Course:
"Urban climate change resilience and SDGs"
Language:
EN
GR
Form:
on-line
Duration:
5 hours (on-line)
+30 min. break
+30 min. break
Aligned with SDG:
Place:
Dates:
Lang.:
ON-LINE
26 May 2025
ON-LINE
1 Sept. 2025
If our course is not available in your location and you believe it should be, let us know by clicking HERE. We will explore the possibilities and get back to you.
COURSE OBJECTIVE:
This course explores the principles of urban climate resilience, equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools to create cities that can adapt to and mitigate climate-related challenges. Rooted in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the sessions will integrate case studies, participatory exercises, design principles, and policy-driven discussions to foster real-world application.
This course explores the principles of urban climate resilience, equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools to create cities that can adapt to and mitigate climate-related challenges. Rooted in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the sessions will integrate case studies, participatory exercises, design principles, and policy-driven discussions to foster real-world application.
COURSE LEADERS:
My name is Vassi and I am an urban planner and sustainable development specialist with a strong interdisciplinary background in urban resilience, climate adaptation, and community- centred planning. I holds an MSc in Sustainable Urban Planning and Design from UCL’s Bartlett School of Planning, where my research focused on nature-based solutions, urban climate resilience, and water-sensitive design.
With hands-on experience in masterplanning, policy recommendations, and stakeholder engagement, I have contributed to urban sustainability projects across London and Copenhagen, working with firms such as Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design. My expertise extends to developing resilient urban strategies, integrating green infrastructure, and fostering community-driven planning to mitigate climate risks.
As a researcher for the Happy City Index, I assessed urban wellbeing through sustainability metrics, aligning my work closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). My experience in both practical implementation and research allows me to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application, making me an ideal trainer for this course.
My approach is highly interactive and solution-oriented, incorporating case studies, design techniques and principles, and collaborative exercises to equip professionals with the tools to create climate-resilient urban environments. With a passion for regenerative urbanism and equitable development, I am committed to empowering professionals to design cities that are both sustainable and inclusive.
The course will be led by Bartosz Bartoszewicz, a highly accomplished former Deputy Mayor with nearly two decades of experience in local government. Throughout his distinguished career, he has been at the forefront of urban transformation and digital innovation, winning the prestigious Innovation in Politics Award, organised by the Austrian Innovation in Politics Institute. This recognition highlights his outstanding contribution to advancing smart city initiatives and improving quality of life through innovative policies.
Bartosz holds a Doctorate, with his doctoral thesis focusing on the quality of life in urban areas—an area that remains central to his work in public administration and city management. As an academic lecturer, he has taught sharing his knowledge and expertise with the next generation of leaders and urban policymakers. His extensive experience in both theory and practice has enabled him to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application, enriching his teaching and professional approach.
In addition to his academic work, Bartosz delivered presentations at international conferences on urbanisation, sustainable city management, and digital transformation. His insights have shaped discussions on the future of cities, particularly regarding the integration of smart technologies and sustainable urban planning. His work provides a deep dive into how cities can harness technology to improve residents' lives while promoting sustainability and resilience.
With a career spanning leadership, academia, and international speaking engagements, Bartosz Bartoszewicz offers a wealth of knowledge and practical insights. He combines the experience of a long-serving mayor with a solid academic foundation, providing a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of urban transformation. Participants in the course will gain invaluable knowledge from his diverse background, exploring both the practical and theoretical aspects of innovation, urban management, and smart city development.
*English Language Courses only
PROGRAM
Module 1. Urban climate resilience
- Defining urban climate resilience & why it matters
- Key climate risks facing cities (heatwaves, flooding, air pollution, etc.)
- Introduction to the UN SDGs, particularly: SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation).
- Activity: Interactive discussion.
- Defining urban climate resilience & why it matters
- Key climate risks facing cities (heatwaves, flooding, air pollution, etc.)
- Introduction to the UN SDGs, particularly: SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation).
- Activity: Interactive discussion.
Module 2: Climate adaptation strategies for cities
- Nature-based solutions (green roofs, urban forests, permeable surfaces)
- Infrastructure & technological innovations (resilient housing, flood barriers)
- Social resilience & community-based planning
- SDGs: SDG 15 (Life on Land) – urban forestry & biodiversity, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure) – climate-resilient infrastructure
- Activity: Case study analysis: Copenhagen and Rotterdam.
- Nature-based solutions (green roofs, urban forests, permeable surfaces)
- Infrastructure & technological innovations (resilient housing, flood barriers)
- Social resilience & community-based planning
- SDGs: SDG 15 (Life on Land) – urban forestry & biodiversity, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure) – climate-resilient infrastructure
- Activity: Case study analysis: Copenhagen and Rotterdam.
Module 3: Climate mitigation in urban planning
- Low-carbon urban design (walkability, bike lanes, public transport)
- Sustainable building materials & energy-efficient architecture
- Policy & governance approaches to reducing emissions
- SDGs: SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production)
- Activity: Group exercise.
- Low-carbon urban design (walkability, bike lanes, public transport)
- Sustainable building materials & energy-efficient architecture
- Policy & governance approaches to reducing emissions
- SDGs: SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production)
- Activity: Group exercise.
Module 4: Equity, justice and community resilience
- Climate gentrification & social vulnerability
- Inclusive urban design for marginalised communities
- Disaster preparedness & community-driven planning
- SDGs: SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 1 (No Poverty) – reducing climate-related displacement.
- Activity: Interactive discussion.
- Climate gentrification & social vulnerability
- Inclusive urban design for marginalised communities
- Disaster preparedness & community-driven planning
- SDGs: SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 1 (No Poverty) – reducing climate-related displacement.
- Activity: Interactive discussion.
Module 5: Policy, governance and the future of a resilient city
- The role of urban policy in climate action
- Global best practices in climate resilience
- Future trends: smart cities, AI, and emerging technologies
- SDGs:SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) – multi-sector collaboration, SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions) – governance & policy enforcement
- Activities: Panel discussion.
- The role of urban policy in climate action
- Global best practices in climate resilience
- Future trends: smart cities, AI, and emerging technologies
- SDGs:SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) – multi-sector collaboration, SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions) – governance & policy enforcement
- Activities: Panel discussion.
Module 6: Wrap-Up and Q&A
- Recap of key learnings from the day.
- Open floor for questions and discussion.
- Next steps and further resources for continued learning.
Module: Workshops in groups
An online course is an excellent opportunity to broaden your knowledge. However, we recognise that a significant value of courses lies in the exchange of experiences among participants. This requires a certain level of openness and willingness to collaborate, which can sometimes only be fully unlocked through face-to-face interaction and the use of appropriate workshop solutions. That is why the programme for in-person courses includes 'Workshops in groups using real documents and a selected workshop format,' lasting approximately 90 minutes. These workshops are conducted during the second part of the course.
COURSE METHOLODOGY:
The course follows a learner- centred, interactive, and interdisciplinary approach that integrates theoretical knowledge, real-world case studies, and participatory exercises.
We aim on create an engaging course, through interactive and practical learning. To connect theory with real-world applications. To encourage critical thinking and conversation (there is no one way of doing sustainability). To prepare professionals to implement climate resilience strategies effectively.
The course follows a learner- centred, interactive, and interdisciplinary approach that integrates theoretical knowledge, real-world case studies, and participatory exercises.
We aim on create an engaging course, through interactive and practical learning. To connect theory with real-world applications. To encourage critical thinking and conversation (there is no one way of doing sustainability). To prepare professionals to implement climate resilience strategies effectively.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR COURSES AND TRAININGS SESSIONS OF HAPPY CITY ACADEMY - SELECTED KEY RULES:
Enrollment
Enrollment is confirmed upon submitting a completed enrollment form and paying the Initial Payment of £30. The remaining balance must be paid at least 30 days before the course starts. For enrollments made less than 30 days before the start date, payment of the full course fee is required at the time of enrollment.
Confirmation
Participants will receive a confirmation email, including the course schedule, venue or platform details, and contact information.
Withdrawal Rights
Participants may withdraw within 14 days of enrollment for a full refund, including the Initial Payment.
Terms and Conditions for Courses and Training Sessions of Happy City Academy
Enrollment is confirmed upon submitting a completed enrollment form and paying the Initial Payment of £30. The remaining balance must be paid at least 30 days before the course starts. For enrollments made less than 30 days before the start date, payment of the full course fee is required at the time of enrollment.
Confirmation
Participants will receive a confirmation email, including the course schedule, venue or platform details, and contact information.
Withdrawal Rights
Participants may withdraw within 14 days of enrollment for a full refund, including the Initial Payment.
Terms and Conditions for Courses and Training Sessions of Happy City Academy
COSTS OF PARTICIPATING IN THE COURSE:
