This lecture block introduces the course, the concept of sustainable development and its application to infrastructure systems. First, the general structure of the course is outlined. Next, the first content lecture looks at sustainable development and its formalisation through universal development agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement, and the role of infrastructure in achieving these objectives. The case study of Saint Lucia is introduced, which will be referenced throughout the course.

Lecture one was written by Dan Adshead and Amelie Paszkowski, Oxford University.