Solved: How the World’s Greatest Cities Are Fixing the Climate Crisis
Apr 23, 2024
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Author David Miller discusses his book 'Solved' which showcases cities exceeding emissions targets. Topics include transitioning from fossil fuels, the importance of climate budgeting, and the need for sustainable energy sources. The podcast also explores the concept of the 15-minute city and highlights the role of cities in leading climate action and promoting equitable strategies.
Cities are implementing effective policies like electrifying buildings to combat climate change.
The oil and gas industry's promotion of natural gas as a clean option delays the shift to sustainable energy sources.
Deep dives
Cities Leading Climate Action Through Local Solutions
Cities around the world are taking significant action to combat climate change, with mayors and city governments providing strong leadership in implementing effective solutions. These actions, focused on policies like electrifying buildings and using climate budgets to control carbon emissions, showcase the pivotal role cities play in driving global change through local initiatives.
Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels: The Truth About Natural Gas
The utilization of natural gas as a transitional fuel is challenged, highlighting its damaging impact on the environment. The oil and gas industry promotes natural gas as a clean option, but in reality, it emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas. This deceptive narrative aims to delay the necessary shift to cleaner energy sources, emphasizing the critical need to phase out natural gas and prioritize sustainable alternatives like geothermal, solar, and wind power.
Creating Sustainable 15-Minute Cities to Enhance Livability
The concept of 15-minute cities, designed for people, not cars, is gaining traction as a transformative urban planning approach. By ensuring essential amenities like jobs, schools, and parks are within a short distance from residences, these cities promote walkability, public transit usage, and cycling, reducing reliance on automobiles. Building such neighborhoods fosters community well-being, reduces car emissions, and addresses housing affordability and access.
Equity at the Heart of Climate Solutions: Empowering Inclusive Action
Promoting equity in climate efforts is critical to ensuring fair and effective solutions that benefit all communities. Climate change disproportionately affects marginalized populations, highlighting the need for inclusive strategies that address social, economic, and environmental disparities. Engaging residents in decision-making processes, prioritizing community needs, and fostering democratic participation can lead to resilient climate policies that resonate with diverse populations and drive sustainable change.
Cities 1.5 Host David Miller’s book Solved: How the World’s Greatest Cities Are Fixing the Climate Crisishas just been released to paperback in a revised version and with an all new chapter just in time for World Book and Copyright Day! In it, he chronicles the stories of cities who have taken action to meet - and exceed - the emissions targets laid out in the Paris Agreement to transition away from fossil fuels.
In this episode, we turn the tables: David takes his place in the interviewee hotseat, and his editor, Jodi Lewchuk, asks him about writing Solved.