How to heal a river: What the Emscher teaches us about cities and nature

In this episode, we dive into one of Europe’s most inspiring urban renewal stories: the transformation of Germany’s Emscher River. Once an open sewer running through the industrial heartland of the Ruhr, it’s now a thriving, green artery for wildlife and communities.  

Over 30 years and €5.5 billion, the Emschergenossenschaft and Lippeverband replaced 430 km of open wastewater channels with modern underground systems, restored 170 km of river, and created public spaces like the stunning Phoenix Lake. 

We’ll talk with Prof. Dr. Uli Paetzel, CEO of Emschergenossenschaft, about how a river went from symbol of industrial pollution to a model of ecological restoration and community pride. This is a story of engineering brilliance, political will, and deep community engagement, a blueprint for how cities can heal their waterways and themselves. 

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