Aiming to spread the knowledge of low carbon transition of socioeconomic systems along with the associated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations, and to evoke the interest in international governance of low carbon transition that promotes exchanges between different backgrounds, this course provides the international audience a perspective via the lens of SDGs, looking into low carbon development. The UN SDGs cover the societal, economic, and environmental challenges facing the world. 

Specifically, this course pays attention to the SDGs closely related to low carbon development. Besides SDG 13 Climate Action, the following SDGs are also included: 1) for energy sector, SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy, 2) for industrial innovation and green development, SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; 3) for buildings and transportation sectors, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities; and 4) for society, SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production. 

For each of these SDGs, this course will introduce the basics, review the development status of relevant works in different countries or regions, elaborate on case studies, and discuss the potential challenges. The students are expected to master the definitions of low carbon SDGs, gain an understanding of the works carried out by developed and developing economies in the arena of low carbon transition, and develop analytical skills under a multi-faceted SDG framework. Also, the students are encouraged to brainstorm solutions that will help realize the low carbon SDGs with their own expertise.  

Relevant SDGs: SDG7 Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG13 Climate Action

PI:

• Yuquan Zhang, Associate Professor, China-UK Low Carbon College, yqwzhang@sjtu.edu.cn

Collaborators:

• Brendan F.D. Barrett, Professor, Osaka University, Center for Global Initiatives,  brendan.barrett.cgin@osaka-u.ac.jp 
• Uwe Schneider, Professor, University of Hamburg, uwe.schneider@uni-hamburg.de

1. Master the definitions of low carbon SDGs, increase the awareness of global challenges within the context of low carbon transition. 
2. Gain an updated understanding of works carried out by developed and developing economies in the arena of low carbon SDGs. 
3. Analyze SDG issues within the context of low carbon development, from multiple perspectives of social, economic, and environmental dimensions. 
4. Communicate and collaborate with students from different majors, cultural backgrounds, etc., via working together on a course report. 
5. Develop and/or improve communication skills with confidence in a potentially challenging environment. 

Lecture, Group Discussion

1. Quiz (each participant): 40%; 
2. Group presentation (each group): 10%; 
3. Final program report (each group): 50%. 

Junior/Senior undergraduates and Graduates

Yuquan Zhang, yqwzhang@sjtu.edu.cn