Can we build better cities for mental health and the climate?

Today, more than half the world’s population live in cities – and
as our numbers swell, so will our cities, especially those around
the Pacific Rim, where it’s predicted our largest megacities of
10 million plus will be situated. And herein lies an opportunity:
60% of the buildings needed for 2050 are not yet built.


Could we shape our cities into places that are good for the
climate and also good for our mental health? Can we design
buildings and infrastructure that make green decisions easier and
also help us deal with stress or depression?


In a programme first broadcast in 2024, Jordan Dunbar hears about
examples in the Netherlands and Egypt. Are there win-win options
out there that can help the world deal with two of its biggest
challenges?


Contributors: Houssam Elokda -Urban Planner, with Happy Cities,
Vancouver Sally Nabil - BBC Arabic Egypt Correspondent, Cairo
Anna Holligan - BBC Correspondent, The Hague, Netherlands


Production Team: Graihagh Jackson, Octavia Woodward, Brenda Brown
Sound Design: Tom Brignell Editor: Simon Watts


Got a question? Email us: theclimatequestion@bbc.com