Episode 11 - Water and the Systems that Drive Ecology
In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with educator and researcher Dr. Olyssa Starry Ph.D. to discuss the part water plays in urban ecology and the physical chemistry of plants and how this can affect the achievement of sustainability goals. Water is crucial to living systems like green roofs and other forms of green infrastructure, and managing how much and when can have a number of implications on what benefits are enjoyed. Join us for a conversation on the science of water and plants and how we can establish hearty and thriving urban ecosystems through systems integration.
Guest
Dr. Olyssa Starry, Ph.D.
Portland State University
Dr. Olyssa Starry is an urban ecologist who investigates cities using a systems approach, specializing in stormwater and green roofs. She is an Assistant Professor at Portland State University. Olyssa has published over 30 publications contributing to the development of knowledge of green roofs, particularly in her area of stormwater nitrification, vegetation, biodiversity and urban ecology. Over the years, Olyssa has worked alongside many leaders in the green roof industry, and over time has become established in her development and understanding of how green roofs benefit urban ecology.
Host
Steven Peck, GRP, HASLA
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities
Steven spearheaded the first green roof demonstration project on Toronto City Hall 20 years ago and the mandatory green roof policy in Toronto a decade ago. This innovative policy has resulted in more than 6 million additional square feet of green space across the city. Due to Steven’s work, GRHC has helped to win green roof policy victories in San Francisco, Washington, DC; Portland, Oregon; and Denver, Colorado. Steven also founded Green Infrastructure Ontario coalition to bring together organizations that share an interest in the protection and development of green infrastructure in Ontario. In 2007 he co-founded the World Green Infrastructure Network, an international organization that promotes the use of green infrastructure around the world.
