In this episode recorded live at the Global Mobility Call 2024 in Madrid, Oliver Kroner, Director of the Office of Environment and Sustainability for the City of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, shares how the city is tackling the climate crisis through innovation, equity, and resilience.

Oliver discusses the transformative impact of the Green Cincinnati Plan, which guides efforts in renewable energy, electrification, and sustainable urban design. Key topics include Cincinnati’s solar energy projects, equitable electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and initiatives to create walkable, people-centred urban spaces.

With a focus on community engagement and public-private partnerships, the conversation highlights how Cincinnati is balancing climate action with economic and social priorities to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Overview of the episode:

[00:02:13] Teaser Question: "Can you summarise Cincinnati's environmental and sustainability efforts in just three words?"

[00:02:49] Our guest's background: Oliver Kroner shares his journey from psychology to environmental science, public health policy, and ultimately leading Cincinnati's sustainability efforts.

[00:07:26] Introduction to Cincinnati: A look at the city’s history, industrial roots, and how its unique geography and heritage shape its sustainability challenges and opportunities.

[00:10:06] Sustainable Transportation Initiatives: Exploring Cincinnati's Green Cincinnati Plan, regional transit transformation, and the shift towards walkable, people-centred urban spaces.

[00:15:48] Challenges in Climate Action: Insights into electrification, renewable energy projects like the city’s solar initiatives, and addressing systemic barriers to sustainability.

[00:26:23] Notable Projects: Discussion on the landfill-to-solar-farm transformation and the role of public-private partnerships in driving climate action and economic benefits.

[00:30:50] Community-Centred Climate Action: How Cincinnati uses inclusive planning, such as the Climate Safe Neighbourhoods initiative, to engage residents and promote social cohesion.

[00:48:11] Inspire Us Segment: Oliver shares a quote emphasising individual responsibility in addressing the climate crisis and reflects on the contagious nature of positive behaviours like recycling and solar adoption.

[00:51:59] Ending Question: "To you, what is a Smart City?"

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