INTRODCUTION  

The module deals Environmental law which is an area of law where there is a “system” of statutes, regulations, guidelines, factual conclusions, and case specific interpretations which relate to each other in the context of generally accepted principles established during the short history of environmental law. You really cannot understand environmental law by just reading and ‘ understanding the specific requirements of specific individual laws and regulations.

The module deals with the ‘Environment’ which is very important for us to understand because it constitutes our surroundings and affects our ability to live on the earth. It comprises of the air we breathe, the water that covers most of the earth’s surface, the plants, and animals around us, and much more. It is, therefore, very important to understand and appreciate the importance of ‘environment’ in our daily life. In recent years, scientists have been carefully examining the various ways by which people affect the ‘Environment’. They have found that we are causing air pollution, deforestation, acid rain, and other problems that are dangerous both to the earth and to ourselves.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this module are:

• To explain what the term environment is.
• To explain what environmental pollution is
• To explain the values of environmental protection
• To highlight factors responsible for environmental pollution
• To examine laws meant for the protection and promotion of the environment
•  To explain the functions of the Environmental Protection Agencies

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this module students should be able to:

• Explain the term ‘environment, and its importance in our life.
• Find out what is ‘environmental pollution’ and what are the various kinds of ‘pollution’.
• Appreciate the need for protection of environment.
• Identify the factors responsible for environmental pollution.
• know the various laws relating to the protection and promotion of environment; and
• Understand the functions of environment management agency and the Boards.

Unit 1 – WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

Unit 2 – LAWS THAT ESTABLISH COMPLIANCE

Unit 3 – ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Unit 4 – ZAMBIA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Unit 5 – SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

 

RECOMMENDED READING

Buck, Susan J. Understanding Environmental Administration and Law. 3d ed. Washington, DC: Island Press, 2006. KF 3775 B83 2006

Ferrey, Steven. Environmental Law: Examples and Explanations. 3d ed. New York: Aspen Publishers, 2004. Reserve KF3775. Z9 F45 2004.

Findley, Roger W., and Daniel A. Farber. Environmental Law in a Nutshell. 6th ed. St. Paul, Minn.: West, 2004. Reserve KF3775. Z9 F56 2004.

Grad, Frank. Treatise on Environmental Law. New York: M. Bender, 1973- KF3775. A6 G72 1973.

Jasper, Margaret C. Environmental Law. Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.: Oceania Publications, 2002. KF3775. Z9 J37 2002.