IGCSE Environmental Management is concerned with education for sustainable development in a world where the security of resources and life-sustaining systems is endangered by human impact. The syllabus draws upon disciplines such as biology, earth science, geography, economics and anthropology. The syllabus starts with the interdependence of the Earth’s natural systems and how people use natural resources. It moves on to examine the impact of development on the environment. Such issues as environmental pollution and resource depletion are examined, but the view of them is forward looking, to see how we may change the nature of development towards future sustainability.

The aims are to enable candidates to acquire:

• knowledge of the functioning of the natural system which makes life possible on Earth;
• an understanding that humankind is part of this system and depends on it;
• an appreciation of the diverse influences of human activity on the natural system;
• an awareness of the need for management and human responsibility to keep the system in a healthy condition if life as we know it is to continue;
• an understanding of sustainable development and management to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs;
• an understanding of how local environments contribute to the global environment;
• a sensitivity to, and a sense of responsibility and concern for, the welfare of the environment and all other life forms which share this planet;
• an awareness of their own values concerning environmental issues;
• an awareness of the values of others;
• a willingness to review their own attitudes in the light of new knowledge and experiences;
• a sound basis for further study, personal development and participation in local and global environmental concerns.