Sustainable Urban Development – Challenges and Opportunities for the Toronto Region
By 2050, global population will reach approximately 9 billion and 75% of us will be living in cities. Many global environmental systems are already under severe stress, with human impacts on biodiversity loss, climate change, and changes to the nitrogen cycle already exceeding planetary boundaries. With wealth and innovative capacity, cities are recognized as critical factors in addressing these pressing environmental concerns. This forum will first discuss the progress of the Toronto Region in addressing climate change and other global environmental impacts, relative to other global urban regions. It then turns to on-going and future developments in the region, including community plans and wider city building initiatives which offer potential for sustainable urban development.
Speakers
Christopher Kennedy, “The Global Impact of Cities”
- Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Toronto
Daniel Hoornweg, “Toronto’s Place in the World: Today and Tomorrow”
- Professor and Jeff Boyce Research Chair, University of Ontario Institute of Technology
- Chief Safety and Risk Officer, Province of Ontario
- Advisor and Fellow, Urban Development, Sustainable Development Network at The World Bank
Lisa A. Prime, “Waterfront Toronto: A Model for Urban Sustainable Development”
- Director of Environment and Innovation, Waterfront Toronto
