The Klosters Forum Podcast
The Klosters Forum
Hannah MacInnes joins some of the participants and guests of The Klosters Forum to discuss some of the key environmental issues of today including themes of plastic pollution, biodiversity and food systems. The Klosters Forum is a neutral platform that brings together disruptive and inspirational minds to address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Hannah MacInnes is a Freelance Journalist and a regular interviewer and Podcast Host for the How To: Academy, chairing interviews, panels and debates across a wide range of subjects and current issues. Before going Freelance she worked for over 7 years at BBC Newsnight as Planning Editor and as a Producer / Filmmaker. The Klosters Forum is a neutral platform. The views and opinions expressed by the participants during these podcasts are that of the participant and may not necessarily represent the views of The Klosters Forum. Music by IB Audio https://www.ibaudio.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
19 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 30min
"I've been to the future. We won." A conversation with Rob Hopkins
Rob Hopkins, co-founder of the Transition Movement and climate activist, shares his radical approach to climate solutions. He takes listeners on a theatrical 'time machine' journey to a successful 2030, encouraging us to envision an 'irresistible' future. Rob discusses the importance of fostering hope through storytelling and practical visions, while advocating for small, collective actions. He emphasizes overcoming feelings of powerlessness and urges listeners to join local groups to initiate real change, combining urgency with optimism for a better tomorrow.
Oct 7, 2025 • 25min
Bhutan's Bamboo Blueprint: How Ancient Materials Could Build Future Cities with Sonam Choden
In this episode of The Resilient City by The Klosters Forum, host Hannah MacInnes is joined by Sonam Choden, Lead Researcher at ReBuilt Bhutan. Drawing on her 20+ years of experience, Sonam shares her mission to transform the built environment from a carbon emitter into a bio-based, resource-efficient system. She discusses Bhutan's unique challenge of moving away from high-carbon materials and returning to nature-based solutions, like engineered bamboo. Sonam reveals how this pioneering work in regenerative built environments is shaping the vision for Bhutan's future "Ghelifu Mindfulness City".
Sep 3, 2025 • 26min
Why Nature Needs AI and Why AI Needs Nature with Carlo Ratti
In this episode of The Resilient City by The Klosters Forum, host Hannah MacInnes is joined by world-renowned architect, engineer, and inventor, Carlo Ratti.Carlo, Professor at the Politecnico di Milano and at MIT, and founding partner of CRA–Carlo Ratti Associati, and Director of the Biennale Architettura in Venice, shares how cities can move beyond the concrete by using artificial intelligence and data as a tool to help nature thrive. From mapping urban trees to optimising green spaces for maximum cooling and using smart systems for water management, Carlo delves into how we can harness the combined intelligence of people, nature, and technology to build cities that are more sustainable and resilient.
Apr 22, 2025 • 28min
The power of community engagement in creating climate resilient cities with Dr. Jennifer Lenhart
How can we create cities that are truly resilient to climate change? The answer lies in engaging the public. In this episode of The Klosters Forum's Resilient Cities podcast, host Hannah MacInnes explores the crucial role of public engagement with Dr. Jennifer Lenhart, WWF's Global Cities Lead.Jennifer, who has extensive experience in urban sustainability and community engagement, explains why it's essential to bridge the gap between city leaders, urban planners, and residents. She discusses how involving the public in decision-making processes can lead to more effective and equitable solutions for the environmental challenges facing our cities.
Mar 17, 2025 • 24min
Climate-proofing our cities: insights from UN-Habitat's Shipra Narang Suri
In this episode, Hannah MacInnes sits down with Shipra Narang Suri, a leading expert in sustainable urbanisation, urban resilience and Senior Policy Advisor to the Executive Director of UN-Habitat. She was the Chief of Urban Practices Branch at UN-Habitat until January 2024 when this episode was recorded. They explore the critical work UN-Habitat is doing to help cities around the world adapt to climate change, including building resilient housing and implementing innovative urban planning strategies. Shipra also shares her insights on how we can be proactive in creating cities that are not just resilient but truly thrive in the face of future challenges.
Feb 19, 2025 • 20min
Is adaptive reuse the key to creating more sustainable and resilient cities? With Calvin Chua
In this episode of The Klosters Forum's Resilient Cities podcast, host Hannah MacInnes dives into the topic of urban neighbourhoods and adaptive reuse with Calvin Chua, Founder of Spatial Anatomy, an expert in urban adaptation and author of a book about adaptation strategies for ageing shopping centres.Calvin shares his unique perspective on how repurposing existing buildings can breathe new life into neighbourhoods, preserve history, and contribute to a greener future. He also explains why a neighbourhood-centric approach is crucial for successful urban regeneration projects. Plus, he explores inspiring examples of adaptive reuse from around the world, including geopolitically challenging regions, that are transforming cities for the better.
Jan 20, 2025 • 27min
Why urban resilience is now a necessity with Lauren Sorkin
COVID-19 exposed a critical truth: cities need to be ready for anything. In this episode of The Klosters Forum's Resilient Cities podcast, host Hannah MacInnes sits down with Lauren Sorkin, Executive Director of the Resilient Cities Network, to discuss why urban resilience is an urgent necessity in our rapidly changing world. Lauren, a leading expert in urban resilience, explains why cities need to be prepared for a wide range of challenges – from pandemics and climate change to economic downturns and social unrest.
Dec 18, 2024 • 18min
Building cities that flourish and thrive in the face of climate change with Rob McDonald
In this episode of The Klosters Forum's "The Resilient City" podcast, host Hannah MacInnes sits down with Dr. Robert McDonald, Lead Scientist for Europe at The Nature Conservancy, to discuss how cities can not only survive but thrive in the face of climate change.Robert, an expert in urban ecology and resilience, shares his insights on how cities can adapt to a changing climate while continuing to provide essential services, improve human well-being, and foster a strong connection with nature. In this episode, he explores the vital role of green infrastructure, urban planning, and community engagement in building more resilient and flourishing urban environments.
Nov 20, 2024 • 17min
The 3-30-300 rule: a new vision for urban greening with Cecil Konijnendijk
In this episode of The Klosters Forum 'The Resilient City' podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of urban forestry and the 3-30-300 rule with renowned expert Cecil Konijnendijk. With over 30 years of experience, Cecil shares his insights on how trees can transform our cities, improve our well-being, and create more sustainable urban environments.Find out more about the 3-30-300 guiding principle Cecil speaks about here: treesrule.com
Oct 28, 2024 • 30min
Extreme weather, extreme inequality: it's time to protect our most vulnerable with Sheela Patel
Climate change is hitting our vulnerable communities hardest. In this episode of The Resilient City, we're joined by Sheela Patel, founder of Society for Promotion of Area Resource Centres (SPARC), an NGO working with Mumbai's urban poor communities. In this episode, Sheela shares insights on how providing knowledge, capacity building, and support can enable these urban poor communities to not only adapt to climate change but also become active agents of change.
