Reinventing Cities as Ecosystems: Exploiting Green Roofs and Urban Metabolism - Joshua Harrison | Ep 13

What if cities could cool themselves, clean their own air, and grow their own food—using waste as a resource? Joshua Harrison, co-founder of Leaf Island and strategist at the Center for the Study of the Force Majeure, reveals how green infrastructure can transform urban landscapes into functioning ecosystems.  In this episode, you’ll discover:  - How evapotranspiration—nature’s oldest cooling tech—can reduce urban temperatures by 20+ degrees  - Why green roofs aren’t just decorative—they filter air pollution, manage stormwater, and cut energy costs  - The story behind GaiaSoil: Turning styrofoam waste into ultra-light, high-productivity growing medium  - How oysters could purify New York’s wastewater—and why we should eat lower on the food chain  - Why green infrastructure appreciates in value while concrete depreciates  For engineers, urban planners, and policymakers reimagining cities as living, breathing systems.  Connect With Joshua Harrison: - Website: https://leafisland.org/- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-harrison-b303996Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Leaf Island and Urban Greenery  04:49 Addressing the Heat Island Effect  10:49 Ecosystem Services and Green Infrastructure  13:11 Innovative Solutions: GaiaSoil and Waste Utilization  17:45 Restoring Urban Metabolism through Green Roofs  24:37 Oysters and Urban Water Purification  27:21 Rethinking Our Food Sources  30:11 The Role of Community in Urban Agriculture  32:09 Nature’s Healing Power  34:15 Efficiency in Ecological Systems  34:44 Synergy of Solar and Green Roofs  39:07 Valuing Green Infrastructure as an Asset  46:49 Policies for Sustainable Growth  52:12 The Essence of Innovation  Support the Show:- Fuel the podcast: https://iferia.nestuge.com/supportme- Subscribe and leave a review! - Share Want to Be a Guest on The Iferia TechCast?- Reach out to Ezekiel on PodMatch - PodMatch Host Profile: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theiferiatechcast