We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Jeffrey D. Sachs
According to the United Nations, urbanization and population growth could result in an increase of 2.5 billion people into urban populations by 2050, with associated impacts ranging from increased transportation needs to more building. How do we make cities sustainable to support this growth?
In this mini-series, learn the challenges of local governments to adapt to new technologies, energy systems, modes of transportation and more in order to build the sustainable cities of the 21st century.
Read more
According to the United Nations, urbanization and population growth could result in an increase of 2.5 billion people into urban populations by 2050, with associated impacts ranging from increased transportation needs to more building. How do we make cities sustainable to support this growth?
In this mini-series, learn the challenges of local governments to adapt to new technologies, energy systems, modes of transportation and more in order to build the sustainable cities of the 21st century.
Read more
According to the United Nations, urbanization and population growth could result in an increase of 2.5 billion people into urban populations by 2050, with associated impacts ranging from increased transportation needs to more building. How do we make cities sustainable to support this growth?
In this mini-series, learn the challenges of local governments to adapt to new technologies, energy systems, modes of transportation and more in order to build the sustainable cities of the 21st century.
This mini-series is a companion piece to the SDG Academy's full-length Sustainable Cities course.
This course is for:
- Anyone new to the concept of sustainable cities or smart cities 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 and other related fields who want a concise overview of the concept of sustainable cities
- Sustainable development practitioners interested in the basics of sustainable development for cities around the world
- Private-sector actors, such as those who work in technology, telecommunications, transportation or the energy industry – whose work can contribute to and redefine this space
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/yuc79h/cities
What's inside
Learning objectives
- The basics of sustainability
- The sustainable development goals and how they apply to cities
- What constitutes a sustainable city
- How various sectors contribute to modern, sustainable urban development
- The basics of sustainability
- The sustainable development goals and how they apply to cities
- What constitutes a sustainable city
- How various sectors contribute to modern, sustainable urban development
Syllabus
Module 1: Introduction to the SDGs
Professor Jeffrey Sachsintroduces the SDGs and their importance.This module briefly describes the importance of creating sustainable living spaces and what we can expect from a future that is built on the principles of economic prosperity, social inclusion and environmental sustainability.
Read more
Syllabus
Module 1: Introduction to the SDGs
Professor Jeffrey Sachsintroduces the SDGs and their importance.This module briefly describes the importance of creating sustainable living spaces and what we can expect from a future that is built on the principles of economic prosperity, social inclusion and environmental sustainability.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Introduces core development principles within the context of sustainable cities and smart cities
Provides a concise overview of the concept of sustainable cities
Taught by a recognized expert in sustainable development and economics
Covers a broad range of topics, including sustainable development goals, urban planning, energy systems, and urban environment
Suitable for learners with no prior knowledge of sustainable cities or smart cities
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Concise urban sustainability overview
According to students, this course provides a brilliant and concise overview of sustainable urban development, led by the exceptionally knowledgeable Professor Jeffrey Sachs. Learners consistently praise the instructor's ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity, making it accessible for a wide audience, from beginners to professionals. The mini-series format is seen as highly digestible and relevant for those seeking foundational knowledge or a quick update on current global issues. While many find the content highly valuable, some learners, particularly those with prior knowledge, suggest it remains high-level and theoretical, wishing for more in-depth case studies or practical applications.
Generally engaging, though some found lectures occasionally dry.
"Jeffrey Sachs delivers the content brilliantly, making it accessible and thought-provoking."
"The videos were well-produced."
"Informative but somewhat dry. I struggled to stay engaged throughout some of the lectures."
Ideal for beginners and professionals seeking a foundational update.
"A very good introductory course on sustainable cities. Professor Sachs provides a high-level overview, which is great for beginners."
"Highly recommended for professionals seeking a quick, but comprehensive, grasp of the topic."
"As someone working in local government, this mini-series provided an excellent, updated perspective on urban sustainability."
Provides a high-level, foundational understanding of urban sustainability.
"It's a fantastic overview for anyone interested in this critical topic, whether a student or a professional looking for a concise update."
"Excellent and concise presentation of the key issues in sustainable urban development."
"Good course for foundational knowledge. I think it serves its purpose as an introduction well."
Professor Jeffrey Sachs is highly praised for clear, engaging delivery.
"Professor Jeffrey Sachs is truly brilliant and articulates complex ideas around sustainable development and urban planning with such clarity."
"Jeffrey Sachs delivers the content brilliantly, making it accessible and thought-provoking."
"Absolutely brilliant! Professor Sachs is a gem. His ability to explain complex global challenges in an understandable way is truly impressive."
Strong on concepts, but some desire more actionable strategies.
"I found it a bit too theoretical for my taste. I was hoping for more actionable strategies or practical tools for sustainable development in cities."
"As someone with some prior knowledge in urban planning, I found some parts a bit too general. Not deep enough for advanced learners."
"I wished for more in-depth case studies or practical examples beyond the general concepts."
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 Cities and the Challenge of Sustainable Development with these
activities:
Review Basic Statistics
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of basic statistical concepts to enhance your ability to analyze sustainable development data.
Browse courses on
Statistics
Show steps
-
Review concepts such as mean, median, mode, and standard deviation
-
Practice calculating these statistics using a calculator or spreadsheet
Develop an Infographic on Sustainable Transportation
Show steps
Create a visually engaging infographic that communicates the importance and benefits of sustainable transportation in urban environments.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Transportation
Show steps
-
Gather data and information on sustainable transportation options
-
Design an infographic that effectively presents the data
-
Share your infographic on social media or a relevant online platform
Read Jeffrey Sachs' The Age of Sustainable Development
Show steps
Build on the foundational concepts of the course and deepen your knowledge by exploring Jeffrey Sachs' comprehensive work on sustainable development.
View
Sustainable Development Report 2022
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read Chapter 1: The Imperative for Sustainable Development
-
Summarize the key arguments and concepts presented in Chapter 1
-
Reflect on how the ideas in Chapter 1 relate to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore Case Studies of Sustainable Cities
Show steps
Gain practical insights into the implementation of sustainable development principles by examining case studies of successful sustainable cities.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Cities
Show steps
-
Select a case study of a sustainable city
-
Analyze the city's sustainability initiatives and outcomes
-
Identify the key factors that contributed to the city's sustainability success
Analyze Sustainable Development Indicators
Show steps
Develop your analytical skills by working with real-world data to assess urban sustainability performance.
Browse courses on
Data Analysis
Show steps
-
Obtain data on sustainable development indicators for a specific city or region
-
Use statistical tools to analyze the data and identify trends
-
Develop insights and recommendations based on your analysis
Develop a Sustainable City Plan
Show steps
Apply the principles of sustainable development to a real-world scenario by creating a comprehensive plan for a sustainable city.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Cities
Show steps
-
Research best practices for sustainable urban planning
-
Identify the key challenges and opportunities for sustainability in a specific city or region
-
Develop a plan that outlines strategies for addressing these challenges and achieving sustainability goals
-
Present your plan to a group of peers or experts for feedback
Attend a Smart Cities Workshop
Show steps
Engage with experts and practitioners in the field of smart cities to gain firsthand knowledge and insights into the latest technologies and best practices.
Browse courses on
Smart Cities
Show steps
-
Identify a relevant smart cities workshop or conference
-
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and networking opportunities
-
Follow up with speakers or attendees to continue learning and exchange ideas
Participate in a Local Sustainability Initiative
Show steps
Gain practical experience and contribute to your community by volunteering with an organization focused on sustainable development.
Browse courses on
Sustainability
Show steps
-
Identify a local sustainability initiative or organization
-
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
-
Attend volunteer events or participate in ongoing projects
Review Basic Statistics
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of basic statistical concepts to enhance your ability to analyze sustainable development data.
Browse courses on
Statistics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review concepts such as mean, median, mode, and standard deviation
- Practice calculating these statistics using a calculator or spreadsheet
Develop an Infographic on Sustainable Transportation
Show steps
Create a visually engaging infographic that communicates the importance and benefits of sustainable transportation in urban environments.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Transportation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather data and information on sustainable transportation options
- Design an infographic that effectively presents the data
- Share your infographic on social media or a relevant online platform
Read Jeffrey Sachs' The Age of Sustainable Development
Show steps
Build on the foundational concepts of the course and deepen your knowledge by exploring Jeffrey Sachs' comprehensive work on sustainable development.
View
Sustainable Development Report 2022
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read Chapter 1: The Imperative for Sustainable Development
- Summarize the key arguments and concepts presented in Chapter 1
- Reflect on how the ideas in Chapter 1 relate to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore Case Studies of Sustainable Cities
Show steps
Gain practical insights into the implementation of sustainable development principles by examining case studies of successful sustainable cities.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Cities
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a case study of a sustainable city
- Analyze the city's sustainability initiatives and outcomes
- Identify the key factors that contributed to the city's sustainability success
Analyze Sustainable Development Indicators
Show steps
Develop your analytical skills by working with real-world data to assess urban sustainability performance.
Browse courses on
Data Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain data on sustainable development indicators for a specific city or region
- Use statistical tools to analyze the data and identify trends
- Develop insights and recommendations based on your analysis
Develop a Sustainable City Plan
Show steps
Apply the principles of sustainable development to a real-world scenario by creating a comprehensive plan for a sustainable city.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Cities
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research best practices for sustainable urban planning
- Identify the key challenges and opportunities for sustainability in a specific city or region
- Develop a plan that outlines strategies for addressing these challenges and achieving sustainability goals
- Present your plan to a group of peers or experts for feedback
Attend a Smart Cities Workshop
Show steps
Engage with experts and practitioners in the field of smart cities to gain firsthand knowledge and insights into the latest technologies and best practices.
Browse courses on
Smart Cities
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a relevant smart cities workshop or conference
- Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and networking opportunities
- Follow up with speakers or attendees to continue learning and exchange ideas
Participate in a Local Sustainability Initiative
Show steps
Gain practical experience and contribute to your community by volunteering with an organization focused on sustainable development.
Browse courses on
Sustainability
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a local sustainability initiative or organization
- Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
- Attend volunteer events or participate in ongoing projects
Career center
Learners who complete Cities and the Challenge of Sustainable Development will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Architect
Architect
Architects design and oversee the construction of buildings. With a focus on sustainability, this course helps to build a foundation for architects to design buildings that are environmentally friendly and energy efficient. The course covers topics such as sustainable building materials, renewable energy sources, and green building techniques, all of which are essential knowledge for architects who want to create sustainable cities.
Urban Planner
Urban Planner
Urban planners develop plans for the development and use of land in cities. This course can help urban planners to understand the challenges of sustainable development and how to create sustainable cities. The course covers topics such as land use planning, transportation planning, and environmental planning, all of which are essential knowledge for urban planners who want to create sustainable cities.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers develop solutions to environmental problems. This course can help environmental engineers to understand the challenges of sustainable development and how to create sustainable cities. The course covers topics such as air pollution, water pollution, and solid waste management, all of which are essential knowledge for environmental engineers who want to create sustainable cities.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability consultants help organizations to develop and implement sustainability strategies. This course can help sustainability consultants to understand the challenges of sustainable development and how to create sustainable cities. The course covers topics such as sustainability reporting, greenhouse gas accounting, and life cycle assessment, all of which are essential knowledge for sustainability consultants who want to help organizations create sustainable cities.
Energy Manager
Energy Manager
Energy managers develop and implement energy efficiency programs. This course can help energy managers to understand the challenges of sustainable development and how to create sustainable cities. The course covers topics such as energy auditing, renewable energy, and energy efficiency, all of which are essential knowledge for energy managers who want to create sustainable cities.
Transportation Planner
Transportation Planner
Transportation planners develop plans for the transportation system in cities. This course can help transportation planners to understand the challenges of sustainable development and how to create sustainable cities. The course covers topics such as public transportation, walking, and biking, all of which are essential knowledge for transportation planners who want to create sustainable cities.
Water Resource Manager
Water Resource Manager
Water resource managers develop plans for the management of water resources in cities. This course can help water resource managers to understand the challenges of sustainable development and how to create sustainable cities. The course covers topics such as water conservation, water quality, and wastewater treatment, all of which are essential knowledge for water resource managers who want to create sustainable cities.
Renewable Energy Project Developer
Renewable Energy Project Developer
Renewable energy project developers develop and implement renewable energy projects. This course can help renewable energy project developers to understand the challenges of sustainable development and how to create sustainable cities. The course covers topics such as solar energy, wind energy, and geothermal energy, all of which are essential knowledge for renewable energy project developers who want to create sustainable cities.
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental policy analysts develop and analyze environmental policies. This course may help environmental policy analysts to understand the challenges of sustainable development and how to create sustainable cities. The course covers topics such as environmental law, environmental economics, and environmental impact assessment, all of which may be useful for environmental policy analysts who want to create sustainable cities.
Sustainable Business Consultant
Sustainable Business Consultant
Sustainable business consultants help businesses to develop and implement sustainability strategies. This course may help sustainable business consultants to understand the challenges of sustainable development and how to create sustainable cities. The course covers topics such as sustainability reporting, greenhouse gas accounting, and life cycle assessment, all of which may be useful for sustainable business consultants who want to help businesses create sustainable cities.
Social Entrepreneur
Social Entrepreneur
Social entrepreneurs develop and implement social enterprises that address social problems. This course may help social entrepreneurs to understand the challenges of sustainable development and how to create sustainable cities. The course covers topics such as social innovation, social impact measurement, and social enterprise financing, all of which may be useful for social entrepreneurs who want to create sustainable cities.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. This course may help nonprofit managers to understand the challenges of sustainable development and how to create sustainable cities. The course covers topics such as nonprofit governance, fundraising, and program evaluation, all of which may be useful for nonprofit managers who want to create sustainable cities.
Community Organizer
Community Organizer
Community organizers work to empower communities to solve their own problems. This course may help community organizers to understand the challenges of sustainable development and how to create sustainable cities. The course covers topics such as community development, citizen participation, and advocacy, all of which may be useful for community organizers who want to create sustainable cities.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists report on news and current events. This course may help journalists to understand the challenges of sustainable development and how to create sustainable cities. The course covers topics such as environmental reporting, data journalism, and investigative journalism, all of which may be useful for journalists who want to report on sustainable development and sustainable cities.
Educator
Educator
Educators teach students about various subjects. This course may help educators to understand the challenges of sustainable development and how to create sustainable cities. The course covers topics such as environmental education, sustainability education, and global education, all of which may be useful for educators who want to teach about sustainable development and sustainable cities.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/yuc79h/cities
Reading list
We've selected 13 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
Cities and the Challenge of Sustainable Development.
Comprehensive guide to sustainable city development, written by Jeffrey D. Sachs, a leading expert in the field. It provides a framework for action and addresses the challenges of urbanization, climate change, and inequality.
Save
Provides a systematic approach to urban sustainability, covering topics such as urban planning, transportation, energy, water, and waste management. It valuable resource for anyone interested in the challenges and opportunities of sustainable city development.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of national urban policy in the United States, discussing the challenges and opportunities facing cities in the 21st century. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the future of urban development.
This report from the United Nations examines the role of cities in sustainable development, highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing urban areas. It valuable resource for anyone interested in the future of cities.
This guide from the United Nations provides a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including their targets and indicators. It valuable resource for anyone interested in sustainable development.
Provides a comprehensive overview of urban sustainability, covering topics such as urban planning, transportation, energy, water, and waste management. It valuable resource for anyone interested in the challenges and opportunities of sustainable city development.
Provides a vision for sustainable cities in the 21st century, outlining the challenges and opportunities facing urban areas. It valuable read for anyone interested in the future of cities.
Save
Explores the potential of smart cities to improve urban life, examining the use of big data and other technologies to address challenges such as transportation, energy, and water management. It valuable read for anyone interested in the future of cities.
Provides a critical introduction to sustainable development, discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the world in the 21st century. It valuable read for anyone interested in the future of sustainability.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ecological city, discussing the challenges and opportunities of preserving and restoring urban natural areas. It valuable read for anyone interested in the future of cities and the environment.
This report from the United Nations provides a comprehensive framework for action on sustainable cities and communities, covering topics such as urban planning, transportation, energy, water, and waste management. It valuable resource for anyone interested in the future of cities.
Discusses the impact of cities on the modern world, examining their economic, social, and environmental effects. It valuable read for anyone interested in the future of cities.
Save
Explores the rise of smart cities, discussing the challenges and opportunities of using technology to improve urban life. It valuable read for anyone interested in the future of cities.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/yuc79h/cities
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Rating
4.3
Effort
1 to 2 hours per week for 1 week
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
SDG Academy
Instructor
Jeffrey D. Sachs
Language
English
Transcript
English
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser