Cities are where the climate battle will be won or lost

Cities are microcosms of the world, showing off the best of humanity’s achievements and its darkest struggles. They are also where the climate battle will be largely won or lost, according to the UN Secretary General.

Reflections like these, on the critical importance of sustainable, inclusive cities, along with strategies for shaping them, were shared at a panel discussion at The Conduit last month in partnership with Julius Baer.

“Cities are good for humans – if you live in a city you’re probably better educated, you’re probably more affluent, and you’re probably healthier because cities have better access to healthcare. So, cities are good for humans, but they’re bad for humanity,” said moderator Christian Hernandez.

Hernandez is a partner and co-founder of 2150.vc, a venture capital firm which funds businesses looking to influence how cities are designed, built and powered. Cities harm the greater good, he says, because they are the source of 70% of greenhouse gas emissions globally. The growth of this trend shows no signs of slowing down.

From London to Dubai to Shenzhen, the dense array of buildings that make up cities are a key contributor to their carbon footprints.

Currently, buildings are responsible for 39% of global, carbon emissions. But “buildings cement the power and prosperity that is in cities,” said Carsten Menke, Head of Next Generation Research at Julius Baer, pointing out how essential the built environment is to keep our economies and societies running.

By 2050, the urbanisation rate is expected to reach almost 70%, according to the United Nations. Cities account for more than 80% of economic output, showing the benefits of proximity and productivity. That said, during the past few years, some structural challenges have appeared for cities and the owners of city-centre real estate. So in order to preserve the value of real estate, which is the world’s biggest store of wealth, there is no way around investing in building technology and efficiency, topics at the heart of Julius Baer’s Future Cities research theme.

So, how can we pave the way for more sustainable cities without compromising on innovation and connectivity?

Jan Kattein is a writer, lecturer and architect specialising in design at a socially and environmentally regenerative practice, bringing insights from one of his most treasured projects – the Paper Garden in London’s Canada Water – to the panel.

By the end of the decade, advocates are aiming for 20% of materials used for new builds to be found, reclaimed or recycled. The Paper Garden, home to charity Global Generation, surpassed this metric three times over, and was the first building of its kind to receive an EPC rating of A. Its doors were reclaimed from a police station, its cornerstones are made from reclaimed oak railway sleepers donated by Network Rail, and the Paper Garden’s windows are reject stock donated by Scandinavian window manufacturer, Nordan.

The Paper Garden was constructed by 3,000 volunteers, who now act as ambassadors for the project, advocating for regenerative building practices.

Engaged citizens like the Paper Garden volunteers will be instrumental in our transition to more sustainable and inclusive cities.

Sue Riddlestone, OBE, knows this better than anyone, having spent her career working with communities, local authorities and landowners to improve people’s living and working environments.

Riddlestone was instrumental in the creation of BedZed, a carbon-negative eco-village in South London made up of 100 homes, office space, a college and community facilities. “If you talk about sustainability, often people are a bit put off. They think that’s not for them. But if you talk about making a place better, then sustainability just emerges naturally,” said Riddlestone, noting the importance of co-creation for ideas and improvements to take root.

The evening’s inspiring discussion closed with each of the panellists sharing one action for attendees to take. Riddlestone encouraged everyone to try out and reflect on the Global Footprint Network’s Footprint Calculator, which asks questions about your lifestyle and tells users how many planets we would need for everyone to live like them.

Kattein shared an anecdote about a Parisian’s attempt to make his famously icy city feel like a village by founding an association of Hyper Voisins (Super Neighbours), and Menke echoed the importance of engaging with people in your own community. “Take agency,” said Hernandez, asking the audience to find small changes you can make in your own work or life, and take them fearlessly.

This event was held in partnership with Julius Baer. To watch a recording of the event, click here.