Hannah MacInnes joins some of the participants and guests of The Klosters Forum to discuss some of the key environmental issues of today including themes of plastic pollution, biodiversity and food systems. The Klosters Forum is a neutral platform that brings together disruptive and inspirational minds to address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Hannah MacInnes is a Freelance Journalist and a regular interviewer and Podcast Host for the How To: Academy, chairing interviews, panels and debates across a wide range of subjects and current issues. Before going Freelance she worked for over 7 years at BBC Newsnight as Planning Editor and as a Producer / Filmmaker. The Klosters Forum is a neutral platform. The views and opinions expressed by the participants during these podcasts are that of the participant and may not necessarily represent the views of The Klosters Forum. Music by IB Audio https://www.ibaudio.com
Healing ecological grief through art & action with Alison Tickell
Can art help us navigate climate grief and inspire true systemic change? In our very first episode of The Cultural Turn, host Hannah MacInnes sits down with Alison Tickell, CEO of Julie’s Bicycle, to discuss the transformative power of art and culture. Together, they explore how creative expression gives us space to process climate grief, reconnect with our shared humanity, and spur local communities into environmental action.
How nature-based design can heal our sinking cities with Kotchakorn Voraakhom
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.
Why high-tech innovation is the unlikely ally of urban biodiversity with Dr. Nadina Galle
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.
How to Design for Climate Transformation in a 'Messy' World with Kirsten Dunlop
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.
"I've been to the future. We won." A conversation with Rob Hopkins
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.
Bhutan's Bamboo Blueprint: How Ancient Materials Could Build Future Cities with Sonam Choden
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".
Why Nature Needs AI and Why AI Needs Nature with Carlo Ratti
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.
The power of community engagement in creating climate resilient cities with Dr. Jennifer Lenhart
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.
Climate-proofing our cities: insights from UN-Habitat's Shipra Narang Suri
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.
Is adaptive reuse the key to creating more sustainable and resilient cities? With Calvin Chua
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.
Why urban resilience is now a necessity with Lauren Sorkin
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.
Building cities that flourish and thrive in the face of climate change with Rob McDonald
In this episode of The Klosters Forum's "The Resilient City" podcast, host Hannah MacInnes sits down with Dr. Robert McDonald, Lead Scientist for Europe at The Nature Conservancy, to discuss how cities can not only survive but thrive in the face of climate change. Robert, an expert in urban ecology and resilience, shares his insights on how cities can adapt to a changing climate while continuing to provide essential services, improve human well-being, and foster a strong connection with nature. In this episode, he explores the vital role of green infrastructure, urban planning, and community engagement in building more resilient and flourishing urban environments.
The 3-30-300 rule: a new vision for urban greening with Cecil Konijnendijk
In this episode of The Klosters Forum 'The Resilient City' podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of urban forestry and the 3-30-300 rule with renowned expert Cecil Konijnendijk. With over 30 years of experience, Cecil shares his insights on how trees can transform our cities, improve our well-being, and create more sustainable urban environments. Find out more about the 3-30-300 guiding principle Cecil speaks about here: treesrule.com
Extreme weather, extreme inequality: it's time to protect our most vulnerable with Sheela Patel
Climate change is hitting our vulnerable communities hardest. In this episode of The Resilient City, we're joined by Sheela Patel, founder of Society for Promotion of Area Resource Centres (SPARC), an NGO working with Mumbai's urban poor communities. In this episode, Sheela shares insights on how providing knowledge, capacity building, and support can enable these urban poor communities to not only adapt to climate change but also become active agents of change.
Can cities help us heal? Designing cities to improve human and planetary health with Helle Søholt
How can we create cities that prioritise people? Join our host of The Resilient City podcast, Hannah MacInnes, as she talks to Helle Søholt, CEO of Gehl, about building resilient cities that support mental health, combat loneliness, and promote sustainability. In this episode, Helle shares insights from her 24 years of experience leading people-first urban development projects around the world.
Lifting communities from both poverty and pollution with Ani Dasgupta
In this episode of The Klosters Forum podcast, host Hannah MacInnes engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Ani Dasgupta, President and CEO of the World Resources Institute. They delve into the complex relationship between poverty and climate change in urban areas, spotlighting Delhi's efforts to combat both simultaneously. Ani shares insights on how empowering marginalised communities is central to building sustainable cities, and how climate solutions must prioritise justice and equity. This episode explores innovative strategies that tackle poverty and climate change in tandem, offering a hopeful vision for a more resilient and equitable urban future.
How to inspire climate action in cities with Katharine Hayhoe
In this episode, we join climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe as she delves into the surprising transformation of Texas from a climate laggard to an emerging leader in sustainability. Katharine explores how Texas' cities are confronting the increasing threat of extreme weather events head-on, implementing innovative solutions to mitigate risks and bolster resilience. She also delves into how cities across the globe are experiencing the effects on climate change in different ways and how they are addressing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, like energy systems and transportation networks, while also emphasising the importance of equitable climate action to protect the most vulnerable communities.
In this episode, Mayor Erion Veliaj, the three-time re-elected Mayor of Tirana, the capital of Albania, shares his story about the extraordinary transformation of his city. Once under a dictatorship that caused mass exodus, Tirana is now a shining example of urban sustainability and child-friendly policies. Veliaj, who has worked with international humanitarian organisations worldwide, shares his vision for a greener, more equitable city, and the steps he's taking to inspire citizens to reconnect with nature and build a thriving future for Tirana.
The Importance of the "15-Minute City" with Professor Carlos Moreno
In this episode, Professor Carlos Moreno, Scientific Director of the research lab “Entrepreneurship Territory Innovation” at the IAE Paris-Sorbonne, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and Professor at IAA, International Academy of Architecture, speaks to Hannah MacInnes about the ’15-Minute City’ and its importance within a resilient city. The ’15-Minute City’ is a revolutionary urban planning model where all essential needs—work, shopping, education, healthcare, and leisure—are accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from home. This concept promotes sustainable living, reduces traffic congestion, CO2 emissions and enhances community well-being. Don't miss this engaging discussion on creating sustainable, liveable cities for everyone.
Resilient Cities – An Introduction with Mark Watts
In this new series, we explore how cities across the world can rise to the ecological challenges created by a rapidly changing climate. Join Hannah and the guests as they consider innovative approaches to building resilience into the urban landscape. In this episode, Mark Watts speaks to Hannah MacInnes to discuss how the C40 Cities can help make a serious change to climate and his take on resilient cities. Mark Watts is Executive Director of C40 Cities, a global network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities that are united in action to confront the climate crisis and create a future where everyone, everywhere, can thrive.
