Addressing the global challenges of the 21st century requires careful consideration, detailed analysis at the regional and local level, and an interdisciplinary lens. The MSc course Global Challenges, Local Action aims to increase awareness of the urgency to address these challenges at multiple scales. Multidisciplinary teams, consisting of students from different countries around the world, investigate a global issue more in-depth as part of this course. During a Best Project Challenge, students and lecturers have selected this year’s most insightful projects. The three ‘best project’ teams have been interviewed by prof. Karin Pfeffer and dr. Carmen Anthonj. You can learn more about these student teams and their interdisciplinary project experience in the videos below.
Challenges of the energy transition project – ‘Enschede Energie’
Our students Anna Arora, Rodrigroandrés Morales, Rufat Namazov, Taseer Hussain, and Vincent Bosire have developed a prototype of an interactive GIS tool that can support a local energy cooperative in assessing the potential of installing heat pumps – as an additional green energy solution - in neighborhoods in Enschede.
Challenges of urbanisation project – urban flooding
Our students Ara Ghani, Arun Vishwanath Venugopal, Joseph Rajul, Schadrack Tuyishime and Serwah Boakye have caried out an assessment of urban expansion and socio-economic conditions, and their impact on flood exposure, in deprived neighbourhoods in Kampala, Uganda. Proposals for local action include the adhering to urban zoning plans and the offering of safe and affordable housing locations.
Challenges in coastal areas project – Dead Sea
Our students Carolina Ferman Carral, Chamidu Gunaratne, and Yaozheng Song have carried out an analysis of the shrinking of the Dead Sea, the role of salt extraction as a pressure factor, and the impact of subsidence. Proposals for local action include measures to control water level and reduce consequences of shrinkage.
