Introduction
Sustainability is fast emerging as a key concern, more so in the context of thinking about cities. Cities present a paradox in this regard. On the one hand, they offer numerous economies of scale, in terms of environmental and economic benefits, through the concentration of populations and activities. On the other, they are also centers of ever more intensive and unsustainable consumption of finite resources and waste production. Thus cities are not only opportunities, but also hazards, not the least for the majority in a city like Mumbai who are poor and vulnerable, but also to other communities in the region whose land, forests and water related lives and livelihoods, its everyday operation impinges upon. Their existence and operation also has tremendous impact at a global scale, in terms of the finite energy and other resources they consume, as well as through their contribution to climate change.
Module Objective
Orient participants critically to the idea of a sustainable city especially by localizing it to the Indian, and particularly the Mumbai context.
Introduce participants to key urban ‘sectors’ or domains (planning, governance, land, energy etc.) in terms of their implications for urban sustainability.
Understand the different ways in which cities in the global south are moving towards a more sustainable urbanism, and draw lessons for practice of diverse kinds.
Topics Covered
The course will help enhance participant’s understanding about:
Concepts and complexities around sustainable cities
Environmental & social impacts
Energy, Greenhouse gases, transport, biodiversity, solid waste management in the context of sustainable city
Role of Land & water within cities
Case studies on sustainable cities within and beyond India
Pedagogical Approach
Illustrative talks by expert researchers, practitioners, from diverse fields and reputed institutions
Site-based learning / guided field visits
Problem identification and solution exercise
Learning through application
Facilitated discussions
Review of case studies
