Sustainable Cities: Governing Urban Adaptation Under Climate Change (FutureLearn)

Ongoing rapid urbanisation in combination with climate change and environmental degradation is presenting humanity with considerable challenges. Half of the global population now lives in cities and urban environments are facing serious challenges in dealing with climate change related risks, including the risks posed by more extreme weather events such as droughts, floods and heat waves, as well as rising sea levels.

Urbanisation is a leading driver of environmental change and resource depletion – a trend that will only accelerate as cities grow ever bigger.
Explore how cities can adapt to climate change

You will analyse the physical, social, and spatial processes that are shaping current climate-related risks in urban environments.

Using real-world case studies, you will investigate and discuss the governance challenges posed by successful urban adaptation to climate change.
Discover how to achieve sustainable urban development

Focusing on the role of governance and urban planning, you will identify how targeted adaptation strategies and finance can help build urban resilience and adapt urban systems to complex risks, thereby moving urban spaces towards a more sustainable future.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to apply targeted governance strategies to urban environments facing the challenges of a changing climate.
What topics will you cover?

- Climate risks and adaptation in cities

- Key drivers of urbanisation

- Telecoupling

- Urban physical, social and spatial systems

- Urban planning

- The role of new digital technologies in urban adaptation

- Opportunities and barriers for urban adaptation governance

- Case studies of real-life adaptation challenges in local communities

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

- Describe the human, ecological, and physical processes that are shaping climate related risks in urban environments.

- Assess risks and barriers to successful urban adaptation based on concrete case studies.

- Identify how urban climate governance and urban planning can help build resilience and advance urban adaptation.

- Apply targeted governance strategies for climate adaptation in urban environments.