PL4-304 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. The theoretical basis of the course lies 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 will provide insights into the integrative perspective of planning, meant to provide the necessary background to complete the practical exercises and course work.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:

The student has

• advanced knowledge of central concepts in and approaches to climate adaptation in 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 and functioning 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

Completed bachelor degree of 180 ECTS

Recommended previous knowledge

It will be an advantage to have completed the following courses (or equivalent knowledge):

• GE4-300 Climate Change and Climate Policy
• BI4-301 Climate Change Ecology
• PL4-303 Runoff Management
• GE4-306 Natural hazards in spatial planning

Basic knowledge of spatial planning and national planning legislation will be an asset.

Teaching methods

• Student active methods, e.g. presentations and discussions
• Seminars, lectures, workshops
• Excursions
• Practical planning exercises

Compulsory learning activities

Compulsory learning activities

• Approved participation in 2,5 day kick-off seminar (together with PL4-305)
• 2 approved assignments, including student peer review
• Approved participation in
  • 1 excursion,
  • 3 workshops,
  • 3-4 tutor-led seminars,
  • 1-2 expert panels, and
  • 2-3 student-driven seminars.

Absence from any compulsory activity must be clarified with course responsible well in advance.

Assessment

Individual project assignment

Grading A-F, where F is not passed

Examination support material

All

More about examination support material