The Sustainable City: Steven Cohen with Eric Sanderson

Steven Cohen, director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, reveals how cities are embracing sustainability through infrastructure, transportation systems, and more.

Conversations on sustainability often center on conservation and efforts to preserve nature outside of the city. But for the first time in human history, the majority of people on Earth live in urban areas. What roles can city planners—and city dwellers—play to ensure a sustainable city?

In his new book, The Sustainable City, Steven Cohen argues that cities must coexist with nature. Many places are already investing in the infrastructure of the future―renewable energy, energy efficiency, mass and personal transit, and advanced sewage and waste management, for example―but, according to Cohen, the modern city still has a long way to go. In this talk, the author surveys the urban systems of the 21st century, detailing policies and projects underway in cities around the world. Sustainability issues, from transportation and food waste to renewable energy, have an enduring impact on city residents. By organizing for sustainable infrastructure, Cohen argues, citizens have the power to advocate for their city's long-term prosperity.

Steven Cohen will be joined in conversation with Eric Sanderson, director of the Mannahatta Project and author of Terra Nova: The New World After Oil, Cars and Suburbs.

A Q&A will follow.

FIRST COME, FIRST SEATED

Registration does not guarantee admission. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released 15 minutes before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A stand by line will form thirty minutes before the program.

The Program Room opens at 6 PM.