Responding to environmental challenges: an initial assessment of higher education curricula needs by Australian planning professionals

Environmental planning education has become crucial given the projected implications of climate change for human settlements and nature. However, despite the identified importance of educating planners with regards to sustainability and environmental issues, there has been limited discussion of the topic within literature. In particular, there has been little consultation with planning professionals about their perception of environmental planning curricula needs. This article addresses this need through the survey of planning professionals in Australia. Perceived gaps in environmental knowledge and skills of planners were identified. The key knowledge gaps highlighted included climate change and water management. The key skill gaps highlighted included critical thinking and independent inquiry. Implications for urban planning curricula including the need to revise planning curricula are discussed. The study has implications for and interest to other professional degrees of which environmental sustainability is a component.