The environment issues investigated by The Big Question so far have been:

29-05-04 Are we too many?
05-06-04 Are we the wrong age?
24-07-04 What is happening to the Earth's weather?
31-07-04 How have rising temperatures affected our world?
25-09-04 Why does the Amazon matter?
13-11-04 How much does the world rely on oil?
12-03-05 Should we worry about extinction?

Also on Open2.net
A Land Worth Loving - trace our families as they attempt to embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle - and find how to follow their lead
British Isles: A Natural History - join Alan Titchmarsh as he explores how the British Isles have been shaped by climatic change
Flooded Britain - How did the floods of 1953 change attitudes to the land?
Journeys From The Centre of the Earth - Iain Stewart explores the Med: could a major change be about to happen?

Courses
If you'd like to take your interest in this area further, the Open University might have a course for you - regardless of where you live. Many OU courses are available worldwide, making use of the web, email and electronic conferencing. The exact range of courses available to you will depend on the country in which you live.

If you're new to study in this area, a good point to start might be Breakthrough to mathematics, science and technology - you'll explore a range of environmental concerns, see how science can analyse the effects humans have on the world, and looks at calculations and units in the context of familiar examples.

A next step could be Working with our environment. It should interest students with a science or non-science background alike, and provides an introduction to how we affect the planet when we shop, travel and so on.

International development - "Challenges for a world in transition" - explores the issues arising in a world challenged by poverty and inequality, but also facing the opportunities of technology and knowledge. This is a second-level course and although no prior knowledge is assumed, it's recommended that you try a lower-level course before starting it.

Content last updated: 26/11/2004