SDG Detail

SUSTAIN 200 : The Sustainable Community

Undergraduate course

Project description

To answer these questions we will look at the basic features of group life, with a particular focus on the conditions that produce human cooperation. We'll consider the different types of human community and what fosters stability and change within complex social and ecological systems. Students will share narratives from their own cultural heritage that have helped people manage their lives together and respect ecological boundaries. We will then look in depth at Auckland City and discuss potential innovations such as wildlife corridors, sustainable transport systems and green buildings. We will showcase examples of overseas cities that have made major progress on sustainability issues and students will learn how to hold cross-sector discussions that allow all voices to be heard when making decisions about the future. Alongside the above, students will work in teams on a project to enhance sustainability at Waipapa Taumata Rau / The University of Auckland. Depending on its scope and scale your project may take the form of a proposal (something that you would like to implement) or an immediate action (something that you can initiate now and potentially even begin to measure its effect). You could focus on a particular building, a process, the use of a resource/new technology, an aspect of the grounds and gardens, or an educational opportunity. With some strategic thinking, imagination, and the expertise of your group members you may even come up with something that gets implemented - or at least challenges the university community in a good way! Near the end of the semester, we'll have a session where you share your proposals with each other and sustainability experts from the university. The second half of the course will tackle two big sustainability issues: climate change and fisheries. What is the latest science on climate change? And, most importantly, what is needed to get us on track for 'only' 1.5 degrees of warming? We'll look at fisheries from a community perspective - who catches the fish? How can we, as citizens, ensure regulations that sustain the life in our oceans?

Year 2022

Location New Zealand

Organization University of Auckland

Project aims

Project outcome

By the end of this course, students will be able to: Critically reflect on how complex social systems and complex ecological systems work together. (Capability 1 and 6) Critically discuss and apply the values of sustainability. (Capability 2, 5 and 6) Work with peers to identify and investigate a sustainability issue within the university and design a project to address this issue. (Capability 3, 4 and 6) Show good awareness of effective group process. (Capability 4) Demonstrate awareness of, and an ability to critically discuss, two sustainability issues and potential solutions: climate change and fisheries. (Capability 1, 2 and 6)