Constructive Voices

“Urban nature isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a daily lifeline for biodiversity, human health, and climate resilience.” – Host, Jackie De Burca

Welcome to the third episode in our special series featuring Nadina Galle, ecological engineer, 2024 National Geographic Explorer, and author of The Nature of Our Cities: Harnessing the Power of the Natural World to Survive a Changing Planet.

Host Jackie De Burca dives into the tools, technologies, and innovations reshaping urban nature management, inspired by Nadina’s book.

In this episode, Nadina tackles:

““Insects may not be charismatic, but they are the fabric of the hammock of life.” .” – Dr. Nadina Galle

Nadina also shares fascinating case studies that highlight how technology and citizen engagement are transforming how we interact with urban ecosystems.

Key Highlights:

“The more we understand the flora and fauna around us, the more we care for it—and that’s the first step to protecting it.”” – Dr. Nadina Galle

Stay tuned for the final episode of the series, where Jackie and Nadina explore the connection between human health and daily doses of nature. Learn how urban environments can better support health and well-being through thoughtful integration of natural elements.

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Nadina Galle, Ph.D. is a Dutch-Canadian ecological engineer, technologist, and podcaster. Her work has been featured in documentaries produced by BBC Earth and in multiple print publications, including Newsweek, ELLE, and National Geographic.

The recipient of several academic and entrepreneurial awards, including a Fulbright scholarship for a fellowship at MIT’s Senseable City Lab, she was selected by Forbes’ 30 under 30 list, and recently named a National Geographic Explorer for her work on how growing cities across Latin America are plugging into the Internet of Nature. She divides her time between Amsterdam and Toronto.

Born in the Netherlands and raised in Canada, Dr. Nadina Galle developed a love for the outdoors and a deep commitment to conserving nature from a young age. 

Inspired by the writings of trailblazing urbanists Jane Jacobs and James Howard Kunstler during her teenage years, she began questioning the imbalance between nature and the urban sprawl she witnessed in suburban Canada.

As an ecological engineer driven by a passion for ecology and a fascination with technology, Dr. Galle researches, develops, and brings emerging technologies to market, aiming to build better communities for both people and nature—a vision she calls the “Internet of Nature” (IoN).

The IoN has since evolved into a global movement, uniting bold practitioners who are leveraging innovative technologies to create nature-rich communities. Dr. Galle’s Internet of Nature Podcast, with over 25,000 downloads, highlights the extraordinary work of these entrepreneurs and innovators, inspiring audiences worldwide.

With over a decade of experience in academia across four continents, Dr. Nadina Galle has a strong foundation in scientific research. Yet, it is her combination of academic expertise and years working at—and building—tech start-ups that sets her apart. She now delivers keynotes, moderates global events, disseminates knowledge, and launches products at the intersection of nature, people, and technology.

Dr. Galle’s work has been featured in documentaries by BBC Earth and arte.tv, on numerous British, Irish, and Dutch radio programs, and in several print publications, including Newsweek, ELLE, and National Geographic, which ran a five-page feature on her Ph.D. research.

She has received multiple academic and entrepreneurial honours, including a Fulbright scholarship for her fellowship at MIT Senseable City Lab, where she continues to hold a research affiliation. Dr. Galle has also been listed on the Sustainable Top 100 of young Dutch entrepreneurs for three consecutive years (the maximum allowed) and was awarded the European Space Agency’s top prize, a “Space Oscar,” for her work on urban tree crown delineation to combat deforestation. Forbes and Elsevier have both recognised her on their respective “30 under 30” lists.

Clients, colleagues, and friends appreciate Dr. Galle’s ability to take ownership of results—a quality she attributes to her honesty, empathy, and ingenuity. These traits, she believes, are essential for leading teams to achieve a shared mission.

Passionate about the path she is on—researching and building knowledge to “take nature online”—Dr. Galle takes pride in having her head in science and her heart in communication. She is dedicated to translating academic and technological discoveries into accessible public knowledge across various media.

In 2024, Dr. Galle was named a National Geographic Explorer, where she is investigating how cities across Latin America are integrating into the Internet of Nature.

Her debut book, The Nature of Our Cities: Harnessing the Power of the Natural World to Survive a Changing Planet, was published by HarperCollins on June 18, 2024, and is available to buy in these places according to where you are in the world.

In this engaging second installment with Nadina Galle, on Constructive Voices, host Jackie De Burca delves into the fascinating world of urban nature and environmental technology with Nadina, an ecological engineer and National Geographic explorer, widely recognised for her contributions to BBC Earth and National Geographic, and most recently, for her acclaimed book The Nature of Our Cities. This episode uncovers powerful insights into reimagining our urban spaces to foster harmony between human development and the natural world.

Together, Jackie and Nadina explore the concept of balance, inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine’s five elements, and its applications to urban ecology. They discuss the critical role of trees in cities, diving into the revolutionary technology of tree inventories, LIDAR mapping, and how tools like Tree Tracker are shaping modern urban forestry.

“We have gone too far towards the asphalt, the concrete, the built environment and we’ve strayed too far away from the natural environment.” – Dr. Nadina Galle

From the groundbreaking “Room for the River” initiative in the Netherlands to the visionary water management efforts of Chicago’s green infrastructure projects, this episode brings a global perspective on sustainable urban solutions.

Nadina and Jackie also tackle critical climate challenges, including wildfire prevention and innovations like BurnBot and Watch Duty, alongside nature-inspired strategies to prevent urban flooding.

Key Topics Covered:

The Five Elements in Urban Balance
Jackie and Nadina discuss how ancient practices like Traditional Chinese Medicine resonate with our modern need for ecological balance, especially in cities.

The Power of Trees and Tree Inventories
Nadina explains tree inventory technology and LIDAR mapping, emphasizing their importance for urban forestry and the preservation of city trees.

Heat Management and Green Infrastructure
From Chicago to Portland, Nadina reveals how cities are tackling extreme heat with innovative cooling strategies, including tree planting, vertical greening, and heat mapping.

Fire, Flood, and Water Management Solutions
Learn about the global efforts to manage wildfires through tools like BurnBot and community-focused apps like Watch Duty. Nadina also dives into effective flood prevention systems, from Singapore’s “Google Drains” to digital water management across the EU.

“The risks of not having that tree, the risks of what that can do to your health or in extreme flooding, with extreme heat, with biodiversity loss… those things are brought at an even greater risk if that tree were not there.” – Dr. Nadina Galle

Looking Ahead: Tools for Urban Nature Management
Stay tuned for insights from Nadina’s upcoming episode on the tools and techniques for better urban nature management and monitoring.

Nadina Galle, Ph.D. is a Dutch-Canadian ecological engineer, technologist, and podcaster. Her work has been featured in documentaries produced by BBC Earth and in multiple print publications, including Newsweek, ELLE, and National Geographic.

The recipient of several academic and entrepreneurial awards, including a Fulbright scholarship for a fellowship at MIT’s Senseable City Lab, she was selected by Forbes’ 30 under 30 list, and recently named a National Geographic Explorer for her work on how growing cities across Latin America are plugging into the Internet of Nature. She divides her time between Amsterdam and Toronto.

Born in the Netherlands and raised in Canada, Dr. Nadina Galle developed a love for the outdoors and a deep commitment to conserving nature from a young age. 

Inspired by the writings of trailblazing urbanists Jane Jacobs and James Howard Kunstler during her teenage years, she began questioning the imbalance between nature and the urban sprawl she witnessed in suburban Canada.

As an ecological engineer driven by a passion for ecology and a fascination with technology, Dr. Galle researches, develops, and brings emerging technologies to market, aiming to build better communities for both people and nature—a vision she calls the “Internet of Nature” (IoN).

The IoN has since evolved into a global movement, uniting bold practitioners who are leveraging innovative technologies to create nature-rich communities. Dr. Galle’s Internet of Nature Podcast, with over 25,000 downloads, highlights the extraordinary work of these entrepreneurs and innovators, inspiring audiences worldwide.

With over a decade of experience in academia across four continents, Dr. Nadina Galle has a strong foundation in scientific research. Yet, it is her combination of academic expertise and years working at—and building—tech start-ups that sets her apart. She now delivers keynotes, moderates global events, disseminates knowledge, and launches products at the intersection of nature, people, and technology.

Dr. Galle’s work has been featured in documentaries by BBC Earth and arte.tv, on numerous British, Irish, and Dutch radio programs, and in several print publications, including Newsweek, ELLE, and National Geographic, which ran a five-page feature on her Ph.D. research.

She has received multiple academic and entrepreneurial honours, including a Fulbright scholarship for her fellowship at MIT Senseable City Lab, where she continues to hold a research affiliation. Dr. Galle has also been listed on the Sustainable Top 100 of young Dutch entrepreneurs for three consecutive years (the maximum allowed) and was awarded the European Space Agency’s top prize, a “Space Oscar,” for her work on urban tree crown delineation to combat deforestation. Forbes and Elsevier have both recognised her on their respective “30 under 30” lists.

Clients, colleagues, and friends appreciate Dr. Galle’s ability to take ownership of results—a quality she attributes to her honesty, empathy, and ingenuity. These traits, she believes, are essential for leading teams to achieve a shared mission.

Passionate about the path she is on—researching and building knowledge to “take nature online”—Dr. Galle takes pride in having her head in science and her heart in communication. She is dedicated to translating academic and technological discoveries into accessible public knowledge across various media.

In 2024, Dr. Galle was named a National Geographic Explorer, where she is investigating how cities across Latin America are integrating into the Internet of Nature.

Her debut book, The Nature of Our Cities: Harnessing the Power of the Natural World to Survive a Changing Planet, was published by HarperCollins on June 18, 2024, and is available to buy in these places according to where you are in the world.

Main feature photo credit: Roger Cremers for National Geographic

In this thought-provoking episode of Constructive Voices, host Jackie De Burca sits down with the remarkable Dr. Nadina Galle, a Dutch-Canadian ecological engineer, technologist, and the author of the new book The Nature of Our Cities: Harnessing the Power of the Natural World to Survive a Changing Planet. Dr. Galle brings her expertise to discuss the essential and evolving relationship between humanity, technology, and the environment.

“I argue that nature is the fifth pillar of health, alongside sleep, diet, exercise, and stress reduction.” – Dr. Nadina Galle

Jackie introduces the stormy setting of Spain, which perfectly segues into Dr. Galle’s groundbreaking work. Dr. Galle passionately shares her insights on the disconnect between people and nature in urban environments, describing how modern living has transformed interactions with the natural world into a luxury experience reserved for vacations rather than everyday life. She emphasises the urgent need for reintegrating nature into urban spaces for climate resilience and holistic health.

Key Topics Covered:

“We cannot have a future with nature until we learn how to live alongside it in our urban spaces.” – Dr. Nadina Galle

This episode serves as an introduction to a special series where Dr. Galle will dive deeper into practical tools and techniques for integrating nature into urban planning. Upcoming episodes will cover:

Nadina Galle, Ph.D. is a Dutch-Canadian ecological engineer, technologist, and podcaster. Her work has been featured in documentaries produced by BBC Earth and in multiple print publications, including Newsweek, ELLE, and National Geographic.

The recipient of several academic and entrepreneurial awards, including a Fulbright scholarship for a fellowship at MIT’s Senseable City Lab, she was selected by Forbes’ 30 under 30 list, and recently named a National Geographic Explorer for her work on how growing cities across Latin America are plugging into the Internet of Nature. She divides her time between Amsterdam and Toronto.

Born in the Netherlands and raised in Canada, Dr. Nadina Galle developed a love for the outdoors and a deep commitment to conserving nature from a young age. 

Inspired by the writings of trailblazing urbanists Jane Jacobs and James Howard Kunstler during her teenage years, she began questioning the imbalance between nature and the urban sprawl she witnessed in suburban Canada.

As an ecological engineer driven by a passion for ecology and a fascination with technology, Dr. Galle researches, develops, and brings emerging technologies to market, aiming to build better communities for both people and nature—a vision she calls the “Internet of Nature” (IoN).

The IoN has since evolved into a global movement, uniting bold practitioners who are leveraging innovative technologies to create nature-rich communities. Dr. Galle’s Internet of Nature Podcast, with over 25,000 downloads, highlights the extraordinary work of these entrepreneurs and innovators, inspiring audiences worldwide.

With over a decade of experience in academia across four continents, Dr. Nadina Galle has a strong foundation in scientific research. Yet, it is her combination of academic expertise and years working at—and building—tech start-ups that sets her apart. She now delivers keynotes, moderates global events, disseminates knowledge, and launches products at the intersection of nature, people, and technology.

Dr. Galle’s work has been featured in documentaries by BBC Earth and arte.tv, on numerous British, Irish, and Dutch radio programs, and in several print publications, including Newsweek, ELLE, and National Geographic, which ran a five-page feature on her Ph.D. research.

She has received multiple academic and entrepreneurial honours, including a Fulbright scholarship for her fellowship at MIT Senseable City Lab, where she continues to hold a research affiliation. Dr. Galle has also been listed on the Sustainable Top 100 of young Dutch entrepreneurs for three consecutive years (the maximum allowed) and was awarded the European Space Agency’s top prize, a “Space Oscar,” for her work on urban tree crown delineation to combat deforestation. Forbes and Elsevier have both recognised her on their respective “30 under 30” lists.

Clients, colleagues, and friends appreciate Dr. Galle’s ability to take ownership of results—a quality she attributes to her honesty, empathy, and ingenuity. These traits, she believes, are essential for leading teams to achieve a shared mission.

Passionate about the path she is on—researching and building knowledge to “take nature online”—Dr. Galle takes pride in having her head in science and her heart in communication. She is dedicated to translating academic and technological discoveries into accessible public knowledge across various media.

In 2024, Dr. Galle was named a National Geographic Explorer, where she is investigating how cities across Latin America are integrating into the Internet of Nature.

Her debut book, The Nature of Our Cities: Harnessing the Power of the Natural World to Survive a Changing Planet, was published by HarperCollins on June 18, 2024, and is available to buy in these places according to where you are in the world.

“The goal has always been, how can we do this better? We live in Colorado with extreme weather, and the world was working off a European greenhouse model that didn’t fit our environment. So, we set out to design something different, something more efficient and resilient.” – Josh Holleb, Ceres

In this episode, Josh takes us on a journey through his experience in greenhouse design, sustainability, and his vision for a more efficient, sustainable world through innovative agriculture.

Ceres Kites Nest

Guest Introduction: Our guest, Josh Holleb, joins us all the way from Boulder, Colorado, where he’s up at what I fondly call “ridiculous o’clock” to be part of today’s discussion. Josh has a fascinating background, from working on organic farms to pioneering efficient greenhouse solutions.

His mission is clear: to design greenhouses that not only grow plants but also create a healthier future for us all. He’ll be sharing insights about his journey, the evolution of his company, and the pivotal role Ceres Greenhouse Solutions is playing in both food and cannabis cultivation.

“Our greenhouses become little bursts of life. We’re seeing places where nothing could grow before now thriving with food, and it’s not just about the plants—it’s about reconnecting communities with their food sources and creating healthier ecosystems.”

Ceres Lauritzen

Key Discussion Points:

Sustainable Innovation: Josh shares how Ceres Greenhouse Solutions was founded with a vision to create smarter, more sustainable greenhouses tailored to extreme climates. From Boulder’s harsh weather to projects around the world, Josh explains how they are challenging the traditional European greenhouse model with designs fit for diverse environments.

Ground-Air Heat Transfer (GATT) Systems: Josh explains the revolutionary ground-to-air heat transfer system that helps regulate temperature in greenhouses, allowing crops to thrive in extreme conditions with minimal energy consumption. This system is a game changer for year-round growing, especially in colder climates.

Global Reach and Customisation: Josh dives into Ceres’ international projects, from Europe to the Middle East, where their greenhouses help produce food in challenging environments, like the deserts of Kuwait. The customisation of each greenhouse to specific climates and agricultural needs is key to their success.

Nature-Positive Impact: With a focus on reconnecting people with their food sources, Ceres Greenhouse Solutions also plays a vital role in reducing food deserts and enhancing community-driven food production. Josh talks about the positive impact these greenhouses have had on local communities, from schools to Native American tribes, fostering food sovereignty and healthier lifestyles.

Vision for the Future: Looking ahead, Josh shares his hopes for the role Ceres Greenhouses will play in a sustainable future, not just in food production but also in creating spaces that enhance well-being and bring communities together.

Nutrient Farms

Final Thoughts: Josh leaves us with a piece of advice: invest in smart design upfront to ensure long-term success. Whether you’re looking to grow food, cannabis, or simply create a sustainable environment, thoughtful planning can make all the difference.

Tune in to this episode of Constructive Voices to discover how innovation in greenhouse design is shaping a more sustainable and connected world. You won’t want to miss Josh Holleb’s inspiring journey and insights on how we can all contribute to building a better future.

“Imagine a village where every home has a greenhouse, people grow their own food, and the community gathers around these spaces. It’s not just about feeding ourselves, it’s about creating a kinder, healthier world where people connect over what truly sustains them.”

Angus shares his journey from the Scottish countryside to the bustling city of London, where he found his calling in bringing nature back into urban spaces. From his early days as an apprentice gardener to leading Scotscape’s mission of making cities greener and more sustainable, Angus discusses the challenges, innovations, and his passion for nature.

"70% of the population will be living in cities by 2050. If we don’t bring biodiversity into cities, they’ll be unhealthy places to live. We need to create cities that are more sustainable, healthier, and green."

Angus delves into Scotscape’s evolution, explaining how the company now specialises in installing urban greening systems, including their pioneering living walls and living pillars. He reflects on the importance of biodiversity, the future of cities, and how small innovations can create big impacts in urban environments.

Living Walls Carnaby Street, London

He also shares personal anecdotes about his love for the outdoors, his entrepreneurial journey, and his vision for a future where cities are covered in verdant greenery.

Key Takeaways:

Topics Discussed:

In this episode of Constructive Voices, Jackie De Burca sits down with Shashin Mishra, VP of EMEA at AI Dash, to dive into the world of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and how AI and satellite technology are reshaping sustainability efforts. From the challenges of biodiversity restoration to the role of the construction industry, Shashin shares insights on the cutting-edge tools helping developers and ecologists achieve long-term sustainability goals.

Discover how AI Dash’s innovative BNG AI tool is supporting the UK's push for biodiversity restoration by 2030, and how it can help developers, planners, and ecologists meet the new 10% net gain requirement. Whether you’re in construction or environmental planning, this episode will offer valuable takeaways on harnessing technology to address the pressing issue of biodiversity loss.

Tune in to learn how AI Dash is changing the game for nature preservation and climate action!

As an agency or an in-house marketer, you know that building authority, by creating content that stands out from the crowd is essential to attract links and the best brand image.

At Constructive Voices, we have been doing that since our birth in 2021. We have interviewed some amazing guests and continue to do so. We have a team with decades of media production, radio, and podcasting experience. This team is now at your disposal.

From as little as £150 per month based on an annual contract, we can produce short 5-8 minute* productions for your clients or your own brand. These may be podcast conversations about your latest blog news topics, case studies, interviews with team members, and so much more. Check out the Use Cases section below.

Or you can decide to go for the yearly package, which costs £1,650 (11 months cost), and plan content for different durations, such as 15 minutes each quarter. 

Of course, these packages are designed to make this form of content more accessible. We can work with you on whatever brief you may have.

This example is:

Listen to how well it can work when a colleague does the interview. Phil Carpenter also lives and breathes Alice Technologies. So he was the perfect choice to talk to his CEO, René Morkos.

At the beginning of this snippet, you will hear some of the Constructive Voices team bantering about the subject matter.

The entire interview was around 20 minutes in duration. Spotlight sessions can be set up to be as short as 5 minutes or as long as you need.

The Women in Engineering podcast series by Constructive Voices celebrates the powerful contributions of women in a field traditionally dominated by men. Through this series, listeners are invited into candid conversations with trailblazing female engineers who share their stories, challenges, and achievements. From overcoming gender bias to leading innovative projects, each episode highlights the unique experiences and expertise these women bring to the world of engineering.

In addition to personal narratives, the series delves into broader industry topics, including the importance of diversity in engineering, mentorship, and fostering environments that encourage female participation in STEM fields. Each episode not only serves as an inspiration for aspiring engineers but also acts as a call to action for industries to embrace a more inclusive future.

By giving a platform to these voices, Constructive Voices aims to amplify the critical role women play in shaping the built environment. This series is not just for those in engineering but for anyone interested in learning how inclusivity can drive innovation and progress in one of the world’s most crucial industries.

Neal Maxwell, who has worked in the construction industry for more than 30 years, co-founded the non-profit organisation, Changing Streams, in 2018, after a life-changing trip to the Arctic.

Now in 2024, Neal Maxwell, and his team and partners, the University of Liverpool, are launching their new organisation, Changing Materials.

Tune into Neal now to hear all about Cbanging Materials - an exciting initiative that aims to promote sustainable materials while breaking down silos.

Changing Materials is a platform designed to aid architects, designers, and specifiers in transitioning towards sustainable construction by reducing the industry's reliance on plastic.

With a comprehensive database, it offers solutions like recycled plastic, low- or zero plastic content materials, and alternatives such as metal and timber.

Developed in partnership with the University of Liverpool, the platform promotes the use of eco-friendly materials while aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. It also provides a space for manufacturers to showcase their sustainable products.

Learn more at Changing Materials.

How AI Can Really Build Stanford Professor and ALICE Technologies, CEO René Morkos, is an introduction to the main episode that introduced ALICE Technologies, to our audience, in 2021.

This is a short taster for the full episode and also an example of a certain podcast style.

For more information, go to: https://constructive-voices.com/stories/