Ribbons of Blue: Urbanization on the Coastal Fringe

Catalog description

How can we reconcile rapid coastal urbanization with the need to preserve our planet's coastal ecosystems and environments? Over half of global populations reside within 100 km of a coast, a trend most evident in the Caribbean where 84% live within 25 km of the coast, a third within low-elevation zones. Such affinity for coasts leads to extensive development, frequently incurring significant environmental costs and putting our infrastructure, economies, and societies at risk. Using global coastal cities as case studies and Belize as an immersive experiential learning environment, we explore the challenges and opportunities for sustainable coastal development. Students will gain an interdisciplinary understanding of the balance required between urban growth, economic development and environmental sustainability. Using GIS, remote sensing, and other environmental data, complemented by immersive field studies and guest lectures, students will engage with critical questions around coastal development. We will explore how Belize balances the intense pressure of being one of the most rapidly growing populations in the region with sustaining its natural assets for the future. This is an J-Term away course in BELIZE. This course will be offered in June-Term.