A cwtch for the planet and future generations

In this episode of Cities 1.5, host David Miller speaks with Sophie Howe, the world's first Future Generations Commissioner about her role and the landmark Wellbeing of Future Generations Act - legislation passed by the Welsh government which aims to improve the environment, economy, society, health and wellbeing of Wales and its people, both now and for future generations. They discuss the critical role of forward-thinking governance in addressing planetary emergencies, and the importance of integrating long-term impacts into current policies. The conversation covers how Wales' unique approach has influenced the creation of global declarations like the Pact for the Future, which was adopted by leaders at the UN Summit of the Future in September 2024. We share crucial insights for cities, mayors and national governments who are looking to adopt similar principles, and highlight the transformative power of local leadership in driving global climate action. Listeners will also learn what a cwtch is, and why both people and the planet need one! Image Credit: Photo by Patrick Gillespie on UnsplashFeatured guests:Sophie Howe, Sustainability, Futures and Wellbeing Adviser and the first Future Generations Commissioner for WalesLinksJCCPE - Special Issue on Ecological EconomicsEarth may have breached seven of nine planetary boundaries, health check shows - The GuardianUN Summit of the FutureUN Pact for the FutureFuture Generations Commissioner for Wales websiteWellbeing for Future Generations ActWelsh road building projects stopped after failing climate review - The GuardianCities 1.5 - Lessons in Wellbeing Economics: Engaging local communities to bring Academic Principles into Urban PracticeWellbeing economy policy design guide - C40 Knowledge HubThe shared ingredients for a wellbeing economy - C40 Knowledge HubIf you want to learn more about the Journal of City Climate Policy and Economy, please visit our website at https://jccpe.utpjournals.press/Listen to the Cities 1.5 five-part miniseries “Going Steady with Herman Daly: How to Unbreak the Economy (and the Planet)" here: https://lnk.to/HDMiniSeriesCities 1.5 is produced by the University of Toronto Press and the C40 Centre, and is supported by C40 Cities. Sign up to the Centre newsletter: https://thecentre.substack.com/Writing and executive production by Peggy Whitfield.Narrative and communications support by Chiara Morfeo.Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://jessdoespodcasting.com/Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/Music by Lorna Gilfedder: https://origamipodcastservices.com/