Hot topic of environmental sciences - MO550C06E
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Invited guest: Dr. Tomáš Baďura
Values of Nature: Understanding and Capturing the Intangible? This interdisciplinary course explores the complex and perhaps at times controversial ways in which research, society and individuals value nature. While some aspects of nature can be identified, measured and enumerated in monetary terms, others—such as cultural, spiritual, relational, or intrinsic aspects of values—resist simple quantification. We examine the tensions between different worldviews and valuation methods, ask whether and how these values can (or should) be quantified and integrated into environmental decision-making, and critically assess approaches ranging from economic valuation to deliberative and participatory approaches. Drawing on cutting-edge case studies and recent global initiatives published in leading journals—inclusinve the recent work of IPBES on plural values of nature—the course highlights the interdisciplinary effort required not only to understand, but also to communicate nature’s multiple values in science and policy. The course offers space for students to engage in ethical, practical, and policy debates about when, why, and whether to attempt to value nature. Students will read and discuss in class selected materials, prepare coursework and a presentation for their peers, and complete a final test. Last update: Frouz Jan, prof. Mgr. Ing., CSc. (16.09.2025)
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Selected literature (the list will be extended during lectures):Pascual, U. et al. (2023) ‘Diverse values of nature for sustainability’, Nature, 620(7975), pp. 813–823. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06406-9.Bishop, R.C. et al. (2017) ‘Putting a value on injuries to natural assets: The BP oil spill.’, Science (New York, N.Y.), 356, pp. 253–254. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aam8124.Hein, L. et al. (2020) ‘Progress in natural capital accounting for ecosystems’, Science [Preprint]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaz8901. Last update: Frouz Jan, prof. Mgr. Ing., CSc. (16.09.2025)
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The course evaluation consist from following components: Active participation in class discussions: 20% Coursework presentation: 30% Final discussion: 20% Final interview: 30% Required participation in classes. More than 3 absences means failing the course. Last update: Baďura Tomáš, Ph.D. (30.09.2025)
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This interdisciplinary course examines the complex and often contested ways in which nature is valued—ranging from measurable economic benefits to cultural, spiritual, and intrinsic dimensions that resist quantification. Through cutting-edge case studies and recent global initiatives such as IPBES, students will explore the challenges of understanding and communicating nature’s plural values, and engage in critical debates on whether, when, and how these values should inform environmental decision-making. Last update: Frouz Jan, prof. Mgr. Ing., CSc. (16.09.2025)
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