Sustainable Cities - a partnership event between the Natural Capital Initiative and the British Library, June 2009.
Sponsored by the Science Council.
Sustainable Cities explored how science can inform policy to ensure sustainable urban development. The event included a panel discussion chaired by Sir Tom McKillop, networking reception and a research showcase. The panelists' talks are available as a podcast here*.
Find out what our panel of expert speakers had to say about the biggest challenges facing sustainable urban development over the next ten years and the ways in which science can inform sustainable urban development policy:
As well as a lively panel discussion, the event also gave participants an opportunity to browse exhibition stands and scientific posters from environmental science researchers on diverse subjects including urban heat spots, building design and energy consumption, air quality and urban soils.
Sustainable urban development has never been more important: Half of the World’s population now lives in cities. Forecasts estimate that the global population will reach 9 to 10 billion by the year 2050 and it is predicted that the proportion of people living in cities will continue to rise. By 2030 the urban population will reach 5 billion — 60 per cent of the world’s population The backdrop of climate change presents additional complications including energy, migration, food security and flooding. Innovative multidisciplinary research is vital to address these complex, interrelated issues and provide the evidence needed to formulate sound policy.
The Library's collections on aspects of sustainable development are international in scope, covering environmental, technological, sociological and economic facets. We have produced a short guide to sustainable development resources available through the British Library.
Read the post event Blog on the British Ecological Society website.
*due to an interruption in recording caused by a thunderstorm, part of Ken's and Lorna's talks are missing from the podcast.
