| Unit name | Sustainability, Risk and Resilience in the Urban Age |
|---|---|
| Unit code | GEOGM0037 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Fox |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Geographical Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
For the first time in human history more people around the world live in towns and cities than in rural areas. By 2050 roughly 70% of the world population will live in urban areas, and by the end of this century our species is very likely to be fully urbanised. This global urban transformation has profound implications in terms of achieving sustainable modes of living, minimising risk from environmental hazards and promoting resilience. Indeed, cities and city-regions are increasingly recognised as pivotal arenas for intervention to solve both local and global challenges.
In this unit we will explore the origins of the global urban transition; critically interrogate the concepts of sustainability, risk and resilience; dissect urban ecosystems; and review a wide range of planning approaches, policies, technologies and special initiatives designed to achieve sustainability and resilience in the urban age.
Upon successful completion of this unit, students will:
1) Demonstrate understanding of the diverse and shifting demographic and economic processes underpinning world urbanisation;
2) Have a critical understanding of and be able to apply key concepts underpinning the discourses of sustainability & resilience;
3) Be able to describe and assess the significance urban ecosystem dynamics;
4) Have knowledge of diverse policies, technologies and initiatives for urban sustainability & resilience.
10 x one-hour lectures
10 x one-hour seminars
1000-word Topic brief (30%)
4000-word Essay assignment (70%)
Both assessments will assess all the ILOs.
Essential:
Elmqvist et al (2018) Urban Planet: Knowledge Towards Sustainable Cities, Cambridge University Press.
Fox, S. & Goodfellow, T. (2016) Cities and Development, Routledge.
Wheeler, S.M. & Beatley, T. (2014) The Sustainable Urban Development Reader, Routledge.
