Foundations of Environmental Justice in Urban Planning

Urban development has historically left many communities vulnerable to pollution, climate hazards, and systemic neglect. Understanding how environmental policies intersect with race, class, and urban planning is essential for creating fair and sustainable cities today. This course provides a clear, structured pathway to understanding environmental justice from the ground up, starting with core definitions, historical case studies, and fundamental policy frameworks. Through clear written explanations, you will explore how urban planning decisions impact community health and learn how to advocate for equitable solutions. You will study modern frameworks, including participatory planning, community-led data collection, and climate resilience planning, ensuring you have the tools to address contemporary urban challenges. What you'll learn: - Understand the core concepts, history, and principles of environmental justice. - Analyze how zoning laws, land use policies, and industrial placement impact vulnerable populations. - Evaluate real-world urban planning case studies to identify environmental inequalities. - Apply frameworks for community-engaged planning and participatory decision-making. - Integrate climate resilience and green infrastructure into equitable urban design. This course begins with foundational concepts and historical context before guiding you through policy analysis and practical planning strategies. It is designed entirely for beginners with no prior background in urban planning, policy, or environmental science. If you want to make a meaningful impact on how cities are built and shared, this course is your starting point.