NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE
Gain the skills and knowledge to work confidently within the natural resource management sector.
The core modules of this course have been specifically selected to provide students with the training necessary to work within the land management industry.
Land management often centres around woodlands, wetlands, parks and reserves, land rehabilitation and conservation.
Duration: Approximately 600 hours of self-paced studies. Our structure allows your learning and personal development to fit in with your life!
Students must complete 3 core modules.
You will then choose 4 elective modules to hone your studies further.
Study in preparation to enter into the natural resource management sector. Or to establish a strong foundation in skills and knowledge from which to pursue further, higher education and qualifications.
WHY WE NEED TO MANAGE NATURAL RESOURCES
The quality of human life is linked to the quality of our environment. Mankind depends upon the earth, either directly or indirectly, for his survival. The food we eat, the clothing we wear, the energy that prevents us from overheating or freezing; as well as our building materials, water and everything else, is derived ultimately from the soil, air, animals and plants that are found in our environment.
All of these natural resources need to be managed so they do not degrade, and ultimately disappear. Consider the following:
Fossil Fuels
The use of fossil fuels to create energy is the biggest contributor to climate change. The use of fossil fuels to provide energy includes industry, households and car use, and combined they account for some 80% of carbon dioxide emissions. Other by-products include around 20% of the earth’s methane emissions as well as a significant amount of nitrous oxide.
Agriculture
As well as the energy sector, other industries play a significant role in carbon dioxide release, most notably agriculture. Agriculture results in changes to vegetation cover on the earth’s surface which can influence the absorption or refraction of solar energy and light, and ultimately influence climate.
Dairy cattle such as cows, goats and sheep along with other farm animals like pigs emit methane. So too do horses, buffaloes and camels.
Deforestation
Rainforests around the world are thought to absorb some 20% of carbon dioxide emissions which they use to produce carbon, oxygen and sugars during photosynthesis. The loss of trees is said to account for more greenhouse gas emissions than all of the world’s transport combined (including aeroplanes, ships, trains and vehicles). There has been a trend of cutting down rainforests quicker than they are able to replenish and the net effect of this is thought to account for around a 17% increase in greenhouse gases. We know that trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air, and so deforestation and land clearance result in more carbon dioxide finding its way into the atmosphere.
The expanding human population means that there is a continuing need to clear land for housing development which is often the reason for deforestation. The agriculture, housing projects or industries which then make use of the land may also produce further emissions.
Nitrous Oxide
Whilst much of the focus in climate change has been on carbon dioxide emissions, nitrous oxide is believed to be the third most important gas that influences global warming. It is a by-product of agriculture and burning fossil fuels. Although much less is emitted than carbon dioxide each molecule is up to 300% more active in terms of its effect on global warming.
In the past, some of the most influential chemicals affecting the disappearance of the ozone layer are the continuous use of refrigeration and air conditioning coolants, cleaning agents (solvents and degreasing), harmful aerosols (propellants) and blowing foam agents. Along with many other substances widely used by man, these chemicals release destructive chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs slowly but effectively into the atmospheric ozone layer.
Since CFCs and HCFCs have been largely phased out, and continue to be so, nitrous oxide now provides the greatest risk to ozone depletion.
Other Pollution
Other sources of methane gas emissions include waste tips and landfill sites. The mining industry also releases methane from land drilling for oil, fracking, and coal mining. Leaking pipes also play a role. Other emissions from aerosols, insecticides, and so forth may also make a minor contribution.
Why Study with ACS?
Design your own learning pathway.
Study at your own pace, from anywhere, at any time.
Receive prompt, expert support from our team of committed and friendly tutors.
Your learning is our priority. We are flexible and adaptable to meet your educational needs!
Enrolling is easy - just go to the top of this page and select your study method and payment option.
If you have any questions about studying with ACS, or want to know more about any of our courses, get in touch with our specialist tutors today. They will be happy to answer your questions and look at different study options to fit in with your goals.