PLA851 Sustainable climate adaptation in spatial planning

Contents and structure

The course combines knowledge about climate change adaptation with practical exercises related to spatial planning. Workshops and assignments are important throughout the course, offering valuable planning experience. The entire course is designed for the student to assess climate risk and develop an integrated spatial adaptation solution in a local context of the student’s own choice, and thereby discuss this solution according to professional and scientific norms and standards.

The theoretical basis of the course focuses on planning systems, drivers and dynamics of spatial change, and societal and institutional characteristics of importance for climate resilience. This provides a foundation for critical reflection on different climate adaptation strategies, how societal factors influence climate risk, and interrelations between climate adaptation and mitigation.

The course has a vocational focus, also offering perspectives on planning systems in different countries. Excursions and field days will provide insights into the integrative perspective of planning, meant to provide the necessary background to complete the practical exercises and course work.

The course is taught in English.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:

The student has

• advanced knowledge of central concepts in and approaches to climate adaptation research and practice
• understanding of how societal and institutional factors and contexts influence climate risk
• advanced knowledge of advantages and challenges associated with different climate adaptation options worldwide
• understanding of interrelations between climate adaptation and corresponding planning objectives on global and local level, according to the UN sustainable development goals
• understanding of characteristics of different planning systems

Skills:

The student is able to

• conduct localized climate risk impact chain assessments
• identify alternative options for local climate adaptation based on impact chain assessments
• develop sustainable local climate adaptation solutions
• search and select literature to assess climate adaptation options
• apply theoretical perspectives in discussions of a developed climate adaptation solution

General competence:

The student can

• plan and conduct assessments and processes with the aim of reducing climate risk
• participate in co-production of knowledge about climate issues in interdisciplinary and international groups
• present and discuss, in oral and written form, complex issues across scientific borders
• provide and process constructive feedback on written and oral presentations

Entry requirements

For admission to the course, you need a completed bachelor degree, or equivalent degree, in natural sciences, social sciences, technology or engineering with minimum 80 ects in:

• Environmental sciences
• Policy, governance and planning
• Green technology and transition
• Geosciences and natural hazards

or a combination of the above

Recommended previous knowledge

It is an advantage to have experience with planning in public or private sector.

Teaching methods

• Workshops
• Seminars and expert panels
• Group and plenary discussions
• Lectures
• Excursions/Field day
• Essay writing and supervision

Compulsory learning activities

• Approved participation in 2-3 physical sessions of 3-4 days
• Approved participation in 2-3 student-led seminars
• 2 approved submissions with student peer review

The compulsory activities must be approved before you are allowed to submit the final exam essay.

Assessment

Individual project essay.

Grading scale: A-F, where F is not passed

Examination support material

All

More about examination support material

Course reductions

• PL4-304 - Climate adaptation in spatial planning - Reduction: 10 studypoints