What does it mean for a city to be ethical? To explore this thought-provoking idea, we spoke with Tim Beatley, professor of sustainable communities at the University of Virginia and founder of the Biophilic Cities network. In a new book proposal, Tim argues that we need to move away from a view of cities as purely legal and political entities and expand our definition to include the city’s moral obligations. Do cities have a duty to measure their impact beyond local boundaries? Should a city government consider the lives and wellbeing of future citizens? What ethical obligations do cities have towards local wildlife? How does nature (and crucially, access to nature) play a role in all of this? We’ll attempt to answer all of these questions and more on today’s episode of Biophilic Solutions.

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Biophilic Solutions is brought to you by the Biophilic Institute and the Biophilic Leadership Summit. 

Show Notes

• Biophilic Cities for an Urban Century: why nature is essential for the success of cities, by Timothy Beatley, 2020.
• The Bird-Friendly City: Creating Safe Urban Habitats, by Timothy Beatley, 2020.
• The Good Ancestor: A Radical Prescription For Long-Term Thinking, by Roman Krznaric, 2020.
• The Charter for Compassion
• Cully Park in Portland, Oregon
• South Mountain Park in Phoenix, Arizona
• Mayor Stoney announces 5 new green spaces in Richmond’s southside (NBC12)

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