from clearcut…and many powers remain reserved by the UK.

This integrated science and policy class will simultaneously study the geological history that formed distinct landscapes in the devolved areas of Great Britain and the current sociopolitical forces that create interest in the resulting environmental resources. Through a variety of site visits and guided tours, the course will ask questions such as:

• • Is Scotland responsible for its agricultural impact, when it overwhelmingly voted against Brexit yet has been pulled from EU Common Agricultural Policy resources?

  • Does Cornwall have any power to prohibit internationally owned trawling boats from fishing in its waters?

  • Can the UK Government mine Wales’ seabed for energy resources without consent from the Welsh Assembly?

Ultimately, “Green Britain” helps students better understand geology, politics, and science communication – and how these forces impact both their daily lives and human history.

After completing this course, students will be able to:

1. 1. Describe the Earth system processes that have led to the presence of arable land, fossil fuels, and fish stocks in Great Britain

   2. Explain how devolution in the UK political system is influencing environmental management and climate action at the local, national, and global scale

   3. Analyse the impact of agricultural systems on the carbon, nitrogen, and water cycles, with particular attention to their role as drivers of the climate system

   4. Develop science-led policy recommendations about marine resources, making use of knowledge in oceanography and political ecology

   5. Communicate the science behind environmental and socioeconomic trade-offs of various energy sources and policies with a wide range of audiences