Everything human beings use is made from resources taken from the earth; from the clothes you're wearing, the desk you're sitting at, or the computer you're reading this on, humans have become very good at extracting materials and turning them into useful things, however at what cost? Currently in order to meet current global demand for resources we would need 3.9 earths! Clearly this isn't very sustainable. In this session we begin to unpick what sort of resources we are extracting, and in what quantities. We will consider the impacts of this extraction on the environment and the people who live there, with specific focus on the Amazon rainforest, and we will begin to look at some sustainable alternatives.
Course aim
To meet current global demand for resources we would need 3.9 planets. This sessions aims to identify the issues with resource extraction, which materials we are extracting and why, and to begin looking at sustainable alternatives.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- You will need your own personal email address so that you’re able to login to the WEA’s digital learning platform: WEA Canvas. You will need to be able to understand how to follow URL links to pages on the internet. If you want to understand more about Canvas please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- You will need to be able to follow links to join our WEA live video learning platform: WEA Zoom. If you’d like to understand more about our video learning platform, Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline and http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- This course is for a group of around 15 students studying in a live video-learning platform conference and an online digital learning environment platform from the comfort of your own home.
- This is a live lecture delivered by a subject specialist in an online webinar video learning platform. You will need to be able to access the internet on a device with speakers or earphones. There will be opportunities to take part in discussions and chats. If you’d like to know how to use Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is for beginners
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Understand what sort of resources we are extracting from the planet
- Consider the impact of resource extraction on both humans and the environment
- Start to consider sustainable alternatives to current practices.
How will I be taught?
- The WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas will be used to provide resources or to support lessons, enable assessment, provide learner feedback and for other activities for individuals away from the course. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
What else do I need to know?
- What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- You will need a personal email address to join the WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas so that you can receive resources, record your progress and achievement and to work with others and share ideas. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Progress to a course with another provider
Download full course information sheet
