Concrete Cowboys and Green Queens: Who's Winning the City Sustainability Race?

Is it possible to balance economic growth with environmental protection? Can we learn from international examples like China's sponge city movement? Join us as we navigate the complexities of urban sustainability. In this deep dive episode, we tackle the complex issue of urban sustainability. From New York City's aggressive emissions reduction goals to Boston's carrot-and-stick approach, we explore how different cities are legislating for a greener future. We delve into the challenges and opportunities of retrofitting existing buildings, the role of technology, and the impact of political climate on policy implementation. We also discuss the broader implications of climate change, including the potential for extreme weather events and the importance of resilience in urban planning. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Quote: Change is good. You go first. 02:16 Climate, Latitude, and Building Insulation 03:38 The Challenge of Changing Human Behavior 07:52 The Importance of Measurement and Legislation 10:28 Retrofitting Buildings and Capital Costs 21:03 Embodied and Operational Carbon 27:41 Creating Permeable Cities and Sponge City Movement 31:02 The Impact of Storms and Resilience 34:13 Sustainability and Attractiveness of Cities 42:59 The Potential of Density and Challenges of Coastal Cities