Urban Worlds

General assignment rules:

Answer two out of the following three questions.
Each answer should contain up to 300 words (not including tables, bibliography, footnotes or appendices).
Font: Ariel, Font size: 12
All assignments must be written in English. Other languages will not be accepted.
Make sure to use correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Your submission will be graded anonymously – there is no need to write your name on your paper.
Use at least two academic sources (academic journals and books) and two general sources (websites, newspapers, magazines etc.) for each question.
Make sure to use resources that are as up-to-date as possible.
You are also encouraged to use data from official government and municipal sources, as well as from international organizations (UN, World Bank, etc.).
Remember to cite the sources for all data, and any images, graphs or other visual materials.
You must follow formal academic reference guidelines! (Make sure to read the academic references guidelines on the course’s Moodle website)
Do not copy-paste, plagiarize, or use materials from other students or previous versions of this course. We will immediately disqualify papers on such grounds.

2. Sustainable Solutions (refers to Unit 8)

Briefly describe the main plans and actions your megacity has initiated to reduce its carbon footprint and adapt to climate change:

Does your city have a plan in place for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation), and/or adapting to climate change and improving resilience?
What policy areas do these plans address, and what are the main goals in these areas?
In your evaluation, are the city’s plans likely to make a real impact? Explain why or why not. (Present a well-reasoned argument based on cited facts and references.)

3. Smart and Just Cities (refers to Unit 9)

Briefly describe the main political and governance issues facing your megacity. Address at least three of the following aspects, as may be relevant to your city:

Does the city have a “smart city” strategy in place? What are its main goals?
Is the city attracting people from the “creative class”? Does it face gentrification pressures as a result?
Are there any popular struggles taking place in your city under the banner of “the right to the city” (or otherwise making claims to the city and its resources)?
Is the city government promoting public participation in municipal decision-making, planning or budgeting?
In your evaluation, is the city government taking effective measures to make the city more just and equitable?