Nature is constantly seeking equilibrium through self-regulation and regeneration. Humans, on the other hand, have been depleting Earth’s resources, and cities, the fastest growing environment on the planet, have become the epitome of this self-defeating behaviour. We no longer feel accountable for the water we drink, or the heatwaves and floods that are becoming increasingly present.

In this episode we explore how the power of nature must help repair and regenerate cities and their residents.

“We need to think, build and behave in cycles as ecosystems do,” says Laura Shiels. This means observing and understanding water, nutrients, minerals and all living organisms, and incorporating their processes into our technologies. Fort Collins in Colorado, US, has mitigated flooding through green spaces that naturally absorb water - and also attract deer, rabbits and birds. Shanghai wetlands in China use nature to clean and manage water pollution.

Government needs to mainstream and incentivise nature - even if this means making a U-turn on existing policies. Examples include beekeeping, pollinator gardens and growing native foods and medicinal species on roofs and walls.

Then there is innovation. Utilising plants’ ability to efficiently capture sunlight and energy could eliminate the mining of finite resources. At the end of their lifecycle, these bio-based solar panels would decompose into their natural substances.

Richard James MacCowan sees not just an impact on individuals’ health and wellbeing, but also on the health system. “I want to value the benefits [of nature] to the reduction in, say, the need for people to go to the doctor,” he says.

If we learn from nature, we will allow urban ecosystems - including the humans within them - to thrive rather than struggle to survive.

Speakers:

• Richard James MacCowan, Founder and Creative Director,  Biomimicry Innovation Lab
• Laura Shiels, SVP of Agriculture: Research, Education & Community Outreach, VidaLuz Development