Delivering sustainable cities requires us to navigate complex transitions, in ways that transform how we live and work in urban environments. This module examines such transitions, paying particular attention to the challenges of delivering just and low-carbon urban economies. The module begins with a critical evaluation of the different theoretical and conceptual models of transition, investigating the limits of contemporary ‘business as usual’ approaches to the ‘green economy’. It then turns to an assessment of just and low carbon economies, examining alternative patterns of production and consumption such as the circular economy, doughnut economics, foundational economies and community-based approaches, as well as models of economic degrowth and post-growth. The module concludes by considering how we might build broad coalitions to advance low carbon economies in urban environments, critically assessing the role of political leadership, local governance, and new ways of collaboration with communities.

Essay – 2500 words – written assignment on theories of transition and application to the challenges of delivering a just and low carbon economy. Learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3.

Policy Briefing – 1500 words – a policy report evaluating the evidence for a specific model of/pathways towards the low carbon urban economy and delivering recommendations for its implementation/application. Learning outcomes: 3, 4, 5.



Formative Assessment: The use of structured learning activities will provide students with the opportunity to discuss ideas introduced in the module learning resources during the virtual class-sessions and/or on discussion forums. Where appropriate this will be supported using worksheets and will enable students to self-evaluate their understanding of the learning materials as the module progresses. Students will also be provided with opportunities to discuss their ideas for the graded assignments as the module progresses.

This module will be delivered through a combination of independent online learning, fortnightly virtual class sessions, and planning, researching, and producing the assessments.

Materials and resources that introduce the main themes and key concepts covered in the module, as well as supporting the development of the key skills required to complete the assessment, will be made available via the VLE. These may be in the form of pre-recorded lectures, a set of directed readings, links to videos and other online resources, appropriate micro-certification or Linked-in learning packages, or a mixture.

The scheduled virtual class sessions will provide students with the opportunity to: (i) debate and further explore the ideas and issues introduced in the learning materials; (ii) discuss how they will use them to address the module assessment; and (iii) receive guidance on completing the assessment. [

Students should spend the independent learning hours working through the learning resources and self-instructional materials provided in the VLE, completing preparatory and follow-up activities for the virtual class sessions, and completing the module assessment.

Module Learning Outcome

University Learning Outcome

1. Assess the economic, social and environmental challenges of transitioning towards sustainable urban economies.

Knowledge & Understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Analysis

2. Critically evaluate different theoretical approaches and conceptual models of transition.

Knowledge & Understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Analysis, Reflection

3. Demonstrate a critical knowledge of different models of just and low carbon urban economies.

Knowledge & Understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Analysis, Application

4. Critically reflect on the challenges of building coalitions for change towards just and low carbon economies.

Analysis, Problem, Solving, Application, Reflection

5. Communicate evidence-based policy recommendations to policymakers.

Problem Solving, Communication, Application

Berners-Lee, M. (2021) There Is No Planet B: A Handbook for the Make or Break Years (Updated Edition) Cambridge University Press

Geels, F. (2022) The Great Reconfiguration: A Socio-Technical Analysis of Low-Carbon Transitions in UK Electricity, Heat, and Mobility Systems. Cambridge University Press

Hanger-Koop, S et al (editors – 2019) Narratives of Low-Carbon Transitions: Understanding Risks and Uncertainties. Routledge

Fiorino, D. (2022) The Clean Energy Transition: Policies and Politics for a Zero-Carbon World. Polity

Hampshire-Waugh, M. (2021) Climate Change and the road to Net-Zero. Crowstone Publishing

Hefforn, R. (2022) Achieving a Just Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy. Palgrave Macmillan

Luque-Ayala, A. et al. (editors – 2018) Rethinking Urban Transitions: Politics in the Low Carbon City. Routledge

Moreno, E. et al. (editors – 2019) Just Transitions: Social Justice in the Shift Towards a Low-Carbon World. Pluto Press

Access to: (i) the VLE used for hosting the module learning resources; (ii) the software used to run live virtual classes and meetings; and (iii) relevant eBooks, e-journals, and websites.

Climate change requires us to transform how we live and work in our cities, what we consume and how we produce it. This module challenges you to reflect on how we might do that and move towards just and low carbon urban economies. You will explore alternative ways of thinking about how we transition to sustainable economies, what different economic models we might adopt and what changes need to take place across our cities. Most importantly, you will consider the leadership necessary to bring about transition, learning from how cities across the world are building low carbon economies and reflecting on how you might bring about change in your own city.