Building Sustainable Cities

Welcome to Climate Resilience and Urban Sustainability, the first course in the Building Sustainable Cities Specialization. By completing Climate Resilience and Urban Sustainability, you will gain the ability to apply a comprehensive toolkit of case studies to address urban resilience and sustainability. You will be empowered to create and advocate for policy, technological, and other changes aimed at improving these outcomes within their communities. You will also develop the skills to analyze and understand the origins, causes, and consequences of current sustainability and resilience challenges. You will benefit from a deeper understanding of the challenges cities face today, particularly in the context of global climate change and social equity. The course provides insights into the history of land use and urban development in the United States, highlighting the rise of automobile dependence and the impact of fossil fuels. It also explores the policies and politics that contribute to unsustainable development patterns. What makes this course unique is its focus on practical application. Through quizzes and real-world examples, you will engage with topics such as urban heat, flood risk, and climate costs, gaining the knowledge needed to identify and address these issues in your own community. The course also covers innovative planning frameworks like New Urbanism and Smart Growth, offering you a forward-thinking approach to urban development.

Welcome to Policy, Technology, and Carbon Free Cities, the second course in the Building Sustainable Cities Specialization. This course is intended to build upon foundational concepts introduced in the first course, Climate Resilience and Urban Sustainability. Through Policy, Technology, and Carbon Free Cities, you will gain the ability to apply a comprehensive toolkit of policy and technology innovations to bolster community resilience. You will develop strategies to implement urban sustainability and climate resilience policies effectively and evaluate opportunities to enhance your community through innovative approaches. You will benefit from an in-depth understanding of sustainability practices through case studies and learn how these can be scaled to larger communities. The course uniquely emphasizes the role and authority of local governments and citizens in decision-making processes, equipping you with the skills to engage the public effectively. Policy, Technology, and Carbon Free Cities stands out by offering insights into cutting-edge and traditional technologies that drive sustainability and resilience. Through interviews with experts and real-world examples, you will explore diverse strategies, including carbon removal and smart city innovations. Additionally, the course examines the impact of local policies on urban development and public health, providing a holistic view of sustainable urban planning. By the end, you will be prepared to create a vision for future cities, leveraging smart technologies and policy innovations to address climate challenges.