“The goal has to be what the planet needs: a climate fit for life. And we need optimism and courage to get there – maybe more than we need science or data.”
– Erin Meezan (p. 176)
After a bit of a break, we return with a new chapter from our summer reading circle! This week, we covered the chapter “Reshape” from All We Can Save (Johnson & Wilkinson, 2020). It focused on the need to change our built environment and economic systems to become more climate resilient.
We particularly enjoyed the essay, “Heaven or High Water” by Sarah Miller (p. 147), where she shared her experience going undercover as a home buyer in Miami. She recounted how many of the locals don’t see the flooding as very urgent and how wholeheartedly they (seemed) to believe in the city’s solutions of pumping stations and raised streets.
We reflected on the recent flooding and power outages in Toronto, where our office is located, and how it affected our community. It was a reminder of the growing impact of climate change on our everyday lives and how much we rely on resources like power for work and entertainment. But despite the challenges, it presented an opportunity for neighbors to come together, a chance to disconnect, and to spend time outside. Many of us caught up on our All We Can Save readings during this time!
However, we recognize that we were fortunate not to be severely impacted by the flooding. Many people in Toronto were, and in coastal cities like Miami, the risk is even higher, with frequent flooding putting vulnerable communities—especially marginalized and low-income groups—at significant risk. While solutions like pumps and raised streets can protect these areas right now, it’s important to think about the long-term and how we can ensure lasting safety and resilience in these communities.
This connects to another essay in this section, “Buildings Designed for Life” by Amanda Sturgeon (p. 166) that introduced us to the topic of biophilic, or “love of life”, designs. They aim to reconnect people positively to nature through our built environment by bringing the outside inside. Biophilic designs mimic outdoor spaces by using greenery, water, and natural materials. But Sturgeon also envisions them being more sustainable by using natural heating, cooling, and lighting.
As we move forward, integrating nature into our built environments will be crucial for fostering resilience and sustainability in our cities. It’s about creating spaces that not only protect us today but also nurture a better future for generations to come.
