Currently, more than half of the world’s population – 4.4 billion people – live in cities. This figure is expected to rise to 80% by 2050. Our guest, Nadina Galle, is a pioneering ecological engineer and The essence of our cities. she Ecological An engineer who studies the intersection of nature and technology in urban environments, Nadina developed the concept of the Internet of Nature (IoN), which uses tools such as artificial intelligence, automation, and sensors to support and enhance ecosystems within cities. Nadina’s book offers a transformative perspective on how we can rethink urban spaces in the face of climate change and uncontrolled development. She shares the inspiring story of the Groene Loper project in Maastricht, Netherlands, which installs soil sensors to monitor tree health. The results were astonishing: trees supported by this technology grew up to three times larger than those that were not. It’s a powerful example of how technology can not only protect trees, but also transform urban spaces into healthier, greener environments.
We are surrounded by technology, from fire and the wheel to the reinforced concrete skeletons that characterize modern buildings. We tend to forget that technology arose as a response to nature. Too often we have treated nature as an enemy, a chaos to be suppressed, failing to recognize that natural cycles and changes are a harmony in which we need to participate to maintain society. As the semblance of natural patterns was lost, it was inevitable that the resources necessary for life would eventually run out and previous major civilizations would collapse. Modern societies have created a global economy and therefore have more room to grow than previous societies, but humanity risks even greater decline if the ecological foundations on which our prosperity is based collapse. The essence of our citiesis a powerful, honest, and emotive book that helps you think about your role and choices in restoring nature. You can find On Amazon or Powell’s Books.
