Course content

The course addresses the crucial role of urban planning in addressing the climate crises and advancing sustainable climate transition. This course begins with an overview of key concepts of climate action; followed by an exploration of urban planning's role in addressing impacts of and mitigating climate change; gives insights into practical methods for embedding climate action in planning practice; and concludes with real-world case studies from Norwegian and international cities’ climate action urban practice. This course explores how urban planning can actively address nature and biodiversity crises and contributes to sustainable climate transitions through both transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches.

The course prepares for more in-depth work in Studio I (BYP4201) and Studio II (BYP4301). The case studies and assignment will draw on both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, as well as literature review, forming a foundation for the methodology for the master’s thesis in Urban Planning.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate has knowledge of

• climate action strategies namely climate mitigation, climate adaptation, resilience, inclusivity, and socio-spatial integration.
• urban planning approaches for climate action strategies including land-use and transport planning, nature-based strategies, and risk-informed planning under uncertainty.
• how to reduce CO₂ emissions through sustainable mobility and compact urban forms and make resilience-oriented plans to address climate-related natural hazards at an advanced level.

Skills

The candidate can

• use specific methods such as stakeholder mapping, co-creation, and decision-support approaches to embed climate action in planning practice.
• integrate climate mitigation and adaptation using urban landscapes and blue-green infrastructure.

Competence

The candidate can

• assess the impact of urban planning decisions on both the built and natural environment, as well as how climate change influences the planning process.
• integrate urban planning as one part of municipal climate strategies, capable of cross-sectoral collaboration between governmental departments and other societal stakeholders both within the Norwegian and European contexts.

Learning methods and activities

The teaching will be conducted through lectures, seminars, group work, and individual assignment.

Mandatory assignments: The individual assignment is building on the group work, expands the discussion of the selected case with choosing one of the key concepts of climate action and analyse it further.

Attendance of at least 80% is required for lectures, seminars, group work, and plenary presentations.

This course is also offered to international master's students. Language of instruction is English.

Compulsory assignments

• 80% mandatory attendance

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Bachelor's degree or equivalent with a specialization of at least 80 ECTS credits in planning-related subject areas.

Course materials

• UN Habitat (2014) Planning for Climate Change: A strategic, values-based approach for urban planners

• United Nations Environment Programme and International Union for Conservation of Nature (2021). Nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation. Nairobi and Gland.

• C40 Cities (2025) Climate Action Guide for Urban Planners

More detailed literature will be provided before the course begins.

Credit reductions