Course Name: Human Settlements and Climate Change

OCW type: Course

Higher Education Institution: School of Planning and Architecture (SPAV), Vijayawada

Description of course

Aim: To study human settlements in climate change perspective and understand strategies for adaptation and spatial planning tools for mitigation of GHG emissions.

Course Objectives: This course shall pave the way to explore the concepts and theories of human settlement and climate change related studies.

Learning Outcomes: To estimate urban GHG emissions, risk assessment, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change.

Course Structure

Course Duration: One semester (15-16 weeks) – 48 hours in total

Course Frequency: Every Odd Semester of MEPM, II Year - Elective

Course Format: Course format includes Lectures, Workshops and Short-term Project

Course Content

Prerequisites for participation: 

Pre-registration for the courses before the start of the semester.

Course Syllabus:

1. Introduction to Climate Change                                                                             

Concern, human settlements as a major source of emissions, vulnerability to impacts of climate change, emission paths, strategies, location of settlements, socio-economic characteristics, cultural practices and governance structure, suitable interventions.

2. Climate Risk and Vulnerability in the City                                                   

Risk due to climate change, risk assessment, impacts due to flooding, cyclones and landslides, impacts on infrastructure, urban governance and participation.

 3. Urban GHG Emissions                                                                                   

Sectoral emission – residential, industrial, transport, waste disposal, reducing emissions and urban carbon footprints, carbon trading and other alternatives 

4. Climate Change Mitigation and Low-Carbon Cities                                 

Energy efficient approaches, Urban climate governance, transportation and energy systems for the future, land-use planning and compact cities, future and smart cities, reducing the urban heat islands, protecting urban water systems from climate change risks. 

 5. Adaptation – Towards Climate Resilient Cities                                           

Includes climate change adaptation – migration as adaptation, climate change experiments and alternatives, Climate change, Vulnerable Regions and Groups – Tropics, farmers, gender, children, poor and migrants.

Course Assignments: Reading materials on energy studies in planning.

Expected time spent on course:

Time spent in hours: minimum 48 hours

Time spent in ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System): 3 Credits

Course Evaluation

Evaluation Procedure & Criteria:

1. Student assignments – Presentation by students – 30% weightage
2. Mid semester written examination – Theory – 20% weightage
3. End Semester written examination – Theory - 50% weightage