Urban Exchange: Cities on the Frontlines

Urban Exchange Podcast Episode 32 – Flood and energy resilience in Quezon City

In this episode of The Urban Exchange, hosts Paul Wilson and Katrin Bruebach speak with Bianca Perez, Head of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for Quezon City in the Philippines – a city that, in August 2025, experienced an extreme flooding event where the equivalent of five days of rain fell in just one hour.

Bianca explains how Quezon City, the most populous city in the Philippines and part of the wider Metro Manila area, is grappling with more frequent and intense rainfall, legacy urbanisation, and an overstretched drainage system. She shares how the devastating 2009 floods led to a national disaster risk framework, and how the city has since been trying to adapt – with mixed results.

The conversation dives into the critical interdependence of water and energy systems: you need power to pump and treat water, but water is also essential to keep energy systems running. When one fails, the other often follows. Using Quezon City’s experience, the episode explores what happens when national infrastructure projects are misaligned with local plans, including pumping stations that are built but not powered, poorly placed structures that worsen flooding, and a lack of systemic, cross-sector planning.

Bianca also opens a window into the human and operational side of disaster response: command-centre decision-making with only minutes of warning, coordinating rescues and evacuations for thousands of people, and the toll on responders who work through days of continuous crisis.

Finally, the episode looks ahead to energy resilience and clean energy transition in Quezon City – from reliance on generators toward a more integrated approach involving sensors, renewable energy, energy-efficient buildings, and a citywide resilience roadmap.

This is a candid, ground-level account of what climate-driven flooding really means for a major city – and what it will take to build resilient, energy-smart urban systems.

*This episode was recorded on 12 September, just under two weeks after the extreme weather event discussed hit Quezon City

Urban Exchange Podcast Episode 31 – Resilient Sydney: 33 local governments, one resilience strategy

Dive into the latest episode of the Urban Exchange Podcast, where hosts Paul Wilson and Lina Liakou are joined by Yvette Andrews, strategy and engagement manager for Resilient Sydney, and a key architect of the newly released Resilient Sydney Strategy 2025-2030. Together, they explore what it takes to build a truly resilient city in the face of climate change, natural disasters, and social challenges.

Discover how Sydney’s journey toward resilience has evolved over the past decade, moving from a focus on the built environment to a holistic approach that embraces the natural world, digital innovation, and the diverse voices of its five million residents. Learn about the collaborative process that brought together 33 councils, state and federal governments, and communities from all walks of life – including First Nations peoples and young people – to shape a strategy that addresses both immediate shocks and long-term stresses.

The conversation delves into the importance of inclusive engagement, the integration of traditional knowledge, and the role of digitalisation in modern resilience planning. Hear inspiring case studies, from cultural burning projects to youth-led climate initiatives, and discover how Sydney’s approach offers valuable lessons for cities worldwide.

Whether you’re a city leader, urban practitioner, or simply passionate about the future of our cities, this episode offers a masterclass in building consensus, fostering hope, and creating strategies that stand the test of time. Tune in to find out how Sydney is setting the standard for urban resilience – and why their story matters now more than ever.

Thanks to our sponsors, Sand Technologies, for their support on this episode. To find out more, click here.

Urban Exchange Podcast 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Urban Exchange Podcast Episode 25 - Understanding AI-powered water resilience

In this insightful episode of the Urban Exchange Podcast, sponsored by Sand Technologies, host Lauren Sorkin delves into the critical challenge of clean water and resilience, with a focus on how artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful tool to address these pressing issues.

Joined by Byron Roelofsz, the AI Solutions Director at Sand Technologies, and Beam Furr, the Mayor of Broward County, Florida, the conversation explores the unique challenges faced by coastal communities like Broward County, which is highly susceptible to sea level rise and saltwater intrusion.

Together, our guests dive into the innovative initiatives Broward County has undertaken, including mapping underground conditions, creating dashboards for developers, and enacting laws to consider long-term sea level rise projections. The discussion also highlights the importance of university partnerships in providing credible data and consensus-based projections to support data-driven decision-making.

Elsewhere, we look at the potential of AI in water management, covering how it can help cities manage and improve the quality of massive data sets, create digital twins for scenario simulation, and enable intelligent automation in operational systems. There's also time to address the significance of delivering AI insights to a wide range of stakeholders, from executives to the public, to ensure transparency and build trust.

Looking to the future, the conversation explores the anticipated trends in the next five years, including the focus on breaking down data silos and integrating information across sectors, as well as the push for greater public access to city and utility data to enable community engagement in water conservation efforts.

Find out more about the role of AI in water management by visiting Sand Technologies.

Urban Exchange Podcast Episode 24 - The City Resilience Framework & the next decade of resilience

This episode of the Urban Exchange podcast focuses on the evolution of urban resilience and the critical role of the City Resilience Framework. Hosts Lauren Sorkin and Paul Wilson welcome Jo Da Silva, the Global Director of Sustainable Development at Arup, who shares insights from her decade-long journey in developing this influential framework.

The conversation begins by exploring the resilience challenges cities faced in 2024, from heatwaves and wildfires to political upheaval. Sorkin highlights how the sub-national community rallied together, citing the Resilient Cities Network's work on the intersection of climate and health. The discussion then delves into the Urban 20 (U20) initiative, which aims to amplify city voices in the G20 process, particularly around the need for increased investment in climate resilience, social safety nets, and urban infrastructure.

Da Silva provides a compelling overview of the City Resilience Framework, tracing its origins back to 2007 and research conducted in Asian cities. She explains how the framework evolved to identify the 52 (now 22) key elements that contribute to a city's ability to cope, adapt, and transform in the face of disruption. The framework's four pillars – health and wellbeing, institutions, infrastructure, and governance – are explored in depth, showcasing its practical application for cities.

The interview also examines the challenges of measuring and comparing city resilience, as well as the critical role of finance in driving resilience initiatives. Da Silva emphasises the need to move beyond pledges and into tangible delivery, with the City Resilience Framework serving as a tool to help cities attract investment and implement transformative projects.

Find out more about the City Resilience Framework here.

Urban Exchange Podcast Episode 23 - Identifying urban solutions at the intersection of climate, health, and equity

This episode of the Urban Exchange podcast focuses on identifying urban solutions at the intersection of climate, health, and equity.

Resilient Cities Network's Lauren Sorkin hosts, joined by Patricia Himschoot and Catalina Thela from the Buenos Aires City Government, and Jeannette Ickovics from Yale University to discuss the key findings from the Urban Pulse report.

The guests emphasise the need for better early warning systems, health surveillance capabilities, and multi-sector collaboration to address challenges related to extreme heat, flooding, air pollution and the related health threats.

The conversation turns to the specific impacts of climate change in Buenos Aires. Catalina describes the extreme weather conditions the city experiences, highlighting the need for proactive measures, and Patricia outlines the city's efforts to engage vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and residents of low-income neighbourhoods, through public awareness campaigns and preparedness programmes.

Together, our guests delve into the solutions being implemented in Buenos Aires, including greening initiatives and health-related interventions. Here, we explore the importance of cross-city collaboration, and how cities like Buenos Aires are learning from the experiences of others, such as Rio de Janeiro and Mexico City.

Finally, we dedicate time to the need for increased investment in capacity development and cross-city knowledge sharing. Here, Jeannette focuses in on the need to prioritise funding at the intersection of climate, health, and equity in order to tackle them holistically and find co-benefits across systems.

Find out more about Urban Pulse here.