Overview

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.

Syllabus

Welcome to the Course

Welcome to the Policy, Technology, and Carbon Free Cities course. Get started by meeting the instructors, reviewing expectations for the specialization and course, and introducing yourself to the class.

Local Government Action and Sustainability in Boulder, Colorado

This module explores sustainability practices in Boulder, Colorado, and examines how these can be scaled to larger communities. It covers the roles of local governments and citizens in sustainability decision-making and strategies for effective public engagement. Through case studies, quizzes, and discussions, you will gain insights into the dynamics of urban resilience and community involvement.

Making Carbon-Free Cities

This module provides an in-depth analysis of sustainability practices in cities worldwide, focusing on strategies for achieving carbon neutrality. Students will evaluate the costs and benefits of carbon-free versus carbon-intensive cities, utilizing case studies and quizzes to understand the implications of different urban sustainability approaches. The module aims to equip participants with the knowledge to advocate for sustainable city planning in their communities.

Smart Cities and New Technologies

This module explores the technologies and design innovations that drive resilience and sustainability in urban environments. It examines the benefits of both modern and pre-modern technologies as preferred solutions for urban sustainability. Participants will create a vision for future cities using smart city technologies and policy innovations, integrating historical insights with new advancements to address contemporary sustainability challenges.

Policy Innovations

This module examines policy innovations in sustainable urban development, focusing on best practices in resilience and sustainability policy. It evaluates opportunities for urban sustainability offered by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and related programs. Participants will analyze the impact of local policies on urban density, transportation, public health, and climate, using case studies to illustrate effective strategies and outcomes.