EGS3023F Students Take on Anthropocene Challenges Along the West Coast

Students from the EGS3023F course recently completed a fieldwork excursion along South Africa’s west coast, where they engaged firsthand with the environmental and social pressures shaping the region.

The trip focused on key Anthropocene challenges, including water scarcity, the impacts of iron ore dust, and the management of fragile Strandveld vegetation. Students also examined the spread of invasive species and the tensions between agricultural activity and conservation priorities.

Through field-based observations and data collection, the class explored how environmental change is measured and monitored, while critically reflecting on the complexities of responding to degradation in real-world contexts.

A strong emphasis was placed on the intersection of environmental issues with social justice, encouraging students to consider how decisions affect different communities and whose voices are represented in shaping solutions.

The fieldwork forms a core part of the EGS3023F curriculum, equipping students with practical skills and critical perspectives needed to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing environment.