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Environmental Policy I

Course developer

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to provide an in-depth knowledge and understanding of theoretical and practical aspects of environmental policy. During lectures, seminars and practical works, students overview the interdisciplinary nature of environmental policy and actualities in development and implementation of the content of environmental policy, the concept of sustainable development, the availability and use of natural resources, the priority environmental problems in Latvia and the European Union, as well as the institutions and legislation for environmental protection.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Upon the completion of this course students will have:
• knowledge in the content of environmental policy, development process, stakeholders, principles and tools used in creation and implementation of environmental policy, understanding in interrelations (Test 1 and Test 2);
• ability to identify environmental problems, assess their causes and consequences, select potential solutions to prevent a particular environmental problem or reduce its impact in the context of creation and implementation of environmental policy (Test 3);

• competence to comprehensively collect, critically evaluate, accordingly analyze and appropriately apply available information in environmental policy (Test 4, Pass/Fail Assessment).

Course Content(Calendar)

Full time intramural studies:
1. Concept of environmental policy (2 h).
2. Development of environmental policy (2 h) –Test 1.
3. Factors affecting environmental policy (2 h).
4. Creation and implementation of environmental policy (2 h).
5. Concept of sustainable development and importance of the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit (2 h) – Test 2.
6. Natural resources in the context of sustainable development (2 h).
7. The European Green Deal – climate, energy, agriculture, industry (3 h).
8. The European Green Deal – environment and oceans, transport, finance and regional development, research and innovation (3 h) – Test 3.
9. Environmental policy guidelines for 2021-2027 in Latvia (3 h).
10. Institutions and legislation for environmental protection in Latvia (3 h) – Test 4, Pass/Fail Assessment.

Part time extramural studies:
All topics specified for full time studies are accomplished, but the number of contact hours is one half of the number indicated in the calendar.

Requirements for awarding credit points

In order to successfully complete the study course and obtain a Pass, all four tests must be passed. A test is considered as passed if the score is not less than 6 points. The maximum number of points that can be obtained in one test is 10 points.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Students must independently prepare for four tests using the information reviewed during the classes and recommended literature.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The final grade (Pass/Fail) for the study course depends on the results obtained in four written tests. A test is considered as passed if the score is not less than 6 points. The maximum number of points that can be obtained in one test is 10 points.

Compulsory reading

1. Blumberga A., Blumberga D., Bažbauers G., Davidsens P., Moxnes E., Dzene I., Barisa A., Žogla G., Dāce E., Bērziņa A. Sistēmiskas domāšanas integrēšana vides politikā. Rīga: Rīgas Tehniskās universitātes Vides aizsardzības un siltuma sistēmu institūts, 2010. 225 lpp.
2. Kļaviņš M., Zaļoksnis J. Vide un ilgtspējīga attīstība. Rīga: LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 2010. 334 lpp.

3. Lazdiņa Ē., Bendere R., Ozola A., Brizga J., Kauliņš J. Vides komunikācija un vides politikas integrācija. Rīga: REC Latvija, 2010. 135 lpp.

Further reading

1. Meseršmits K., Meiere S., Ūsiņa E. Eiropas vides tiesības: mācību līdzeklis. Rīga: Latvijas Universitāte, 2003. 460 lpp.

2. Strautmanis J. Vides ētika un vides tiesības. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC, 2003. 187 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Vides aizsardzības un reģionālās attīstības ministrijas mājas lapa [tiešsaiste] [skatīts 11.12.2025.]. Pieejams: https://www.varam.gov.lv/lv. Komentārs: detalizētas norādes par apskatāmo informāciju un tās atrašanās vietām tiks sniegtas nodarbību laikā.

2. Zemkopības ministrijas mājas lapa [tiešsaiste] [skatīts 11.12.2025.]. Pieejams: https://www.zm.gov.lv/. Komentārs: detalizētas norādes par apskatāmo informāciju un tās atrašanās vietām tiks sniegtas nodarbību laikā.

Notes

This is a compulsory course in full time intramural and part time extramural studies of the professional bachelor’s study programme “Environment and Water Management” of the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Engineering.