Environmental Challenges

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course is suitable for anyone with a general interest in environmental decision-making; no previous knowledge or experience is required. If you are working in environmental management, or wish to learn more about it, this course is designed to support you as a professional. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time. You can use the hashtag #FLenvrights to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

Recognise the difference between the perspectives of the ‘giving spirit of nature’ and ‘controlling ancestor’ in our perceptions of nature.
Understand the meaning of ‘reciprocity’ as a way of reducing risk in uncertain environments.
Be introduced to Elinor Ostrom who developed a hierarchy of different types of property rights.
Recognise different types of property rights and how they affect access to, and withdrawal of, natural resources.
Appreciate the need for flexible property rights in areas with dynamic ecologies.
Be introduced to the contrasting arguments of Thomas Malthus and Ester Boserup on population and agricultural production.
Understand the concept of ‘more people, less erosion’ when higher population densities lead to better land management.
Recognise the links between property rights and level of biodiversity in agriculture.
Understand how ‘historical institutionalism’ of past laws affects current legal rights to natural resources.
Appreciate the social asymmetries caused by the power to control access to natural resources.
Recognise the importance of language for describing local systems of natural resource management.

Reviews summary

Foundational insights into environmental property rights

According to students, this course offers foundational insights into environmental challenges through the lens of property rights. Many found the content highly relevant, especially for professionals in environmental management and policy. Learners appreciated the instructor's ability to explain complex theories clearly, making it an excellent introduction to the subject. The course is described as well-structured and thought-provoking, presenting diverse perspectives on critical environmental concepts. While largely positive, some noted a potential for more real-world case studies and practical application examples to balance the theoretical depth. There's an observed trend of increasingly positive feedback in recent reviews.

Provides a good overview but may lack deep dives in certain areas.

"Good course overall, but I felt some parts were superficial. I expected more depth in the legal aspects of property rights."

"It's a good overview, but if you're looking for deep dives, you might need supplementary material."

"Some of the earlier content felt a bit basic given the advanced nature of later modules."

Mixed opinions on whether it truly suits absolute beginners.

"Good for beginners to the broad topic, but felt a bit slow for me."

"An excellent introduction to a complex subject. ... A must-take for environmental enthusiasts."

"The course was too academic and not practical enough for what I needed... Definitely not for absolute beginners despite what the description said."

Course quality perceived to have improved in recent iterations.

"Absolutely fascinating and highly relevant! ... Well-structured and engaging."

"This course exceeded my expectations. ... The discussions were stimulating and the lectures were well-paced."

"I found this course somewhat disappointing. ... felt outdated in its presentation and some of the examples felt generic."

Offers valuable insights for environmental management professionals.

"Absolutely fascinating and highly relevant! ... It really opened my eyes to the nuances of property rights in environmental management."

"As someone working in policy, the insights into flexible property rights for dynamic ecologies were invaluable."

"The content is relevant to current environmental debates. I especially appreciated learning about the 'more people, less erosion' concept."

The course excels in clearly explaining complex theories.

"The instructor explained complex theories clearly. I particularly valued the modules on Elinor Ostrom's work..."

"An excellent introduction to a complex subject. The materials were well-organized and the instructor clearly passionate."

"This course provided a strong conceptual framework. It definitely made me think differently about environmental issues."

Strong on theory, but some desire more real-world applications.

"Could benefit from more real-world case studies to apply the concepts directly."

"Some parts felt too theoretical without enough practical application examples. I had to do additional research..."

"It leans heavily on theory, which is fine, but for me, I'd have liked more practical case studies that showed the application of the hierarchy in different contexts."

Career center

Learners who complete Environmental Challenges: Hierarchy in Property Rights will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers: