Here, we focus on the advantages and disadvantages of distribution and decentralization of natural resource management. We are in what Alanne & Saari (2006) term a second era of decentralization. The key question is: Are decentralization and distribution always the best answer for every natural resource and for every population? As with any overreaching question, the answer is no. We will be discussing why.
Learning Objectives
- Establish the relationship between infrastructure and networks.
- Compare the effectiveness of decentral and central solutions to environmental issues (e.g., centralized versus distributed energy generation, centralized versus decentralized forest management).
- Assess the balance between durability and flexibility of systems.
- Determine under which social and political circumstances, decentralized resource management is most likely to succeed.
What is due for Module 7?
This module will take us one week to complete. Please refer to the Course Syllabus for specific time frames and due dates.
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| Read | Registered students may access these articles via Canvas/the Penn State Library:
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Questions?
If you have any questions, please post them to our Questions? discussion (not email), located in Canvas. I will check that discussion forum daily to respond. While you are there, feel free to post your own responses if you, too, are able to help out a classmate.