Episode 19 - Intersecting Ecological and Human Health with Kathleen Wolf
In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with a Dr. Kathleen Wolf, researcher and social scientist specializing in the intersection of nature and human health and wellbeing. Dr. Wolf focused her research on the human dimensions of urban forestry and urban green space, in particular studying nearby nature experiences and human health response. She has numerous publications to her name, aimed at building better knowledge of the social and psychological benefits that city trees and nearby nature provide, and sharing that across non-traditional audiences, including business, public health, medicine, and urban planning. Today, although semi-retired she continues to be active in research and science outreach, looking at ways in which the human experience is enhanced through the natural systems around us. Join us for a conversation on how human health responds to the natural world, and the ways in which we can incorporate those impacts into our design process.
Episode 18 - Exploring Health, Equity, and Climate with Gail Vittori
In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with a luminary of sustainable built environment systems, Gail Vittori. Gail is the Co-Director of the Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems, and has lead the way in the field of sustainable health care and resilient building. Through her career she has led innovative resilience strategies and explored ways to enhance the built environment for this and future generations, such as the proposal of a conceptual framework for what became the City of Austin's Green Building Program, widely considered the first green building program in the world. She is also the co-author of Sustainable Healthcare Architecture, a seminal work on the design and operations of sustainable healthcare facilities which promote healing and wellbeing through their design and interface with natural systems. Join us for a conversation on the power of the natural world, and the important ability it has to enhance our wellbeing.
Episode 17 - Blazing a Green Roof Trail with Tom Liptan
In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with green roof pioneer Tom Liptan, one of the key figures in launching the green roof market in North America, to discuss the growths and changes in the green roof industry and where it could go from here. Tom’s journey with green roofs began out of his own interest, building a green roof by himself on his garage, and over time grew to influence his work with the city of Portland and his thinking about urban ecosystems and climate resilience. He has been a key figure in the growth and development of the green roof industry and the thinking around North American stormwater management through green infrastructure. Join us for a conversation on the early days of North American green roofs, climate resilience, and reflections on an illustrious career in green infrastructure.
Episode 16 - Leading Climate Action with Cynthia Rosenzweig
In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with climate science pioneer Dr. Cynthia Rosenzweig to discuss the impacts and opportunities of climate change on our urban environments and how we can create more resilient communities. Dr. Rosenzweig’s work has been at the forefront of climate science and resilience planning for decades leading large-scale interdisciplinary research studies on the impacts of climate change in both rural and urban settings. Her research has shaped how we understand the close relationship between food and climate change, most notably predicting the impacts of the interaction between climate and food systems. Join us for a conversation on climate, progress, and how one of our premier climate researchers maintains her positivity for the future.
Episode 13 - Pioneering Ecology Based Architecture with Ken Yeang
In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with architect and visionary Ken Yeang to discuss the the practice of ecological design and how it can and must be used to enhance global resilience and combat climate change. Ken has been a pioneer of ecological design and hyper-green architectural design practice, believing in the imperative to design with nature from the ground up. Join us for a conversation on the power of natural systems, the growth of ecological design, and hear about many of the stunning and verdant projects Ken has had a hand in over the course of his illustrious career.
Episode 12 - Better Buildings through Biophilic Design
In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with designer and consultant Bill Browning to discuss the science and practice of biophilic design and how it can influence and affect our interaction with the world around us. Human beings have a strong affinity for the natural world, which green infrastructure and nature based design practices can be a powerful and cost effective mechanism to enhance our constructed spaces and quality of life. Join us for a conversation on the powerful impacts natural systems can have on our brain chemistry and psychology and the implications that has for how we consider and design our spaces.
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.
Episode 10 - An Interdisciplinary Approach to Water
In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with artist, designer, and thought leader Herbert Dreiseitl to discuss the critical role of water in natural ecosystems, and what lessons can be learned and applied to our urban environments. To cope with climate change, cities need to better use their natural infrastructure assets to manage and treat water before it becomes a problem to the community. Join us for a conversation on resilient, regenerative design, and how best cities can incorporate water into planning to ensure that it is protected and viewed as a resource rather than an obstacle.
Episode 9 - Biodiversity and the Role of Insects
In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with Assistant Professor Scott Macivor of the University of Toronto to discuss the critical role of insects in the natural world, how climate change affects insect communities and populations, and the ways in which green roofs and green infrastructure can support and enhance those communities in our urban environments. Join us for a conversation on biodiversity and its role in our society, how insects support and influence the natural environment, and how we can develop comprehensive ecosystems.