Example environment dissertation topic 9:

Bio-diversity within industrial sites: A use of waste-ground rejoinder.

Focusing upon the sites of former petro-chemical production, this dissertation seeks to assess the extent to which the waste-grounds that surround industrial concerns could be transformed into a rich bio-diverse environmental haven for wildlife. In addressing this issue this dissertation looks at three distinct aspects. First, it examines the existing cultural barriers within the corporate management of industry to the re-use of waste ground within sites. Secondly, it explores whether central-government inspired legislation should be considered with regard to the maintenance of bio-diversity within such sites. Thirdly, it evaluates the effects that embracing policies that increase bio-diversity upon such sites would have upon the consumers of the products made therein.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Cardskadden, H. and Lober, D.J. (1998). ‘Environmental stakeholder management as business strategy: The case of the corporate wildlife habitat enhancement programme’, Journal of Environmental Management, Vol. 52, pp. 183-202.
• Oldham, R.S., Keeble, J., Swan, M.J.S. and Jeffcote, M. (2000). ‘Evaluating the suitability of habitat for the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus)’, Herpetological Journal, Vol. 10(4), pp.143-155.
• White, G.J. and Gilberts, J.C. (eds.) (2003). Habitat creation handbook for the minerals industry. Sandy: The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.