Cities and the Anthropocene. A Mediterranean Perspective

The climate emergency, growing inequalities, atmospheric degradation and other factors like tourism and migration are severely testing urban life. In this seminar, experts from different fields will share ideas and strategies for designing effective public policies that will make it possible to deal with the tensions arising from the Anthropocene and, at the same time, to transform cities in order to make them liveable and sustainable.

 

09.30 – 09.50    
Opening Remarks

09.50 – 11.20    
Panel 1: Economic sustainability
The session will focus on the meaning of sustainable urban economies and, in particular the challenges posed by climate change, mass tourism and informality. It will explore how economic sustainability could be funded in the context of severe pressures on urban finance and the policies needed to transform the future of cities.

11.40 – 13.10    
Panel 2: Healthy cities and mobility
Mediterranean cities are among the most susceptible to health risks from climate change and pollution. This session will discuss the type of policy adaptation required to address the drivers of risk, including rising temperatures, flooding, droughts and urban mobilities. It will also explore the language needed to effectively convey the meaning of healthy cities.  

14.30 - 16.00  
Panel 3: Urban form, infrastructure and housing
Informal housing, poor quality services and limited public space plague many  cities, and the difficulties posed in this regard are only exacerbated by the pressures of the Anthropocene. This session will explore how urban planning agendas need to be re-thought to ensure that urban growth and density are managed in a sustainable way that is respectful of heritage while transcending entrenched divides.

16.15 - 17.45  
Panel 4: Co-presence and the resilient city
This session will focus on the meaning of resilience at a time of profound change for cities across the Mediterranean and elsewhere and discuss strategies for making cities more resilient, particularly in light of the challenges posed by climate change and top-down decision-making. It will, in particular, seek to explore how communities can be better empowered to develop resilience.

17.45 - 18.00
Closing Remarks