Cities, globalisation and sustainability

We are living in The Urban Century and Cities are the key to sustainable futures! Cities are dynamic and complex environments that are vital centres of socio-economic activity and engines of economic growth (and decline). With more than half of the world's population now living in cities, they pose major challenges for the sustainable livelihoods of diverse urban populations, as well as for sustainable socio-ecological development on a global scale. In this unit, you will learn about the uneven transformations of cities through time and space, and be inspired by their transformative potential. Using a geographical perspective, we will investigate the urban process and its governance in the context of contemporary globalization, and how these intersect with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We will examine how differentiated livelihood possibilities and practices in cities from the Global North and South have been shaped by (historical) processes, local policies and initiatives, as well as by the transformative possibilities of citizen action. We will cover a range of topics including urban governance and planning, social difference and (in)equality, economy and finance, infrastructure, logistics and digitalization, and sustainability, environment and health. This is an enquiry-based unit that provides opportunities for you to gain hands-on skills and experience in geographical research, analysis, critical thinking and effective writing.