Planning for Climate Change and Sustainability

MUP Concentration

Metropolitan areas are the source of most of our environmental quality problems, and most of the solutions to those problems. Planning and design of our cities and communities play a critical role in both pollution and exposure to its damages. The planners of the 21st Century must be skilled at analyzing environmental justice, sustainable urban design, public health, and climate change – all topics of focus within this concentration. Students will learn methods for analyzing environmental impacts, relationships between exposure and health, urban vulnerabilities to climate change effects, and the role of urban planning and public policies in achieving more sustainable and livable urban environments.

Suggested courses for students selecting this concentration include:

• Environmental Impacts (PPD 621)
• General Plans (PPD 620)
• Comparative Urbanization, Development, and Inequality (PPD 615)
• Housing Facilities and Community Development (PPD 618)
• Design Skills for Urban Planners (PPD 627)
• Geographic Information Systems for Policy, Planning, and Development (PPD 631)
• Housing and Land Use in Rapidly Urbanizing Regions (PPDE 635)
• Transportation and the Environment (PPD 692)
• Coastal Policy and Planning (PPD 694)
• Urban Mass Transit (PPDE 637)

Gateway Course:

• Climate, Sustainability and Environmental Planning (PPDE 640)

Concentration Methodology Course:

• Methodology, Methods and Tools for Urban Sustainability (PPDE 634)