The Century of Cities

The Century of Cities welcomes Eleni (Lenio) Myrivili, UN Chief Heat Officer working with UN-Habitat and the Arsht Rock Resilience Center of the Atlantic Council, as she tackles one of the most pressing challenges of our time: extreme heat. Lenio explains why cities are warming twice as fast as the planet and how this intensifies public health risks, especially for the most vulnerable. She shares the devastating urban heat island effect and its socioeconomic toll, urging cities to prioritize nature, water, and more innovative urban design to stay livable. Looking ahead, Lenio delivers a wake-up call on the rising global temperatures and the risk of uninhabitable cities by 2070. With over 200 major urban centers predicted to face unlivable conditions, her message is clear: we must act swiftly and boldly to redesign cities as havens of resilience and equity. This episode challenges us to confront climate realities head-on and rethink urban living for a sustainable future.

Marc Olefs, a leading climate scientist and Head of Climate Impact Research at Geosphere Austria, joins us on The Century of Cities to explain the intricate links between climate change and urbanization. From the cooling effects of aerosols in the 1980s to the intensifying impacts of greenhouse gases, Marc explores pivotal shifts in the Earth's climate and their profound implications for urban environments. He highlights how clean air measures inadvertently accelerated warming, creating a global turning point. With their heat islands and dense populations, cities are both the battlegrounds and laboratories for climate solutions. Marc shares the strategies necessary to achieve net-zero emissions. He emphasizes the urgent need for global action, with over 2 billion people at risk of displacement due to climate change. Cities, he explains, are central to this transformation, balancing resilience and opportunity to secure a sustainable future.

The Century of Cities welcomes the visionary Gabriella Gómez-Mont, founder of Experimentalista and former Chief Creative Officer of Mexico City, to reflect on Mexico City's staggering reinvention, from its sprawling challenges of the 80s to its current role as a global hub for urban innovation. Gabriella shares powerful stories of how Latin America's early urban struggles became a catalyst for groundbreaking solutions, including Bogotá's care blocks, Medellín's urban cooling initiatives, and Mexico City's bike revolutions. She introduces a bold vision for a League of Cities for the Imagination, where mayors and citizens transcend boundaries to reimagine our shared futures. From radical care policies to progressive feminist movements, Gabriella leaves us with a hopeful provocation: Cities, like dreams, hold our deepest fears and desires. By asking the right questions today, we may find the answers that unlock the possibilities of tomorrow.

Susan Parnell, an author and Professor of Urban Geography at Bristol University and an Emeritus Professor at the African Centre for Cities at UCT, joins The Century of Cities to discuss the transformative landscape of African urbanization. Susan reflects on the dramatic urban shifts and profound implications of Africa's ongoing urban evolution, from grappling with extreme poverty to harnessing its youthful energy and climate-conscious opportunities. She compares Africa's urban trajectory to China's rapid growth, highlighting unique challenges like informality, connectivity, and sustainable infrastructure. Susan envisions a future where African cities experience massive growth while addressing intergenerational poverty and climate resilience. Susan's insights challenge conventional thinking and inspire a reimagination of cities as equitable, innovative, and globally influential hubs.

The Century of Cities welcomes Professor Philip McCann, Sir Terry Leahy Chair of Urban and Regional Economics at Alliance Manchester Business School, for part 2 of a two-part conversation. Phillip delves deep into national urban policy complexities in this second episode, emphasizing the unique challenges of different countries. He highlights the importance of tailored solutions over copy-pasting models from other nations. Philip discusses the evolution of cities, the pivotal role of urbanization in economic growth, and its political ramifications globally. He explores how different growth trajectories impact local and national fortunes with examples from the US, UK, Germany, and beyond. Phillip stresses the significance of nuanced policies integrating trade, infrastructure, and governance, pushing for a systemic approach to urban development.

The Century of Cities welcomes Professor Philip McCann, Sir Terry Leahy Chair of Urban and Regional Economics at Alliance Manchester Business School, for part 1 of a 2-part conversation. Philip explains the shift from economic convergence to divergence within regions and investigates the implications for national growth. He draws attention to the challenges of agglomeration without growth, where cities grow in size but not productivity. He discusses the role of global trade, demographics, and climate change in shaping future urbanization patterns while providing strategic advice for policymakers in thriving and struggling regions.

Uma Adusumilli, an architect and former chief planner of the regional planning division of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), joins us for the latest episode of The Century of Cities. Drawing on decades of experience, Uma looks into India's urban journey, from the cultural shocks during the 1980s to the challenges of today's crowded megacities. Uma reveals the rise of medium-sized cities as growth hubs, the promise of rural revitalization, and how population stabilization by 2050 could redefine infrastructure and governance. Learn how India's evolving city system, including decentralizing power from significant metropolises like Mumbai, creates a more balanced urban landscape. Uma shares hard-earned lessons on planning new cities, fostering community, and innovating with infrastructure. She also looks ahead to 2080, envisioning a future shaped by AI, shifting demographics, and sustainability.

In this episode, we're delighted to be joined by Astrid R.N. Haas, a feminist urban economist whose career spans Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Astrid reflects on her journey from Kampala's vibrant yet fragmented streets to her current base in Hong Kong, drawing lessons from Southeast Asia's rapid urbanization. Focusing on urban finance, she unpacks how historical policies like Structural Adjustment Programs still shape African cities today and why financing infrastructure requires political courage and innovative thinking. Astrid also shares her unique perspective on how feminist principles can transform cities, shifting urban planning to be more inclusive, equitable, and courageous. She challenges conventional ideas, discussing how cities often fail to meet diverse needs and why Africa's urbanization, happening at an unprecedented pace and under significant constraints, could drive global innovation.

In this episode of The Century of Cities, we are joined by Professor Cheong Koon Hean, one of Singapore's most influential urban planners and architects. As the Chair of the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities, she has shaped Singapore's evolution into a global leader in livability, sustainability, and economic competitiveness. She explores Singapore's transformative journey, beginning in the 1980s, a time of slums and budding nationhood, to today's role as a powerhouse in global trade and innovation. Looking ahead to 2080, Koon Hean offers a bold vision for cities grappling with critical challenges such as climate change, evolving geopolitics, and the emergence of mega-cities. Learn how Singapore's strategic long-term planning, creative resource management, and commitment to balancing social harmony with economic progress have become a blueprint for urban success. From addressing low fertility rates to pioneering floating data centers and AI-driven smart cities, this episode is packed with insights that are both visionary and practical.

Dag Detter, Principal at Detter & Co., renowned global advisor, and author of Public Net Worth, joins The Century of Cities to reveal how cities worldwide sit on vast, untapped gold mines of public assets. He explains how outdated accounting methods and fragmented management practices hinder cities from unlocking their financial potential and shows how transforming these assets could address critical challenges such as climate change, aging populations, and infrastructure gaps, all while reducing reliance on taxes. Drawing on real-world examples, Dag illustrates how professional asset management and innovative thinking can generate unprecedented value for urban centers. Discover how cities can begin this journey with a simple asset map and why taking swift, decisive action is vital for building a financially resilient future. If you are interested in being on the show, contact us. We'll be releasing a very special listener series in the new year!

In this episode of The Century of Cities, we're joined by Lewis Dijkstra, leader of the Urban and Territorial Analysis Team at the European Commission's Joint Research Centre. Lewis takes us on an eye-opening journey, exploring how European cities have bounced back from their 1980s decline to become thriving hubs for young people and families. He discusses the critical issue of affordable housing in cities like Paris and London, where skyrocketing demand is met with stalled construction. Lewis also addresses the rising tension between residents and tourists in high-demand areas, shedding light on the structural challenges that hinder urban growth. He explains why some cities thrive while others struggle and how movements like YIMBY could reshape urban landscapes. From Europe's shrinking populations to the explosive growth of African cities, Lewis offers insights into global urban dynamics and why cities must be at the heart of a greener, more equitable future. This is a compelling conversation about creating urban environments that work for everyone.

The Century of Cities welcomes Diane Hoskins, a renowned architect and Global Co-Chair of Gensler. Diane helps us step into the future of cities as she unveils the firm's bold vision to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 through innovative strategies like the Gensler Product Specification (GPS). She highlights the transformation of underutilized office spaces into vibrant mixed-use residential hubs and shares how sustainable materials, smart transport systems, and community-centric designs reshape the urban landscape. Diane also discusses the critical role of regulation, global-local collaboration, and design diversity in creating cities that are not just functional but also profoundly human.

Greg and Jen are delighted to sit down with Mary Rowe, President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Institute, for episode 11 of The Century of Cites. Mary brings decades of expertise to explore the evolution and future of Canadian cities. She examines how urban landscapes have transformed, from Toronto's 1980s transit strikes to today's challenges in bridging urban-rural divides. She shares her belief in place-based investments and the power of community, arguing that Canada's cities must prioritize public spaces, social infrastructure, and local partnerships to build resilience. Focusing on renewing civic spaces as national assets, she offers a compelling vision for cities to be thriving, inclusive ecosystems designed to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

The Century of Cities welcomes Alan Berube, a nonresident senior fellow at Brookings Metro, who examines the transformation of U.S. cities from the deindustrialization and suburbanization challenges of the 1980s to the bustling tech hubs, legacy industrial cities, and affordable, up-and-coming areas we see today. Alan discusses the forces of population growth, climate change, regional leadership, immigration, technology, and federal policy shaping unique urban identities. Whether you're intrigued by policy or urban design, this episode highlights the significant trends shaping American cities over the coming decades.

Dr. Parag Khanna, Founder and CEO of AlphaGeo, an AI-based geospatial predictive analytics platform and international best-selling author, joins episode 9 of The Century of Cities. Parag shares his compelling perspectives on cities that have transformed into sprawling hubs, like Dubai and Shenzhen, and emerging cultural centers, such as Berlin and Toronto, redefining the urban landscape. He explores the forces shaping city life, from shifting demographics and climate pressures to the spread of digital nomadism, highlighting how these elements demand fresh thinking. He discusses everything from the historical roots of urban growth to the forward-looking possibilities of flexible, multi-city lifestyles and the rise of regional destinations with distinct identities. Join us for a rich discussion on how cities can adapt to serve a diverse, mobile population, all while building resilient infrastructure and fostering a sense of belonging.

The Century of Cities is honoured to welcome the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Dr. Maimunah Mohd Sharif, as she shares her journey through decades of urban transformation. She discusses Malaysia's shift from agriculture to a thriving industrial hub. Maimunah highlights the importance of planned, sustainable growth that centers on happiness, mental well-being, and environmental resilience as essential components of modern cities. She shares insights on the critical role of inclusive leadership, uplifting young voices, and shifting from GDP-driven metrics to holistic well-being. Maimunah continues championing sustainable consumption and balanced governance, reminding us of her commitment to building equitable, resilient communities worldwide.

Richard Burdett CBE, professor of Urban Studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science and the director of LSE Cities, joins episode 7 of The Century of Cities. He transports us to London's gritty 1980s, juxtaposing it with the vibrant public spaces of Rome and maps the city's remarkable transformation driven by democratic accountability and the pivotal role of directly elected mayors. Ricky reflects on the pioneering efforts of the Urban Age program, which has revolutionized dialogue around global city development, and the groundbreaking work of the Council on Urban Initiatives in creating more green and healthy urban spaces. Looking toward 2080, he examines the critical decisions cities must confront, from combating environmental challenges to redefining communities and adapting to new urban technologies. This conversation offers a powerful and forward-thinking view on an essential question: How do we create cities that truly serve everyone?

The Century of Cities welcomes Emilia Saiz, Secretary General of United Cities and Local Governments, as she explores the shifting dynamics of local governance and the journey of international municipal movements from 1980 to 2080. Emilia shares a unique perspective on how local and regional governments have grown into vital political actors, advocating for a systemic approach to urbanization that integrates care for nature, people, and governance. Reflecting on pivotal moments such as the Habitat II Assembly and the Sustainable Development Goals, she discusses the challenges of decentralization, the interdependence of urban and rural spaces, and the need for a new financing framework that supports sustainable and inclusive growth.

In our fifth episode, we're joined by Dr Sameh Wahba, Regional Director for Sustainable Development in Europe and Central Asia at The World Bank. Sameh highlights the powerful intersections of planning, financing, and governance, shedding light on the essential role that mayors and city institutions play in advancing sustainable growth. He explores critical topics like urbanization, the spatial determinants of poverty alleviation, agglomeration versus sprawl, density versus distance, economic versus climate-induced migration, and lessons learnt from decades of urban development.

Bruce Katz, an urban policy expert, author, and founder of New Localism Associates, joins episode 4 of The Century of Cities. He takes us on a journey from the deindustrialization era, which began in the 1980s, to the current rise in populism, emphasizing that decades of offshoring and weakened industrial foundations have led to today's polarized politics. Bruce discusses the new industrial geography emerging across American cities as they position themselves within high-tech economies. Cities like Columbus, Phoenix, and St. Louis are leveraging their unique assets, proximity to research universities, supportive state policies, or existing industrial infrastructure to become semiconductors, aerospace, and climate technology leaders. This resurgence in domestic manufacturing isn't just about bringing jobs back; it's about building a resilient economy incorporating advanced industries and innovation. By focusing on hyperlocal assets, creating innovation districts, and aligning with national policies, cities are carving out specialized roles in America's new industrial landscape.

The Century of Cities welcomes Aziza Akhmouch, Head of Cities, Urban Policies, and Sustainable Development at the OECD. Aziza shares her vision for 2080, where interconnected urban hubs seamlessly blend rural and urban boundaries through smart infrastructure and AI. She discusses the rise of eco-cities powered by clean energy and underscores the critical need for inclusive urban policies to combat persistent inequality. Aziza highlights an intriguing aspect of urban governance: mayors worldwide, regardless of their country's economic status, face similar challenges, such as public transportation, housing, water quality, waste management, and segregation. Despite regional disparities, a shared commitment to proximity, investment capacity, and innovation unites mayors in addressing these common issues. Discover how effective policies and visionary local leadership can foster resilient cities that balance growth with sustainability, creating truly inclusive smart cities ready to tackle future crises. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review!

Renowned urbanist and author of The Rise of the Creative Class, Richard Florida, joins The Century of Cities to discuss the evolution of our cities from the industrial era to today's creative economy. From the resurgence of Rust Belt cities to the pioneering inclusivity efforts in Tulsa, Richard shares his candid take on America's social and political divides, the rise of Meta Cities, and the surprising role of cities like Dubai and Singapore in defining new urban hubs. Can cities balance physical spaces with digital connectivity? How can we create a more equitable and people-focused society while facing rising inequality? Richard helps us navigate this historical hinge point for cities and envision their innovative future.

In this episode, we are joined by Anacláudia Rossbach, the newly appointed Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme at UN-Habitat. She discusses her vision for the future of cities free from slums and better prepared to handle climate impacts, where every resident has safe housing and access to essential resources. Anacláudia shares her "seven C's" for sustainable urbanization: capacity, coordination, consensus, coalition-building, citizen engagement, capital, and communication. These principles shape her strategy to empower cities worldwide, meet urban challenges, and help plan critical steps to pave the way toward resilient and inclusive cities.