Toward Urban Sustainability: A South African Case Study

Program Overview

 

"South Africa - Toward Urban Sustainability: A South African Case StudyGiven the rapidly expanding world population and transition to predominantly urban societies, sustainability—particularly in cities—is at the forefront of many discussions. As populations grow at exponential rates and resources dwindle in response, human populations will increasingly struggle to maintain healthy, productive, enjoyable, and just cities. This cause and effect can be seen clearly throughout the African continent, and in particular, within the country of South Africa, making it an exceptional location to study concepts and outcomes of sustainability. Using South African and African urban issues and case studies, this interdisciplinary seminar explores our past, present, and, most importantly, future living in an urbanized world. We’ll look at many facets of the city as a unit of human settlement and explore issues that affect sustainability: natural resources, waste, the green economy, food security and agriculture, mobility, culture, and learning. We’ll also examine the related idea of community and the role that “place” and “place making” have in creating liveable urban spaces."