Climate, Innovation and Sustainability Policy MPA

In tackling complex sustainability challenges like climate change the need for innovation in planning and governance approaches is increasingly prominent.  Governments face the urgent need to improve living standards, mitigate and adapt to climate change, and support sustainable development. While the demands on physical, ecological and social infrastructure are growing, there is evidence across the globe that many infrastructure systems are in disrepair, with significant policy and governance challenges. The introduction of new technological and social innovations offers ways to operate infrastructures more effectively and efficiently, delivering better quality services, and providing leadership in the paradigm shifts needed to respond to contemporary environmental and social challenges.

Students will examine contemporary issues for climate and sustainability policy at local, national and global levels,  considering the impact of new technologies alongside growing imperatives for infrastructure to support the changing nature of economies and societies.

The programme examines the institutional structures and governance of innovation systems for addressing climate change, alongside decision-making processes and the mobilisation of technical expertise to plan and deliver physical infrastructure systems that are sustainable.

Students will develop strong analytical skills, to critically evaluate the range of technical, policy and regulatory solutions that can be used to identify, understand and address sustainability problems.