Course for: Master students
ECTS: 8
Description: This course focuses on the sustainability of development patterns. Environmental quality and economic vitality are discussed with a particular emphasis on the critical role played by transportation. In fact, transport is global and fundamental to economy and society, so effective action requires strong cooperation.
This course takes a global look at developments in the transport sector, at its future challenges and at the policy initiatives that need to be considered. It explores problems, challenges, visions, goals and strategies for achieving a more competitive and sustainable transport system.
It begins by outlining the concept of sustainability and the case for balancing economic, environmental and social objectives. It discusses the importance of preserving resilient transport infrastructure to climate changes avoiding service disruptions; illustrate the necessary wide reforms to set the transport sector on a low-carbon path and clarify the financing issues related to transport investments for mitigation and adaptation.
A specific attention is paid to freight transport. The changing market for freight transport and logistics services in a European and increasingly global context are explored by examining the business and public policy reasons for attempting to address sustainability issues and how its impacts are measured, monitored and reported. City sustainability is discussed describing the role played by the various stakeholders involved and the possible intervention measures. The course also explores the most appropriate ways for public policy-making by including behavioural issues to achieve sustainability in urban areas. Behavioural analysis and behaviour change are deeply explored showing both the methodological frameworks and their practical applications. Innovative solutions are illustrated through specific case studies.
