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Aromar Revi,
Joshua Castellino,
Jeffrey D. Sachs,
Susan Parnell,
Sheela Patel,
Peter Newman,
Raf Tuts,
Debra Roberts,
Eugenie Birch,
Edgar Pieterse,
Michael Cohen,
and
David Satterthwaite
Did you know that experts estimate an additional three billion people will live in cities by 2050? What will the impact be on the current world population – half of which currently lives in cities and contributes to about three-fourths of global economic output? The opportunities are vast –but so, too, are the potential issues.
Read more
Did you know that experts estimate an additional three billion people will live in cities by 2050? What will the impact be on the current world population – half of which currently lives in cities and contributes to about three-fourths of global economic output? The opportunities are vast –but so, too, are the potential issues.
Read more
Did you know that experts estimate an additional three billion people will live in cities by 2050? What will the impact be on the current world population – half of which currently lives in cities and contributes to about three-fourths of global economic output? The opportunities are vast –but so, too, are the potential issues.
In Sustainable Cities , you will learn about the major challenges currently faced by urban areas around the world – including poverty, unemployment, poor housing infrastructure, and constraints on productivity – and the extraordinary potential of these areas to enable change in the future. From infrastructure to culture to economic opportunity, learn how harnessing the power of urban development for global progress is imperative.
This course examines how urban sustainability can be delivered with increasing productivity and reduced inequality; provision of universal basic services and infrastructure; protection of the urban environments; and other solutions and investments, both speculative and in action around the world.
You will emerge from this course understanding how governments, private stakeholders and other actors can improve urban development to heed the call of Sustainable Development Goal 11 – “making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable“ by 2030.
This course has been developed through a partnership between the SDG Academy and the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) , which is working to transform the current nature of urban education and practice in India.
This course is for:
- Anyone interested in the concept of sustainable cities – including those interested in the development of their own local community – who wants to understand the foundations of modern urban development
- Graduate students and advanced undergraduate students in architecture, real estate development, sustainable development, sustainable business, international development, public policy, and other related fields
- Sustainable development practitioners interested in the elements of sustainability that impact urban areas worldwide
- Private-sector actors , such as those who work in real estate development, technology, telecommunications, transportation, or energy – whose work can contribute to and redefine urban areas
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/uqoguq/sustainable
What's inside
Learning objectives
- An overview of governance, land management, utilities, and other entities that make up urban systems
- Understanding how poverty, health, economic opportunity, and other people-focused issues impact urban systems and development
- How technology is shaping transportation, energy, urban resilience, and more
- Case studies of major cities in the global north and south
- An overview of governance, land management, utilities, and other entities that make up urban systems
- Understanding how poverty, health, economic opportunity, and other people-focused issues impact urban systems and development
- How technology is shaping transportation, energy, urban resilience, and more
- Case studies of major cities in the global north and south
Syllabus
Module 1: The urban opportunity
The urban opportunity
Cities: cultural and social transformation
Challenge of urban politics, planning and governance
Read more
Syllabus
Module 1: The urban opportunity
The urban opportunity
Cities: cultural and social transformation
Challenge of urban politics, planning and governance
Read more
Urban research methods
Urban theory and history
Module 2: What makes a city function?
Understanding urban systems
Municipal, regional and national governance
Urban utilities
Urban public finance and taxation
Law, order and conflict
Land management and planning
Lessons from London and Mumbai
Module 3: How can we reduce urban poverty and make cities inclusive and safe?
What is urban poverty?
Measuringurban poverty
Poverty reduction in cities
Affordable and adequate housing
Who can deliver the housing we need?
Safety and violence
Urban vulnerabilities
Module 4:Making cities productive and reduce inequality
City production and consumption
Women in the informal economy
Migration, mobility and the urban-rural continuum
Wealth and inequality
Case: SEWA, India
Migration and the refugee crisis
Module 5: Improving human development in cities
Addressing the challenges of urban public health
Colutions for improving urban health
Education and skills
Higher education in cities
Gender in the city
Human rights and justice
Law and equality
Apartheid in South African cities
Module 6:Providinguniversal urban services and infrastructure
Sustainable environmental services and infrastructure
Sustainable transport planning
ICT
Sustainable urban energy systems
Sustainable transport: Bangkok
Module 7: How can cities be resilient?
Air, water, food and natural resources
Urban ag for sustainable cities
Cityrisk exposure
Climate impacts, adaptation and mitigation
Building urban resilience
Environmental planning and the politics of change
Sustainable environmental practices: Durban
Urban disaster risk management
Post-disaster recovery
Module 8: Governing sustainable cities
SDGs and other global processes
New institutions and governance
Public participation and democracy
Financing sustainable development
Measuring and monitoring the SDGs
Opportunities of secondary cities
Module 9: Implementing change
Makingcities more sustainable
United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and urban sustainability
Urban innovation: community-based organisations and civil society (the case of SDI)
UN-Habitat and international development and financing agencies
Implementing urban sustainability
International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and urban sustainability
Local leadership: a case study of Melbourne
International climate action: A case of Chinese cities
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Examines urban systems that are foundational to modern urban development and practice
Develops professional skills for working in real estate development, technology, telecommunications, transportation, or energy
Taught by Jeffrey D. Sachs, who is recognized for his work in development economics
Examines poverty, health, economic opportunity, and other people-focused issues that impact urban systems and development
Explores how technology is shaping transportation, energy, urban resilience, and more
Provides a detailed overview of governance, land management, utilities, and others that make up urban systems
Save this course
Save Sustainable Cities to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Sustainability course
According to students, this Sustainability Course is well received. Students report that the course's materials are comprehensive and engaging. They note especially appreciate the credibility provided by edX verified certificates.
edX verified certificates are credible.
"It helps that course has also moved to edX, since edX offers lifetime access to course materials and a verified certificate for 50 dollars from edX carries a lot of credibility (I have also applied for financial assistance for the edX verified certificate)."
The course materials are comprehensive.
"I first enrolled on Sustainable Cities in April 2018, but I was unable to complete the course to gain a certificate."
"However, the 4 weeks I was able to spend on the course whetted my appetite enough to sign up for this year's run."
"It helps that course has also moved to edX, since edX offers lifetime access to course materials and a verified certificate for 50 dollars from edX carries a lot of credibility (I have also applied for financial assistance for the edX verified certificate)."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Sustainable Cities with these
activities:
Volunteer with an organization that works on urban development.
Show steps
Provides students with real-world experience working on urban development projects.
Browse courses on
Urban Development
Show steps
-
Find a volunteer opportunity with an organization that works on urban development.
-
Contact the organization and express your interest in volunteering.
-
Attend a volunteer training session.
Follow a tutorial on how to use a GIS software for urban planning.
Show steps
Provides students with hands-on experience using tools that are essential in urban planning.
Show steps
-
Install a GIS software on your computer.
-
Find a tutorial on how to use the software.
-
Follow the tutorial and complete the exercises.
Participate in a peer-learning session on a topic related to urban sustainability.
Show steps
Encourages students to collaborate with their peers and learn from each other.
Browse courses on
Urban Sustainability
Show steps
-
Find a peer-learning session on a topic related to urban sustainability.
-
Attend the session and actively participate in the discussion.
-
Share your own insights and ideas.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Practice solving problems related to urban sustainability.
Show steps
Helps students develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the context of urban sustainability.
Browse courses on
Urban Sustainability
Show steps
-
Find practice problems related to urban sustainability.
-
Solve the problems and check your answers.
-
Review your work and identify areas for improvement.
Mentor a student who is interested in learning about urban sustainability.
Show steps
Allows students to share their knowledge and skills with others, which can deepen their own understanding.
Browse courses on
Urban Sustainability
Show steps
-
Find a student who is interested in learning about urban sustainability.
-
Meet with the student regularly to discuss their progress and provide guidance.
-
Share resources and materials with the student.
Volunteer with an organization that works on urban development.
Show steps
Provides students with real-world experience working on urban development projects.
Browse courses on
Urban Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a volunteer opportunity with an organization that works on urban development.
- Contact the organization and express your interest in volunteering.
- Attend a volunteer training session.
Follow a tutorial on how to use a GIS software for urban planning.
Show steps
Provides students with hands-on experience using tools that are essential in urban planning.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Install a GIS software on your computer.
- Find a tutorial on how to use the software.
- Follow the tutorial and complete the exercises.
Participate in a peer-learning session on a topic related to urban sustainability.
Show steps
Encourages students to collaborate with their peers and learn from each other.
Browse courses on
Urban Sustainability
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a peer-learning session on a topic related to urban sustainability.
- Attend the session and actively participate in the discussion.
- Share your own insights and ideas.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Practice solving problems related to urban sustainability.
Show steps
Helps students develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the context of urban sustainability.
Browse courses on
Urban Sustainability
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice problems related to urban sustainability.
- Solve the problems and check your answers.
- Review your work and identify areas for improvement.
Mentor a student who is interested in learning about urban sustainability.
Show steps
Allows students to share their knowledge and skills with others, which can deepen their own understanding.
Browse courses on
Urban Sustainability
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a student who is interested in learning about urban sustainability.
- Meet with the student regularly to discuss their progress and provide guidance.
- Share resources and materials with the student.
Career center
Learners who complete Sustainable Cities will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Urban Sociologist
Urban Sociologist
This course can help you understand the social and cultural dynamics of urban areas, and this can help you develop more effective programs and policies.
Urban Researcher
Urban Researcher
This course can help you build a foundation in urban research methods, which you can use to conduct research on urban issues and inform policy decisions.
Urban Planner
Urban Planner
You can use this course as an Urban Planner to understand how to create more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable cities.
Sustainability Analyst
Sustainability Analyst
This course can help you build a foundation in sustainability. You will learn about the challenges and opportunities of sustainable cities, which can help you make informed decisions in your role as a Sustainability Analyst.
Urban Designer
Urban Designer
As an Urban Designer, you can use the information in this course to create more sustainable and livable cities. You will learn about the challenges and opportunities of urban areas, which can help you make informed decisions about the design of the city.
Social Worker
Social Worker
As a Social Worker, you can use the information in this course to improve the lives of people in urban areas. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of urban systems and the challenges that affect people living in poverty.
Real Estate Developer
Real Estate Developer
This course will give you essential insights and knowledge about sustainable urban development. You will learn about the challenges and opportunities of urban areas, which can help you make informed decisions about the projects you develop.
Urban Economist
Urban Economist
You can use this course as an Urban Economist to understand how economic factors affect urban areas, and this can help you make informed decisions about economic development.
Public Policy Analyst
Public Policy Analyst
This course will help you understand the complexities of urban systems. As a Public Policy Analyst, you can use this knowledge to make informed decisions about public policy.
Transportation Planner
Transportation Planner
This course may be useful to you as a Transportation Planner. With this knowledge, you can make more informed decisions that will help reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in the communities you work with.
City Planner
City Planner
This course provides a hands-on experience with the theory and practice of creating a sustainable city. As an urban planner, you can use the knowledge you gain in this course to address issues such as housing, inequality, and health in the cities you plan.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultant
As an Environmental Consultant, you will have a role in advising companies and organizations on how to manage the environmental impact of their operations. The information in this course will help equip you to make recommendations on topics such as energy usage, waste management, and environmental regulations.
Geographer
Geographer
As a Geographer, you will analyze and interpret spatial data to understand the relationship between humans and their environment. This course can help you build a foundation in urban geography. Specifically, you will learn about the challenges and opportunities of urban areas.
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architect
This course, which focuses on sustainability in urban areas, may be useful to you as a Landscape Architect. With this knowledge, you can make more informed decisions that will improve the quality of life in the communities you work with.
Architect
Architect
This course discusses the various areas that affect sustainable cities, including governance, utilities, land management, and more. This information can help you understand the organizations you will work with daily as an Architect and the goals they are trying to achieve.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/uqoguq/sustainable
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Sustainable Cities.
Save
Provides a theoretical framework for understanding sustainable urban development. It covers a wide range of topics, from the history of urban sustainability to the challenges of implementing sustainable urban policies.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable urban development. It covers a wide range of topics, from urban planning and governance to transportation and energy. Ng's book valuable resource for students and practitioners of sustainable urban development.
Collection of essays on the city by one of the world's leading urban theorists. Sennett's essays are insightful and thought-provoking, and they offer a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of urban life.
Provides a practical guide to sustainable urban development. It covers a wide range of topics, from urban planning and governance to transportation and energy. Satterthwaite's book valuable resource for students and practitioners of sustainable urban development.
Provides a practical guide to urban planning for sustainability. It covers a wide range of topics, from land use planning to transportation planning to environmental planning. Ng's book valuable resource for students and practitioners of urban planning.
Save
Provides a comparative analysis of urban sustainability in 50 global cities. It covers a wide range of topics, from the environmental performance of cities to the social and economic well-being of urban residents.
Provides a reader on urban sustainability. It covers a wide range of topics, from the history of urban sustainability to the challenges of implementing sustainable urban policies.
Provides a toolkit for practitioners of sustainable urban development. It covers a wide range of topics, from urban planning and governance to transportation and energy. Ng's book valuable resource for students and practitioners of sustainable urban development.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/uqoguq/sustainable
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Effort
4 to 6 hours per week for 9 weeks
Level
Intermediate
Via
edX
Institution
SDG Academy
Instructors
Aromar Revi
Joshua Castellino
Jeffrey D. Sachs
Susan Parnell
Sheela Patel
Peter Newman
Raf Tuts
Debra Roberts
Eugenie Birch
Edgar Pieterse
Michael Cohen
David Satterthwaite
Language
English
Transcripts
English
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
中文
العربية
हिंदी
Türkçe
తెలుగు
Bahasa Indonesia
Kiswahili
Good to know
Examines urban systems that are foundational to modern urban development and practice
Develops professional skills for working in real estate development, technology, telecommunications, transportation, or energy
Taught by Jeffrey D. Sachs, who is recognized for his work in development economics
Examines poverty, health, economic opportunity, and other people-focused issues that impact urban systems and development
Explores how technology is shaping transportation, energy, urban resilience, and more
Provides a detailed overview of governance, land management, utilities, and others that make up urban systems
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