Title: Climate/Change
Course Number: CSTS-UH 1096J (4 credits)
Summer J-Term 2022
Location: Berlin
Instructor: Prof. J. Andrew Harris (andy.harris@nyu.edu)
Relevant SDGs: 13
Course Description: How can we understand climate change? On one level, the unfolding climate crisis is a story of graphs, charts, and scientific evidence. On another level, it is a chorus of present and future narratives of those victimized by their predecessors' short-sighted choices. We will engage the topic on both levels. We will weave together a long work of climate fiction -- Robinson's The Ministry for the Future -- along with work from the sciences and humanities to illustrate important themes: geo-engineering; the human cost of climate change; the science of prediction; climate-induced conflict; the ethics of violent protest; interdependence; accountability and governance; and the problematic primacy of human life on Earth. In each meeting, we discuss a few fiction chapters together with shorter works on the science, ethics, and meaning of climate change.
Title: Sustainable Development
Course Number: CDAD-UH 1022JQ (4 credits)
Summer J-term 2023
Location: Abu Dhabi
Instructor: Prof. Arpad Horvath (horvath@ce.berkeley.edu)
Relevant SDGs: 11, 12, 13, 16
Course Description: Sustainable development is the most significant global challenge of our time. In fact, humanity’s survival as we know it depends on finding ways to maintain societal progress while living healthily within the carrying capacity of the Earth. This course introduces students to the concepts, literature, scientific methods, data, and practices of sustainable development both globally and locally. We start with history and global observations, and gradually work our way to regional and local issues involving people, industries, ecosystems, and governments. From the environmental realm, topics covered include the use of energy, water, and other resources, emissions, climate change, and human and ecological health impacts. We review the economic implications of pathways to a sustainable future. In all our discussions, societal impacts such as equity, wealth, and justice are considered, and discovery of data needs and analysis are explored.
Title: Sustainable Urban Transportation Planning for the 21st Century
Course Number: CDAD-UH 1070J
January 2023
Location: Abu Dhabi with international trip
Instructor: Prof. Elizabeth Deakin
Relevant SDGs: 11, 13
Course Description: How do urban transportation systems arise? How are they planned? What is the role of transportation planning in advancing the goals of sustainable development? How do we measure sustainability in relation to transportation? In this class students will engage with the many public policy challenges current transportation systems face, from environmental quality and social equity to economic vitality and the threat of climate change. Readings, discussions and assignments will offer an overview of theories, policies, and implementation tools for advancing sustainable transportation and urbanization programs and help students appreciate the complexities of varying contexts and practices. Beginning with analysis of worldwide trends and projections for urbanization and urban travel, students will examine key transportation planning and policy issues raised by current conditions, trends, and projections. Drawing on case studies from emerging economies as well as developed cities, and a regional seminar in Athens, students will conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis of transportation modes as well as operations and management strategies that can be used to increase sustainability. Note: Pending feasible international travel conditions, this course will include a seminar in Greece.