Just Sustainability is “the need to ensure a better quality of life for all, now and into the future, in a just and equitable manner, whilst living within the limits of supporting ecosystems” – Julian Agyeman
This course examines how urban environments are attempting to be more sustainable at the intersection of ecological, equity, social, and cultural issues. For the first time in history, over half the world’s population lives in urban areas. Cities expend 75 percent of the world’s energy and produce almost 80 percent of global carbon/greenhouse gas emissions. In response, many cities are seeking to become more sustainable while realizing a healthier, more equitable economic and social life.
We assume a multidisciplinary lens to investigate the dilemmas that cities face in moving towards ecological integrity. We pay close attention to sustainable systems and how socioeconomic factors such as disenfranchisement, corporate power, and environmental policies inform these dilemmas. We look at case studies from around the world to explore a range of topics including the challenges of climate related natural disasters; water disputes and crises; food deserts as well as just solutions such as spatial justice initiatives; carbon descent plans; urban gardens, and the list goes on. To gain hands-on skills, each student builds a webcase of an urban environment focusing on a policy issue related to the just sustainability.
Here is an example of a student webcase from the course:
