

The Lifehouse: how neighbourhoods can prepare for disaster
Sep 11, 2025
32:01
The increased threat of extreme weather has made it increasingly clear that we need to better prepare for - and respond to - these events.
Author Adam Greenfield thinks one answer is to create a new kind of institution at the heart of each neighbourhood. He calls it a “lifehouse”, a community hub to provide refuge and resources during emergencies, as well as ongoing services like daycare and workshops. Adam talks to host Mary Rowe about what a lifehouse is, how he took inspiration from the Occupy Sandy hurricane relief effort, and why getting to know your neighbour may be the radical thing you can do.
Adam Greenfield’s book is called Lifehouse: Taking Care of Ourselves in a World on Fire.