How Cities Can Cool Themselves: Climate Design with Joshua Harrison

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode, host Sid Bensalah is joined by Joshua Harrison, co-founder of Leaf Island and co-director of the Center for the Study of the Force Majeure. Together, they unpack how cities around the world can use nature—not just to survive climate stress—but to regenerate and thrive.This isn't theory. It's about real solutions already in play.We explore:Turning recycled Styrofoam into high-performance green roof soilRethinking urban metabolism using modular plant systemsConfronting the empty promises of COP climate summitsAnd how clean progress can start on your rooftop—not in a faraway boardroomJoshua brings sharp insight from the field, from composting in NYC to working with island communities in the Caribbean, blending systems thinking, urban ecology, and creative storytelling into one timely conversation.00:00 How Cities Can Cool Themselves: Climate Design with Joshua Harrison  00:32 Composting and Recycling in Cities  02:20 UN Climate Conference and Environmental Irony  02:54 Indigenous Protests and Global Climate Events  04:04 Challenges of Hosting Global Conferences  07:05 Introduction to Joshua Harrison  07:36 The Role of Nature in Urban Regeneration  09:24 Cultural Development in the Caribbean  19:22 Climate Migration and Global Inequality  30:03 The Importance of Storytelling in Climate Systems  35:22 Innovative Green Roof Solutions  38:54 Introduction to Bioactive Soil  39:21 Hydroponics vs. Traditional Soil  39:53 Benefits of GaiaSoil™  41:09 Urban Greening and Climate Impact  44:33 Economic and Community Benefits  48:40 Challenges and Solutions for Green Cities  52:06 Leadership and Climate Action  56:01 Youth Activism and Global Climate Efforts  58:51 Reflections on Climate Leadership  01:06:50 Hope for the Future  01:10:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  Support the showStay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk.Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations beyond the game, where sport meets leadership, faith, performance, purpose, identity, community, and impact.Listen, watch, and follow:Spotify Video: Watch full episodesYouTube: Subscribe and join the conversationX: @PreZeroSTInstagram: @PreZeroSportsTalkLinkedIn: Connect with the CommunityTikTok: @PreZeroSportsTalkSubstack: Sid BensalahGot feedback, a topic idea, or a guest suggestion?Send your thoughts here: https://prezerosportstalk.com/contact/Support the Podcast: https://prezerosportstalk.com/donate/