Lecture 1 _HS

Land Use and the Environment Lecture Overview

Assoc. Prof. Helen SheridanEmail: helen.sheridan@ucd.ieLocation: Room 203D, Agriculture and Food Science

Module Code: AESC10010
Credits: 5
Module Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Helen SheridanContact: helen.sheridan@ucd.ie

Lectures per Week: 2
- Tuesday: 10 – 11 am (Room B005 HEA)
- Thursday: 10 – 11 am (Room A-H2.18SCH)Materials: PDFs of lecture slides available via BrightspaceRecommended Reading: Comprehensive folder available for students with essential texts, research articles, and study aids.

Exploration of the interaction between humans and the environment across various scales: local, national, and international contexts.This includes examining how urbanization, industrial development, and agricultural practices affect ecosystems.

Development of Agriculture: Historical and current practices, agricultural technology, and sustainability.
Climate Change: Impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and water availability. Strategies for mitigation and adaptation.
Trends in Biodiversity: Analyzing species diversity, extinction rates, and conservation strategies.
Values and Functions of Biodiversity: Importance of ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, and disease regulation.
Water Resources: Issues of water scarcity, management, pollution, and the importance of freshwater ecosystems.
Soil Resources: Soil health, erosion, contamination, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Human Population Growth: Effects on resource demand, urbanization trends, and sustainable development challenges.

After completing the module, students will be able to:

Recognize key global environmental issues and the socio-economic and political factors that influence them.
Understand the evolution and technological advancements in agricultural production systems over the past 60 years, including the Green Revolution.
Appreciate the implications of global population growth, resource allocation, and environmental policies.
Recognize the importance of biodiversity in enhancing agricultural production and its role in food security.
Be aware of key policy and legislative initiatives impacting European and global agriculture, including the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and environmental regulations.

Geographical Details: Examine the location coordinates, elevation of significant landmarks, including volcanoes, points of interest, and geological features.
Visuals: Detailed maps illustrating major features, cultural landscapes, and locations on Easter Island.
Historical Context: Importance of statues (Moais) regarding Rapa Nui culture, their construction, and distribution.

Population Decline (1862-1863): Significant decrease in population due to external factors such as slave raiding, disease introduction, and environmental collapse.
Most Residents Perished: Examination of repatriation details during colonization and the effects on indigenous culture and population.

Food shortages and deforestation driven by over-exploitation of natural resources, highlighting the concept of carrying capacity.
Societal changes affecting agriculture, housing designs, and community resource management practices.
Environmental degradation leading to soil infertility, loss of biodiversity, and diminished water resources.

Lack of Understanding: Evaluation of the insatiable consumption of natural resources without sufficient appreciation for environmental sustainability.
Political Dynamics: Discussion on the political challenges faced in implementing sustainable resource management and the clash of short-term interests against ecological stability.

Biodiversity Crisis: Current extinction rates documented as being 100-1000 times higher than historical natural rates according to international studies.
Wildlife Populations: Reports indicate a 69% decline in wildlife populations since 1970 (WWF, 2018).
Atmospheric CO2 Levels: Rising levels reached 426 parts per million (NASA, July 2024), demonstrating severe implications for climate change.
Human Activities: Noted increase of CO2 by 50% over the last 200 years, emphasized as a direct consequence of industrialization and land use change.
Water Accessibility: 2 billion people live without safe drinking water; 3.6 billion lack proper sanitation (UNESCO, 2023), stressing the urgent need for water policy reforms.

Global Transformations: Discusses the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at addressing poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and building partnerships for sustainability.
Highlights include:
- No Poverty
- Zero Hunger
- Good Health and Well-Being
- Quality Education
- Gender Equality
- Clean Water and Sanitation
- Affordable and Clean Energy
- Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Reduced Inequalities
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Climate Action
- Life Below Water
- Life on Land
- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Partnerships for the Goals

Comparison of modern sustainable practices with past civilizations (e.g., Easter Island, Maya) to illustrate lessons learned in resource management.
Need for Biodiversity: Vital for ecosystem resilience, advocating for sustainable practices to manage population growth responsibly.

Understanding Functions of Natural Resources: Critically analyzing ecology and the necessity of balancing natural resource use with environmental preservation.
Controlling Impacts: Highlighting the need for adaptive strategies based on environmental changes due to human activities.

Global Demographics: Projected global population for 2024 stands at 8.2 billion, increasing to an estimated 9.7 billion by 2050 (United Nations), pressing the need for sustainable solutions.
Examination of links between rapid population growth and threats to natural resources, including food security, water scarcity, and habitat loss.
Suggested video resources to further explore implications and challenges surrounding population issues.