The Klosters Forum Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of The Resilient City, host Hannah MacInnes is joined by inspiring activist and author Rob Hopkins. Rob reveals his unique, radical approach to climate action: taking audiences on a theatrical "time machine" journey to a successful 2030. He argues that we must abandon the language of collapse and instead cultivate longing for an "irresistible" future, bringing back evidence that people can really feel and believe, from rooftop farms to bicycle rush hours, to prove that change is possible. This is a crucial conversation about why hope, imagination, and small, collective actions are the most powerful tools for global resilience.

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".

How can we create cities that prioritise people? Join our host of The Resilient City podcast, Hannah MacInnes, as she talks to Helle Søholt, CEO of Gehl, about building resilient cities that support mental health, combat loneliness, and promote sustainability. In this episode, Helle shares insights from her 24 years of experience leading people-first urban development projects around the world.

Hannah MacInnes joins Cyrill Gutsch, Founder of Parley for the Oceans, at The Klosters Forum 2019 to discuss the issue of plastic pollution and to hear his personal insights on this complex topic.

Cyrill Gutsch is an award-winning designer and brand and product developer. In 1998 he created a method called Cross Intelligence, which brings a culture of collaboration to major organizations. In 2012 he decided to focus on a new client vital to us all: the oceans. He founded Parley as a collaboration network for creators, thinkers, and leaders to create awareness for the beauty and fragility of the oceans and to develop and implement strategies that can end their destruction. Cyrill was named 2017 Environmentalist of the Year by the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association for his tireless work for the oceans. In 2018, Parley was named Environmental Organisation of the Year at EARTHx and Cyrill was honored with a Special Recognition Award for Innovation by the British Fashion Council.

Hannah MacInnes joins Nancy Wallace, the Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Debris Program, at The Klosters Forum 2019 to discuss the issue of plastic pollution and to hear her personal insights on this complex topic.

The Marine Debris Program is the federal lead for researching, preventing and reducing the impacts of marine debris in the United States. Nancy was the Chair of the United Nation’s Global Partnership on Marine Litter and serves as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Marine Debris Working Group Chair.  She has worked on ocean policy related issues for the past 15 years. Her work includes resource conservation with the National Park Service, developing sustainable catch limits for U.S. fisheries and efforts to improve water quality in the Gulf of Mexico.

In this episode of The Klosters Forum podcast, host Hannah MacInnes engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Ani Dasgupta, President and CEO of the World Resources Institute. They delve into the complex relationship between poverty and climate change in urban areas, spotlighting Delhi's efforts to combat both simultaneously. Ani shares insights on how empowering marginalised communities is central to building sustainable cities, and how climate solutions must prioritise justice and equity. This episode explores innovative strategies that tackle poverty and climate change in tandem, offering a hopeful vision for a more resilient and equitable urban future.

In this episode, we join climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe as she delves into the surprising transformation of Texas from a climate laggard to an emerging leader in sustainability. Katharine explores how Texas' cities are confronting the increasing threat of extreme weather events head-on, implementing innovative solutions to mitigate risks and bolster resilience. She also delves into how cities across the globe are experiencing the effects on climate change in different ways and how they are addressing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, like energy systems and transportation networks, while also emphasising the importance of equitable climate action to protect the most vulnerable communities.

In this episode, Mayor Erion Veliaj, the three-time re-elected Mayor of Tirana, the capital of Albania, shares his story about the extraordinary transformation of his city. Once under a dictatorship that caused mass exodus, Tirana is now a shining example of urban sustainability and child-friendly policies. Veliaj, who has worked with international humanitarian organisations worldwide, shares his vision for a greener, more equitable city, and the steps he's taking to inspire citizens to reconnect with nature and build a thriving future for Tirana.

In this episode, Professor Carlos Moreno, Scientific Director of the research lab “Entrepreneurship Territory Innovation” at the IAE Paris-Sorbonne, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and Professor at IAA, International Academy of Architecture, speaks to Hannah MacInnes about the ’15-Minute City’ and its importance within a resilient city.

The ’15-Minute City’ is a revolutionary urban planning model where all essential needs—work, shopping, education, healthcare, and leisure—are accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from home. This concept promotes sustainable living, reduces traffic congestion, CO2 emissions and enhances community well-being. Don't miss this engaging discussion on creating sustainable, liveable cities for everyone.

In this new series, we explore how cities across the world can rise to the ecological challenges created by a rapidly changing climate. Join Hannah and the guests as they consider innovative approaches to building resilience into the urban landscape.

In this episode, Mark Watts speaks to Hannah MacInnes to discuss how the C40 Cities can help make a serious change to climate and his take on resilient cities.
Mark Watts is Executive Director of C40 Cities, a global network of nearly 100
mayors of the world’s leading cities that are united in action to confront the
climate crisis and create a future where everyone, everywhere, can thrive.