The proposed module, Climate Justice, is a critical addition to the Master's programme in Urban Design and Climate Resilience. As climate change continues to escalate, its impacts disproportionately affect marginalised and vulnerable populations worldwide. This module seeks to explore the intricate relationship between climate change, social equity, migration, and urban design, emphasising the importance of integrating justice into the development of climate-responsive policies and practices. Climate change is not merely an environmental issue; it is fundamentally a social justice challenge. Disadvantaged communities often bear the brunt of climate-related impacts, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and resource scarcity. These impacts can exacerbate existing inequalities, leading to forced migration and displacement as communities seek safety and stability. This module will examine how urban designers and planners can address these injustices through inclusive, equitable, and sustainable design practices. Students will engage with key concepts of climate justice, exploring how systemic inequalities--rooted in race, class, gender, and geography--intersect with environmental degradation. The module will cover topics such as the rights of climate migrants, the role of community engagement in designing resilient cities, and the importance of participatory planning processes. By analysing case studies from various global contexts, students will gain insights into effective strategies for addressing the challenges posed by climate change and migration.

The Climate Justice module investigates the social dimensions of climate change, focusing on its impacts on vulnerable populations, migration, and the implications for urban design. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, discussions and case studies, students will explore how urban environments can be designed to promote equity and resilience in the face of climate challenges.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: identify and define key concepts and terminology related to climate justice and social equity; explain the relationship between climate change and social inequalities, particularly focusing on how these factors affect different communities; apply theoretical frameworks of climate justice to assess real-world case studies and analyse their implications for urban design; analyse the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations and evaluate the effectiveness of existing urban design solutions.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: engage in discussions about climate justice, sharing their insights and reflections on how urban design can address these issues; appreciate the diverse perspectives of communities affected by climate change, recognising the importance of integrating their voices in the planning process; demonstrate an awareness of the importance of climate justice in urban planning and its implications for social equity.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

The Climate Justice module employs a variety of teaching methods to create an engaging and interactive learning environment. These methods include: Lectures: Weekly lectures provide foundational knowledge on climate justice, social equity, and urban design. These sessions will be complemented by recent research findings and case studies to illustrate current trends and challenges. Seminars: Students will participate in seminar discussions to critically engage with readings, share perspectives, and explore diverse viewpoints on climate justice issues. This format encourages collaborative learning and peer feedback. Workshops: Practical workshops will focus on skills development, including data analysis, community engagement techniques, and participatory design methods. Students will work in groups to apply these skills to real-world scenarios. Guest Speakers: Experts in the fields of climate justice, urban design, and social equity will be invited to share their insights and experiences. This exposure will provide students with diverse perspectives and inspire discussions around best practices. Field Visits: Students will engage in field trips to local communities and organisations involved in climate justice initiatives. These visits will allow students to observe challenges firsthand and engage with stakeholders affected by climate change. Incorporation of Recent Developments and Research Findings 1. Integration of Latest Research in Climate Justice Practice Recent studies on the impacts of climate justice are discussed to inform students of emerging best practices. 2. Current Climate Justice Challenges The module addresses the latest findings on the impacts of policy on Climate Justice and migration. 3. Case Studies of Cutting-edge Projects The module includes case studies of contemporary climate justice projects and case studies worldwide, such as Global Free Units work and Calais Migrant Camp in France. The above mix of modes ensures the module aligns with graduate attributes being research led, experiential, challenge driven and collaborative in how it is taught. The module will allow for Articulate students who are able to describe complex thought patterns, Agile students who can work in a changing world, courageous students who will stand up for Urban Design and climate driven agendas, curious students who will engage in research of new fields and responsible students who are responsible for the world in which they live and design.