Urban Exchange: Cities on the Frontlines

• Urban Exchange Pocast Episode 30 – Norfolk: building coastal resilience before the storm

  Dive into the heart of coastal resilience with this episode of the Urban Exchange Podcast, supported by Sand Technologies, where hosts Paul Wilson and Nate Echeverria are joined by two leading voices from the City of Norfolk,  – Kyle Spencer, Chief Resilience Officer, and Dr. Paul Robinson, Executive Director of RISE Resilience Innovations. Together, they unpack the unique challenges and groundbreaking solutions that are shaping Norfolk’s response to rising sea levels, recurrent flooding, and the evolving demands of urban coastal living. Listeners will discover how Norfolk, a city defined by its rich maritime history and extensive coastline, is pioneering holistic approaches to flood management and community resilience. The conversation explores the city’s journey from securing transformative federal grants to implementing large-scale infrastructure projects, blending traditional “grey” solutions with innovative “green” infrastructure and nature-based strategies. Hear how partnerships with organisations like RISE are driving adaptation through real-time data, digital tools, and even 3D-printed oyster reefs that harness the power of nature to protect the shoreline. The episode also delves into the complexities of flood insurance, the importance of making coverage accessible and affordable, and the creative challenges that have led to new models and technologies for risk reduction. Beyond the technical solutions, the discussion highlights the critical role of community engagement, knowledge sharing, and regional collaboration – showing how Norfolk’s experiences are informing resilience efforts in cities across the US and beyond. Whether you’re an urban practitioner, policymaker, or simply curious about the future of coastal cities, this episode offers inspiration and practical insights – while leaving plenty of stories and lessons for you to discover by listening in. Find out more about our partners, Sand Technologies, here.

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• Urban Exchange Podcast Episode 29 - Financing city resilience

  Dive into the heart of urban resilience and climate finance in this thought-provoking episode of the Urban Exchange podcast, where hosts Paul Wilson, Chair of the Advisory Board at Smart Cities World. and Nate Echeverria, North America Engagement Lead, Resilient Cities Network, are joined by Roland White, Global Lead for City Finance and Management at the World Bank. Together, they unravel the complex web of city-level financing, exploring why cities are increasingly at the forefront of the global climate agenda – and what it will take for them to drive transformative change. From the bustling innovation hubs of North America to rapidly urbanising regions in Asia and Africa, this episode delves into the real-world challenges cities face in securing the investment needed for climate resilience. Why is there such a massive gap between the infrastructure cities need and the funding they actually receive? What makes private investment in municipal projects so elusive, especially in developing countries? And how do regulatory frameworks, fiscal decentralisation, and local revenue generation shape the ability of cities to chart their own financial futures? White brings a wealth of global experience to the table, offering candid insights into the successes and setbacks of municipal finance systems around the world. The conversation moves beyond theory, touching on practical examples like the UK’s Cities Climate Investment Commission and the evolving US municipal bond market, while also addressing the risks of municipal bankruptcy and the critical importance of robust regulatory systems. The discussion doesn’t stop at challenges. Find out about innovative solutions – such as credit enhancement facilities and targeted technical assistance – that could help cities become more attractive to private investors and better prepared to deliver on ambitious climate goals. The episode also spotlights the rising influence of cities in international forums like COP, and the growing recognition that local action is essential for global progress. Tune in to discover not just the obstacles, but the opportunities – and leave with new ideas about how cities can lead the way in the fight against climate change.   Find out more about the World Bank and GDFRR's City Resilience Program here.

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• Urban Exchange Podcast Episode 28 - Data-driven urban resilience in Montevideo

  In this compelling episode of the Urban Exchange Podcast, host Lauren Sorkin and Paul Wilson dive deep into the transformative world of digital innovation and urban resilience, featuring an extraordinary case study from Montevideo, Uruguay. Join us as we journey to Montevideo, where city representatives Andrea de Nigris and Ximena Cidras share the city's approach to data integration and municipal collaboration. Learn how this vibrant coastal city is breaking down institutional silos, creating open data platforms, and reimagining urban planning through a resilient, technology-driven lens. The episode explores how cities can use data more effectively, what role leadership plays in driving technological innovation, and how digital transformation can help to create more responsive, adaptive urban environments. Listeners will be inspired by Montevideo's innovative strategies, hearing firsthand how a committed team of professionals is transforming city governance. From creating city-wide data observatories to engaging multiple stakeholders in collaborative decision-making, this conversation offers a blueprint for urban innovation. This episode is sponsored by Visa through the Future Ready Cities Program. Find out more here.

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• Urban Exchange Podcast Episode 27 - Life-saving action on extreme heat

  In this episode of the Urban Exchange Podcast, hosts Lauren Sorkin and Paul Wilson explore extreme heat in cities worldwide. Joined by Dr. Dileep Mavalankar, former Director of the Indian Institute of Public Health, and Nick Jones, Program Lead, Extreme Heat Resilience, at GDFRR and World Bank's City Resilience Program, they unpack a story of urban resilience that began in Ahmedabad and is transforming heat management globally. When temperatures in Ahmedabad reached 47 degrees Celsius in 2010, causing 800 excess deaths in a week, local leaders developed a response. Dr. Mavalankar shares how they created India's first heat action plan, its role in reducing heat-related mortality, and how it inspired over 250 cities across India to follow. Nick Jones from the World Bank reveals the economic and human impacts of urban heat, showing how rising temperatures threaten labor productivity and community health. The podcast also explores strategies like early warning systems, interventions for vulnerable populations, and the role of Chief Heat Officers. Tune in to learn about practical solutions – from cooling technologies to community preparedness. The conversation goes beyond statistics, offering a human approach to a critical challenge. Whether you're an urban planner, policymaker, or concerned about climate change, this episode provides insights into how cities can protect residents from extreme heat. Find out more about the World Bank and GDFRR's City Resilience Program here.

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• Urban Exchange Podcast Episode 26 - Championing urban heat resilience: Global Chief Heat Officer Eleni Myrivili

  In this episode of the Urban Exchange Podcast, hosts Lauren Sorkin and Paul Wilson dive deep into the critical issue of extreme heat with Lenio Myrivili, Global Chief Heat Officer for UN-Habitat and the Atlantic Council. The conversation explores how rising temperatures are transforming urban experiences across the globe, from Athens to London, and the profound challenges cities face in managing increasingly intense heat waves. Myrivili shares her journey from being Athens' Chief Resilience Officer to her current global role, highlighting the dramatic transformation of urban heat challenges over the past decade. She reveals shocking statistics about global temperatures, including how 70 large cities already experience over 150 days per year of temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius. The podcast also delves into the physiological impacts of extreme heat, explaining how prolonged high temperatures can cause significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Myrivili emphasises that heat's impact is deeply localised, making it challenging to create universal measurement standards. A key theme is the importance of nature-based solutions, particularly urban trees and green spaces, which can help mitigate heat island effects. The discussion also touches on technological approaches like digital twins, with Myrivili advocating for focused, practical applications rather than comprehensive data collection. The episode highlights the growing recognition of cities' roles in addressing climate challenges, with urban leaders increasingly gaining platforms to share their experiences and solutions at global forums. Tune in for a sobering yet hopeful conversation, and understand how cities are confronting one of the most pressing climate challenges of our time, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in urban resilience and climate adaptation.

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