Sustainable Cities of Northern Europe
Catherine Brinkley
Department of Human Ecology/Environmental Design
Dr. Catherine Brinkley. With a PhD in city and regional planning, a veterinary medical degree, and a masters in virology, my scholarship focuses on health equity and One Health, a concept that considers health shared between humans, animals and the environment. I am a former Fulbright Scholar, Watson Fellow, and National Science Foundation Career Award Winner. I have also lived in Sweden for three years, and the course will draw from my deep network of practicing planners in Scandinavia to introduce students to sustainable design professionals. Above all, I am wildly enthusiastic about sustainable planning! At home in California, I have worked with students to build the first search engine for California’s 482 city and 58 county plans (PlanSearch.caes.ucdavis.edu)- to encourage the public to get more involved in the planning process and learn from examples in nearby communities. In addition to international and state-level work, volunteering at the local level keeps me grounded. I serve on the planning commission of the City of Davis, and encourage others (particularly students!) to attend public meetings and get involved early and often. Read more.
A Message to Students and Parents
Are you passionate about sustainability and eager to explore cutting-edge approaches in urban planning and architectural design? Join the teaching team for a tour of incredible place-making efforts across Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, and Northern Germany. The program provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and daily life of countries that are world-renowned for their commitment to sustainability and innovation. Sweden, for example, reduced per capita greenhouse gas emissions by over 60% since the 1960s! By studying abroad here, you'll immerse yourself in the politics and cultures that made it possible for governments to prioritize environmental consciousness. Beyond the classroom and cityscape, you will also have the chance to explore the breathtaking landscapes that promote clean energy and local food sovegnty. Whether we are hiking through Swedish forests, biking along Danish coastlines, or admiring the Swiss Alps, the surroundings offer rich learning experience."