Welcome to The Century of Cities Long-Lost Bonus Episode! Join hosts Professor Greg Clark and Jennifer Dolynchuk as they dive into the transformative evolution of urbanization from 1980 to 2080. Did you know that in 1980, just over 40% of humanity lived in cities, and by 2080, that number is projected to reach 80%? Or that the urban population will grow from 2.3 billion to an estimated 9.2 billion, with cities with over 1 million people skyrocketing from 275 to 1,600? Greg shares these staggering statistics and more, taking listeners on a fascinating tour of the world to explore how regions from Europe to Sub-Saharan Africa are experiencing urbanization differently. Jen reflects on the cultural, technological, and environmental changes driving this urban transformation. Together, they kick off a global tour of insights with 100 guests to uncover what makes good urbanization and how we can shape a better future.

The Century of the Cities welcomes His Excellency Fahd Al-Rasheed, General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. His Excellency takes us on a journey from 1980 to 2080, redefining how we view cities as places to live. From the concept of "cities as products" to the critical need for leadership that blends political savvy, CEO acumen, and urban expertise, this conversation uncovers the ingredients for cities that unleash human potential. His Excellency shares insights into the challenges of rapid urbanization, the importance of strategic planning before master planning, and the revolutionary idea of training city leaders with an "MCA,"  a Master's in City Administration. With personal anecdotes and forward-looking strategies, His Excellency inspires us to rethink the role of cities in shaping our collective future.

Rob Adams, an Architect and Urban Designer who has shaped Melbourne into one of the world's most livable cities, joins us on The Century of Cities. Over four decades, Rob's vision has transformed Melbourne from a declining city into a vibrant, 24-hour hub with thriving streets, lush green spaces, and a bustling residential population. Rob shares the story of Melbourne's turnaround, the creation of the Postcode 3000 program, and the city’s evolution into a Central Activities District. He explores the global challenge of sustainable urban growth and how lessons from Melbourne can inform the future of cities worldwide. Rob offers practical insights for creating environmentally sustainable and socially cohesive urban spaces, from reducing car dependency and optimizing existing infrastructure to fostering community-driven solutions. 

The Century of the Cities welcomes Peter Newman, an environmental scientist, urban planner, and sustainability professor at Curtin University in Perth, Australia. Peter reflects on his groundbreaking work combating car dependence in cities, starting with his advocacy during the first oil crisis in the 1980s. He shares insights into the evolution of urban transport systems, the importance of transit-oriented urbanism, and the power of mega-rail projects to shape sustainable city corridors. Peter’s passion for creating walkable, accessible cities resonates as he discusses the economic and social transformations needed to transition from car-centric to car-free urban landscapes.

In this episode of The Century of Cities, Professor Barbara Norman, a global authority on sustainable urban planning, climate change adaptation, and urban governance, joins us. From her pioneering work revitalizing Melbourne's Docklands to shaping national climate policy, Barbara shares her compelling insights into how cities have evolved since the 1980s and her optimistic vision for Australia's urban future. She highlights the critical intersections of First Nations knowledge, climate resilience, and the rise of the Global South. Barbara also discusses the challenges of climate-induced resettlement and the bold planning needed to accommodate a growing population while safeguarding equity and sustainability. She outlines how integrating climate science into urban planning can transform cities into resilient, inclusive spaces. 

The Century of Cities welcomes Eleni (Lenio) Myrivili, UN Chief Heat Officer working with UN-Habitat and the Arsht Rock Resilience Center of the Atlantic Council, as she tackles one of the most pressing challenges of our time: extreme heat. Lenio explains why cities are warming twice as fast as the planet and how this intensifies public health risks, especially for the most vulnerable. She shares the devastating urban heat island effect and its socioeconomic toll, urging cities to prioritize nature, water, and more innovative urban design to stay livable. Looking ahead, Lenio delivers a wake-up call on the rising global temperatures and the risk of uninhabitable cities by 2070. With over 200 major urban centers predicted to face unlivable conditions, her message is clear: we must act swiftly and boldly to redesign cities as havens of resilience and equity. This episode challenges us to confront climate realities head-on and rethink urban living for a sustainable future.

Marc Olefs, a leading climate scientist and Head of Climate Impact Research at Geosphere Austria, joins us on The Century of Cities to explain the intricate links between climate change and urbanization. From the cooling effects of aerosols in the 1980s to the intensifying impacts of greenhouse gases, Marc explores pivotal shifts in the Earth's climate and their profound implications for urban environments. He highlights how clean air measures inadvertently accelerated warming, creating a global turning point. With their heat islands and dense populations, cities are both the battlegrounds and laboratories for climate solutions. Marc shares the strategies necessary to achieve net-zero emissions. He emphasizes the urgent need for global action, with over 2 billion people at risk of displacement due to climate change. Cities, he explains, are central to this transformation, balancing resilience and opportunity to secure a sustainable future.

The Century of Cities welcomes the visionary Gabriella Gómez-Mont, founder of Experimentalista and former Chief Creative Officer of Mexico City, to reflect on Mexico City’s staggering reinvention, from its sprawling challenges of the 80s to its current role as a global hub for urban innovation. Gabriella shares powerful stories of how Latin America’s early urban struggles became a catalyst for groundbreaking solutions, including Bogotá’s care blocks, Medellín’s urban cooling initiatives, and Mexico City’s bike revolutions. She introduces a bold vision for a League of Cities for the Imagination, where mayors and citizens transcend boundaries to reimagine our shared futures. From radical care policies to progressive feminist movements, Gabriella leaves us with a hopeful provocation: Cities, like dreams, hold our deepest fears and desires. By asking the right questions today, we may find the answers that unlock the possibilities of tomorrow. 

Susan Parnell, an author and Professor of Urban Geography at Bristol University and an  Emeritus Professor at the African Centre for Cities at UCT, joins The Century of Cities to discuss the transformative landscape of African urbanization. Susan reflects on the dramatic urban shifts and profound implications of Africa’s ongoing urban evolution, from grappling with extreme poverty to harnessing its youthful energy and climate-conscious opportunities. She compares Africa’s urban trajectory to China’s rapid growth, highlighting unique challenges like informality, connectivity, and sustainable infrastructure. Susan envisions a future where African cities experience massive growth while addressing intergenerational poverty and climate resilience. Susan’s insights challenge conventional thinking and inspire a reimagination of cities as equitable, innovative, and globally influential hubs.

The Century of Cities welcomes Professor Philip McCann, Sir Terry Leahy Chair of Urban and Regional Economics at Alliance Manchester Business School, for part 2 of a two-part conversation. Phillip delves deep into national urban policy complexities in this second episode, emphasizing the unique challenges of different countries. He highlights the importance of tailored solutions over copy-pasting models from other nations. Philip discusses the evolution of cities, the pivotal role of urbanization in economic growth, and its political ramifications globally. He explores how different growth trajectories impact local and national fortunes with examples from the US, UK, Germany, and beyond. Phillip stresses the significance of nuanced policies integrating trade, infrastructure, and governance, pushing for a systemic approach to urban development.