Green cities in a green economy – how to pioneer a sustainable transition?
Green roofs offer a variety of benefits including increasing local biodiversity, insulation and water capture. © Green Roof Consultancy
Cities will play an increasing role in the welfare of both people and the environment in the future. How can we make them greener?
For the first time in history half of the world’s population is located in urban spaces rather than rural areas. By 2030, nearly 60% are expected to be urban dwellers.
Cities will be the powerhouse for future development and growth, and planning their future will make or break a green economy. Green cities will have to effectively and efficiently manage energy, recycle resources and make use of waste.
How can the historic human infrastructure of cities be transformed from grey to green by learning from the lessons of nature? How will they provide for the health and wellbeing of people, as well as the environment?
Watch the debate
A panel of leading experts chaired by Richard Black, the BBC's environment correspondent, discussed the issues at a live debate at the Natural History Museum on 14 March 2012.
Watch a short video of debate highlights on YouTube, produced by Stakeholder Forum
Watch the video of the whole green cities debate
The panel
- Thomas Elmqvist, a professor of Natural Resource Management at Stockholm University and editor of the first City Biodiversity Outlook report
- Conor Riffle, Head of Cities at the Carbon Disclosure Project
- David Stubbs, Head of Sustainability for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games
- Paul Toyne, Head of Sustainability, WSP Group, an international design and engineering consultancy
What do you think?
Thank you to everyone who sent in questions and comments for the panel via our Earth Debates forum and Twitter. You can continue the discussion online - add your comment below.
Have your say
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