An anonymous, informal green roof survey completed by 160 students of P.S. 41 in New York City demonstrates the green roof's valuable emotional, social, and educational benefits, even compared to the lower-level playground.

Climate change (and associated weather impacts) is causing milder winters and as a result, increasing tick populations, particularly in Canada and the Northeastern US. Ticks are showing up not only in the countryside but also in urban areas.

We asked two experts, an architect, Lois Vitt Sale, and a scientist, Wolfgang Amelung - How Does One Design for Maximum Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Performance of Living Architecture. Their responses illustrate the complex nature of this fundamentally important question.

Through the use of tactics and strategies found in nature, green roofs can be designed to adapt to the inevitable cycles and stresses that climate can impose. This overview of ecosystem approaches shows how green roofs can be planted and designed for resilience, especially in hot, arid climates.

A grass-roots climate action group powered by the volunteer efforts of moms dared to imagine what Cambridge, MA could become if its rooftops were transformed by pollinator-friendly gardens, meadows, and a farm or two.

With 4,500 square meters (over 48,000 square feet) of grass and 50 olive trees planted above commercial space, the urban rehabilitation of this square has completely transformed this important public space, creating an attraction for both tourists and residents.

The green infrastructure industry has an incredible responsibility to provide the best possible green solutions for the 66 percent of the world’s population that will live in urban areas by 2050. We can only get there through excellent research and rigorous science, as well as close collaborations with civil engineers.

In March 2010, P.S.41 in NYC, opened the Green Roof Environmental Literacy Laboratory, a 15,000 square foot sedum and native plant green roof The first outdoor learning space of its kind in NYC benefits children with activities from skyline drawings to insect research projects.

A lot has been said and written about green roofs and fire safety which is inaccurate. Regulations and norms can vary from country to country or even city to city. Gaps in research on fire and green roofs means we are left to draw conclusions from private research or extrapolations from research conducted on standard roofing systems.

In April 19, the first Canadian federal budget in two years was released, “A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience”. The budget included some big wins for green/natural infrastructure, including the creation of a dedicated Natural Infrastructure Fund.

A green wall at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Langley, BC captures water that drains off roofs and uses it to grow an array of plants, while supplemental irrigation is powered by solar panels with battery backup.

Living architecture offers immense promise as a part of a climate strategy, with green roofs and walls offering the ability to help mitigate against climate change and also adapt to its impacts.

The European Commission recently launched an online public consultation on the revision of the EU rules on waste water treatment. Addressing the shortcomings of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive would encourage further green infrastructure use in Europe.

Summer/Fall events, including CitiesAlive; innovative online training; and new GRHC corporate and individual members

Journal of Living Architecture, Volume 8, Issue 1, p 41-64