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.