MITx: Cities and Climate Change: Mitigation and Adaptation
by Massachusetts Institute of Technology
About This Course
This course delves into the critical role cities, which house 55% of the global population, play in addressing climate change through mitigation and adaptation efforts. As major contributors to fossil fuel emissions, cities face unique challenges and opportunities in the areas of urban planning, policy-making, and sustainable development. Learners will examine strategies currently used by cities for climate action and develop policy recommendations to enhance urban resilience and reduce environmental impact.
What Students Will Learn
- Deepen knowledge on governance and planning impacting urban climate actions.
- Understand the interconnections between multi-level governance and climate risk assessments.
- Analyze the roles of various actors and systems in urban climate policy formulation and execution.
- Advocate for effective climate mitigation and adaptation strategies in urban settings.
Course Pre-requisites
No specific prerequisites are required, making this course accessible to anyone interested in urban planning, sustainability, and environmental studies.
Course Coverage
- The fundamental theories of urban social and economic governance in relation to climate resilience.
- The functionality of systems and stakeholders in urban climate policymaking.
- Urban climate science including global warming impacts, energy, and transportation systems.
- Environmental justice, land use planning and urban design pertinent to climate change.
- Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and its application in urban environments.
- Risk management and disaster preparedness in urban settings.
Who This Course Is For
This course is ideal for policymakers, urban planners, environmentalists, and students in the field of environmental studies or any individuals interested in understanding and contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation in urban contexts.
Application of Learned Skills in the Real World
Learners can apply the insights and knowledge from this course to contribute effectively to urban planning processes, policy making, and implementation of climate action plans within cities. These skills are crucial for fostering sustainable urban development and enhancing resilience against climate challenges.
Syllabus
Course Schedule
Module 1:
- Week 1 - Cities and Climate Change
- Week 2 - Urban Climate Change Impacts
- Week 3 - Urban Energy and Transportation
- Week 4 - Housing, Maladaptation, and Social Dimensions of Climate Change
Module 2:
- Week 5 - Climate Action
- Week 6 - Nature, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change
- Week 7 - Urban Inhabitants and Health
- Week 8 - Urban Case Studies
Module 3:
- Week 9 - The Climate Action Plan (CAP)
- Week 10 - Components of a Climate Action Plan
- Week 11 - Drafting a Climate Action Plan
- Week 12 - Finalizing a Climate Action Plan Prospectus
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