Alex Steffen: The shareable future of cities

The video discusses the challenges of climate change, emphasizing that focusing solely on clean energy is insufficient. It highlights the impact of rapid urbanization on energy consumption and emissions, suggesting that increasing city density can lead to sustainability. The speaker advocates for reimagining urban spaces through retrofitting and infill development, promoting access over ownership, and implementing green infrastructure. The goal is to create cities that are not only zero emissions but also offer unlimited possibilities.

What is a common misconception about solving climate change?

• That technology alone can solve climate change.

• That individual actions are more important than systemic changes.

• That urbanization has no impact on climate change.

• That it can be solved solely by replacing fossil fuels with clean energy.

How does city density relate to climate emissions?

• Denser cities tend to have lower emissions.

• Denser cities tend to have higher emissions.

• City density has no impact on emissions.

• Only rural areas can reduce emissions effectively.

What is the significance of 'tent poles' in urban density?

• They reduce the need for public transportation.

• They are used to build more skyscrapers.

• They increase density in specific areas to raise the average.

• They decrease the overall city density.

What is a key benefit of living in a 'walkshed' neighborhood?

• Increased reliance on personal vehicles.

• Reduced need for transportation.

• Limited access to amenities.

• Higher energy consumption.

What is a 'threshold effect' in urban planning?

• A point where people start using more cars.

• A point where people stop driving as much.

• A point where emissions increase rapidly.

• A point where urban density decreases.

What is the concept of turning products into services?

• Sharing products to maximize their use.

• Owning more products for personal use.

• Reducing the lifespan of products.

• Increasing the production of goods.

How can buildings be designed to minimize energy use?

• By using artificial lighting and heating.

• By utilizing natural resources like sunlight and breezes.

• By relying solely on fossil fuels.

• By increasing the use of air conditioning.

What is an essential point often missed in sustainable city projects?

• The importance of systems below ground.

• The focus on greenery above ground.

• The need for more skyscrapers.

• The reliance on fossil fuels.

What role does green infrastructure play in sustainable cities?

• It reduces the need for urban street trees.

• It disconnects cities from ecosystems.

• It increases water use.

• It helps in capturing and filtering water.

What is a potential outcome of cities that 'steal the future'?

• They increase biodiversity.

• They become more sustainable.

• They run out of future resources quickly.

• They reduce their carbon footprint.