Past Program

Loneliness, crime, and fractured communities are frequent symbols of city life and nine of the top 10 causes of death are related to poor urban design. Many cities have a fundamentally parasitic relationship with their surrounding ecosystems and exacerbate climate change and its symptoms. How can we make these urban environments better for both their populations and the planet?

Following on from our previous discussion on community cohesion, this online session will focus on safety in the city. Urban design including provision of quality parks can be used as an intervention to prevent crime, make people feel safe, and mitigate the effects of disaster such as terror attacks, extreme weather events, and crushes. However, these interventions are rarely without controversy and should not exacerbate other issues for those using the space. Following an introduction from Fellows with specific experience and expertise on the theme of safety, participants will share and discuss together focussing on questions such as:

• Can parks and public spaces play a role in tackling the root causes of crime as well as symptoms? 
• Which cities are innovating and leading on security? 
• How can health, education or economic systems benefit from improved community cohesion and reductions in isolation? 

If you are interested in taking part in the Parks for the Planet Forum 2021, please send an email explaining your motivations and what you would bring to the program to Dominic Regester and Jennifer Dunn.