CRP 3545

Urban Adaptation to Climate Change

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

Climate change has severe implications for cities, which have large populations and built environments that are difficult to move. This course considers the implications of climate change for cities, the drivers of vulnerability to climate impacts, and the diverse and often conflicting responses. The course centers how historic class, racial, and other forms of social and spatial injustices contribute to inequitable vulnerability to climate impacts and societal adaptation responses around the world. Students learn to explain core concepts, critically examine how adaptation and resilience planning intersects with existing political, social, and ecological systems, and debate adaptation strategies that have promise in producing transformative change. We draw on readings/ multimedia on theories, policies, and case studies from around the world. Assignments build students' ability to communicate with a variety of audiences using diverse media formats.

Distribution Requirements (SSC-AAP)

Exploratory Studies (CU-ITL, CU-SBY)

Last 3 terms offered (None)

Learning Outcomes REF-FA25

• Explain concepts of risk, hazard, vulnerability, frameworks for resilience and climate adaptations, and physical, social, financial, and institutional strategies for urban adaptation.
• Apply concepts to evaluate existing vulnerability assessments and adaptation plans for their impacts on environmental well-being, social and environmental justice, and social equity.
• Articulate strategies that promote transformative adaptation that try to redress underlying drivers of vulnerability to climate change.
• Articulate positional values and ethics in adaptation planning and the role you envision in advocating for more just adaptation.
• Effectively communicate ideas through posters, videos, and in writing.

View Enrollment Information