In July, IHS and Wuhan University will organise a summer school program that aims to enhance knowledge on the origins and effects of climate change on cities. The program will delve into the realm of sustainable urban planning and design, particularly placing emphasis on green infrastructure and spatial adaptation, which are crucial in developing climate resilience.
Wuhan University
Located in the Wuhan area of China, Wuhan University is a prestigious institution with a reputation for excellence in education and research. The university is well-known for its strong emphasis on housing and urban development studies, which has led to a long, fruitful partnership with the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS).
IHS lecturers
The following staff members will be teaching at the summer school:
Dr Qian Ke
Dr Qian Ke is an Urban Sustainability and Climate Change Resilience specialist at IHS. Her research interest is mainly in flood risk management, numerical modelling and nature-based solutions to address water issues in the context of climate change. She is involved in teaching and other research and advisory projects as well.
Eqi Luo
Eqi Luo is an Academic Assistant in Urban Sustainability and Climate Change Resilience. His main research interests revolve around advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches (e.g., CNN) to study complex urban phenomena thus better informing urban planning activities and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Additional IHS staff involved in the organization and teaching:
- Ore Fika, Senior Specialist in Urban Land and Housing Development
Elena Marie Enseñado, Specialist in Nature-based Climate Change Adaptation Planning
- David Dodman, General Director of IHS
We will talk about
The upcoming course offers a comprehensive exploration of climate change and its impact on urban areas. Participants will examine climate change resilience strategies, including spatial adaptation and nature-based solutions, as well as learn about resilience planning and implementation frameworks. The course will delve into the complex interaction between human activities and physical systems and showcase case studies of successful urban resilience initiatives and projects.
By the end of the course, participants will have a solid understanding of the challenges facing urban areas and the tools necessary to address them effectively. Attendees will gain knowledge on:
1. Urban Resilience and Adaptation
Understand the drivers and impacts of climate change on urban areas and how urbanization contributes to it.
2. Sustainable Urban Planning and Design
Explore the role of sustainable urban planning and design in promoting climate resilience, including green infrastructure and spatial adaptation.
3. Human Geography
Analyze the impact of urbanization on the environment, social and economic development and examine how poverty, inequality, and social justice affect urban sustainability.
4. Case Studies
Examine real-world case studies from different cities around the world to understand how urban resilience and adaptation are being implemented in practice.
Skills acquired
By attending this course, you'll not only gain knowledge on the topics covered but also develop various essential skills, including:
Analysis and problem-solving skills
Analyse complex problems related to urban resilience and climate change adaptation and develop strategies and solutions to address these challenges.
Communication skills
Communicate complex concepts and ideas related to urban resilience and adaptation to various audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, and community members.
Collaboration skills
Work collaboratively and in teams to develop and implement effective adaptation strategies and programs.
Critical thinking
Critically evaluate different approaches to urban resilience and adaptation and to identify strengths and weaknesses in different strategies.