This lecture explores the critical link between environmental challenges and societal issues with an overview of global cities. It advocates for interventions that engage with the fabric of communities—across institutional, group, and individual levels—beyond traditional, solutions-focused methods. The talk will explore the importance of people-centric approaches in achieving urban sustainability goals. Drawing on insights from behavioral science, the discussion will emphasize that the success of urban interventions goes beyond big projects or infrastructure involving community ownership, decision-making, and a range of interventions, from tangible to strategic.

Highlighting examples from select international cities and vulnerable urban areas, we will discuss the urgency and effectiveness of adopting behavioral policies in environmental planning. Focusing on practical water management and waste applications, we will reflect on how these insights extend to other critical infrastructure systems like transportation, energy, and information technology. This talk offers insights into building more sustainable, inclusive urban environments through collective action and innovative policy.

This is a virtual event open to GW students, alumni, prospective students, and the public.

Login: https://gwu.webex.com/meet/swhitehead

Visit our Sustainable Urban Planning program website for more information.