Climate-proofing our cities: insights from UN-Habitat's Shipra Narang Suri

In this episode, landscape architect Kotchakorn Voraakhom joins host Hannah MacInnes to discuss how Bangkok is reclaiming its identity as a water-based city. From creating massive flood-retention parks to building Asia’s largest urban rooftop farm, Kotchakorn shares how nature-based design can help cities adapt to a changing climate while breaking down the bureaucratic silos that stand in the way of resilience. 

Can technology and nature coexist to create truly resilient urban environments? Host Hannah MacInnes explores this question with ecological engineer Dr. Nadina Galle, who describes how a digital revolution is finally reaching urban ecology. In this episode, Nadina dives into the "Internet of Nature," detailing how tools like LiDAR and real-time sensors are allowing us to better map, monitor, and manage the green spaces in our cities. She addresses the common fear that technology replaces our connection to the wild, arguing instead that these tools act as a catalyst for human empathy and deeper engagement with the natural world around us.

In this episode of The Resilient City, host Hannah MacInnes and Kirsten Dunlop (CEO, Climate KIC) discuss how real change needs a complete, systematic change that goes beyond individual solutions. Kirsten explains that big, radical shifts only happen when there is a crisis, and the change is almost always "incredibly messy," but it is possible. She defines resilience as the fundamental capacity to keep trying and investing in solutions that make life measurably better, rather than snapping back to the old normal.

In this episode of The Resilient City, host Hannah MacInnes is joined by inspiring activist and author Rob Hopkins. Rob reveals his unique, radical approach to climate action: taking audiences on a theatrical "time machine" journey to a successful 2030. He argues that we must abandon the language of collapse and instead cultivate longing for an "irresistible" future, bringing back evidence that people can really feel and believe, from rooftop farms to bicycle rush hours, to prove that change is possible. This is a crucial conversation about why hope, imagination, and small, collective actions are the most powerful tools for global resilience.

In this episode of The Resilient City by The Klosters Forum, host Hannah MacInnes is joined by Sonam Choden, Lead Researcher at ReBuilt Bhutan. Drawing on her 20+ years of experience, Sonam shares her mission to transform the built environment from a carbon emitter into a bio-based, resource-efficient system. She discusses Bhutan's unique challenge of moving away from high-carbon materials and returning to nature-based solutions, like engineered bamboo. Sonam reveals how this pioneering work in regenerative built environments is shaping the vision for Bhutan's future "Ghelifu Mindfulness City".

In this episode of The Resilient City by The Klosters Forum, host Hannah MacInnes is joined by world-renowned architect, engineer, and inventor, Carlo Ratti.Carlo, Professor at the Politecnico di Milano and at MIT, and founding partner of CRA–Carlo Ratti Associati, and Director of the Biennale Architettura in Venice, shares how cities can move beyond the concrete by using artificial intelligence and data as a tool to help nature thrive. From mapping urban trees to optimising green spaces for maximum cooling and using smart systems for water management, Carlo delves into how we can harness the combined intelligence of people, nature, and technology to build cities that are more sustainable and resilient.

How can we create cities that are truly resilient to climate change? The answer lies in engaging the public. In this episode of The Klosters Forum's Resilient Cities podcast, host Hannah MacInnes explores the crucial role of public engagement with Dr. Jennifer Lenhart, WWF's Global Cities Lead.Jennifer, who has extensive experience in urban sustainability and community engagement, explains why it's essential to bridge the gap between city leaders, urban planners, and residents. She discusses how involving the public in decision-making processes can lead to more effective and equitable solutions for the environmental challenges facing our cities.

In this episode, Hannah MacInnes sits down with Shipra Narang Suri, a leading expert in sustainable urbanisation, urban resilience and Senior Policy Advisor to the Executive Director of UN-Habitat. She was the Chief of Urban Practices Branch at UN-Habitat until January 2024 when this episode was recorded. They explore the critical work UN-Habitat is doing to help cities around the world adapt to climate change, including building resilient housing and implementing innovative urban planning strategies. Shipra also shares her insights on how we can be proactive in creating cities that are not just resilient but truly thrive in the face of future challenges.

In this episode of The Klosters Forum's Resilient Cities podcast, host Hannah MacInnes dives into the topic of urban neighbourhoods and adaptive reuse with Calvin Chua, Founder of Spatial Anatomy, an expert in urban adaptation and author of a book about adaptation strategies for ageing shopping centres.Calvin shares his unique perspective on how repurposing existing buildings can breathe new life into neighbourhoods, preserve history, and contribute to a greener future. He also explains why a neighbourhood-centric approach is crucial for successful urban regeneration projects. Plus, he explores inspiring examples of adaptive reuse from around the world, including geopolitically challenging regions, that are transforming cities for the better.

COVID-19 exposed a critical truth: cities need to be ready for anything. In this episode of The Klosters Forum's Resilient Cities podcast, host Hannah MacInnes sits down with Lauren Sorkin, Executive Director of the Resilient Cities Network, to discuss why urban resilience is an urgent necessity in our rapidly changing world. Lauren, a leading expert in urban resilience, explains why cities need to be prepared for a wide range of challenges – from pandemics and climate change to economic downturns and social unrest.