Best Sustainable Urban Development Practices Podcasts (2025)

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(27) Prefabrication, Mass Timber, and Sustainable Construction - Matt Bolen from McCallum Sather 59:21

8h ago59:21

59:21

Send us a text In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights Podcast, we welcome architect Matt Bolen, who has been a pioneering force in the field of prefabrication & mass timber construction. Matt discusses his extensive experience and passion for innovative building technologies, focusing on sustainable design and prefabricated methods…

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(26) GTA Developments By The Numbers; Insights From Urban Toronto - Edward Skira & Ash Navabi 46:36

15d ago46:36

46:36

Send us a text In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights podcast, Edward Skira and Ash Navabi from Urban Toronto discuss the comprehensive data and trends in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market. The episode delves into the founding of Urban Toronto, the types of data they track, and the significant impact of policies on …

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(25) Landlord to Real Estate Developer - Mike Zavershnik - 17A Properties 53:54

28d ago53:54

53:54

Send us a text In this episode, Payam hosts Mike, a seasoned entrepreneur who has made the shift from a landlord to a real estate developer. Mike shares his experiences, challenges, and learnings, from starting a tech-incubator company that didn't survive the dot-com burst to build a successful real estate portfolio with 300+ units. They dive deep …

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(24) Construction Innovation Checklist - A Practical Framework For Your Next Project. 49:11

1M ago49:11

49:11

Send us a text In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights podcast, host Payam Noursalehi discusses the importance of adapting to changes in the construction and real estate development industry. With no guests, Payam shares his personal experiences and insights from working on various projects over the years. The episode focuses on the…

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(23) Canada Vs. US - Housing Crisis; Similarities & Differences - Edd Hamzanlui of MassCan Capital 51:41

2M ago51:41

51:41

Send us a text In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights podcast, host Payam Noursalehi is joined by Ed Hamzanlui, founder and operator of Masscan Capital in Boston, Massachusetts. Ed shares his experience and insights into the housing crisis solutions being implemented in Massachusetts. They discuss various initiatives like the MBTA …

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(22) It Is The Best Time To Become A Real Estate Developer (Potentially!) - Josh Kaufman of InnoDev Partners 54:03

2M ago54:03

54:03

Send us a text In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights Podcast, I sat down with Josh, a seasoned executive in the housing development industry, to discuss his journey from a high-profile corporate role to co-founding InnoDev Partners. They explore the complexities of Toronto’s housing market, the concept of missing middle housing, a…

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(21) Mid-Rise Buildings; The Mattamy Way - Dave Dekort from Mattamy Homes 54:02

3M ago54:02

54:02

Send us a text In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights Podcast, we interview Dave Dekort, Director of Project Management at Mattamy Homes, to discuss developing mid-rise buildings in the Greater Toronto Area. Dave shares his background, the evolution of Mattamy Homes, and the company’s shift from low-rise to urban mid-rise construct…

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(20) Legal Structures in Real Estate Development - Zev Zlotnick from Gardiner Roberts LLP 44:38

3M ago44:38

44:38

Send us a text In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights Podcast, we interview Zev, a partner at Gardner Roberts LLP, a full-service law firm in Toronto, to discuss essential legal considerations for real estate developers. From choosing the proper legal structure, whether a limited partnership or a co-tenancy, to the importance of du…

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Episode 6: Climate Fresk as a tool to understand climate crisis 26:06

3M ago26:06

26:06

In this episode, Justine sat down with Lea Levy to discuss the "Climate Fresk" and other "serious games" designed to tackle complex global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and soil health. Lea shares how she’s used the Climate Fresk tool with a variety of audiences—from students and teachers to corporate teams—and how these tools …

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(19) A Conversation with a (New) Real Estate Developer - Jonathan Diamond from Well Grounded Real Estate 41:06

4M ago41:06

41:06

Send us a text Jonathan Diamond is a principal at Well Grounded Real Estate, a family-run firm that owns and operates a portfolio of multi-family and retail properties throughout Ontario. He has been instrumental in driving purpose-built rental developments, showcasing a commitment to scalable strategies for building design, development, and execut…

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(18) 2024 Recap: Highlights and Lessons from the Real Estate Development Insights Podcast 59:28

4M ago59:28

59:28

Send us a text In this special episode, we look back at the show's first year. We recap the key highlights from each episode. (#17) Major Streets & Multiplex Housing in City of Toronto (#16) A Conversation With A Real Estate Developer (#15) Limberlost Case Study: A Pioneering Mass Timber Project (#14) Building Code Changes, Opportunities & Shortcom…

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(17) Major Streets & Multiplex Housing; Opportunities For Real Estate Development In Toronto - Michael Testaguzza - Robert McQuillan 59:30

5M ago59:30

59:30

Send us a text In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights Podcast, I interview Michael Testaguzza and Robert McQuillan to discuss recent changes in the City of Toronto's housing policies (Major Streets & Multiplex Housing), focusing on expanding housing options in neighbourhoods. They delve into the specifics of multiplex and major str…

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(16) A Conversation with a Real Estate Developer - Shakeel Walji from Sher Corporation 53:52

5M ago53:52

53:52

Send us a text In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights Podcast, seasoned real estate developer Shakeel Walji shares insights from his 30-year career in the industry. Shakeel discusses his unconventional journey from engineering to marketing and ultimately into real estate development, where he now manages multiple businesses. He off…

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(15) Limberlost Case Study: A Pioneering Mass Timber Project - Phil Silverstein 1:01:59

6M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

Send us a text In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights Podcast, I sit down with Phil Silverstein, a principal at Moriyama Teshima Architects, to discuss the significance of George Brown College's Limberlost Project as a Pioneering Project. Phil shares insights into his journey into regenerative design, the advantages of mass timber …

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(14) Building Code Changes, Opportunities, and Shortcomings for Real Estate Developments; Jack Keays, P.Eng. 51:04

6M ago51:04

51:04

Send us a text In this Real Estate Development Insights Podcast episode, I interview Jack Keays, the principal at Vortex Fire, and we talk about Building Code changes, opportunities, and shortcomings for real estate developments. The discussions cover the evolution of building codes, their impact on the construction and real estate industries, and …

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(13) Urban Planning And The Housing Crisis: Insights From Andrew Ferancik, MCIP, RPP 1:12:00

7M ago1:12:00

1:12:00

Send us a text In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights Podcast, I interview Andrew, a seasoned city planner from WND, about Urban Planning And The Housing Crisis, as he shares his journey into urban planning and his experiences working within municipalities like Mississauga. Andrew delves into the intricacies of planning, highlighti…

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(12) Real Estate Development 101: How to work with your team effectively? A Candid Conversation with Rod Rowbotham, OAA 1:08:00

7M ago1:08:00

1:08:00

Send us a text In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights Podcast, Rod, the President and Owner of One Space Unlimited Inc., shares his extensive experience and insights into architectural and interior design services, primarily focused on the hospitality and multifamily residential industries across Canada. He emphasizes the importanc…

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(11) Structural Systems, Code Changes & Mid-rise Challenges; An In-depth conversation with Raymond Van Groll, P.Eng. 1:01:18

8M ago1:01:18

1:01:18

Send us a text In this episode, Raymond Van Groll, Director of Building Structures at M.T.E., discusses the complexities and considerations of structural engineering in real estate development. Covering his extensive experience—from high-rise projects to mid-rise buildings—Raymond elaborates on various construction materials and systems, including …

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(10) Interest Rates, Housing Supply & Other Complex Real Estate Problems; A Wide-Ranging Conversation with Dr. Murtaza Haider 54:12

8M ago54:12

54:12

Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Morteza Haider, professor at Toronto Metropolitan University and director of the Urban Analytics Institute, discusses his background and current work in real estate management and urban analytics. Dr. Haider delves into complex real estate problems in Canada, particularly the persistent housing affordability cris…

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WWCE 2024: Meet Saroj Kumar Jha, Global Director, Water Global Practice, The World Bank Group 6:41

8M ago6:41

6:41

In this episode of the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition podcast series, Saroj Kumar Jha, Global Director of Water Global Practice at The World Bank Group, discusses the vital role of financing, technology, and governance in achieving global water security. He emphasises the importance of the IWA Congress as a platform for connecting with wat…

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(9) Land Acquisition to Approvals: A Detailed Conversation with Hoordad Ghandehari, OAA 1:02:09

8M ago1:02:09

1:02:09

Send us a text In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights podcast, I welcome Hoordad Ghandehari, a licensed architect in Toronto with nearly three decades of experience. Hoordad shares insights from his journey, detailing his background, architectural practice, and significant milestones. The conversation encompasses crucial aspects of…

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WWCE 2024: Meet Henk Ovink, Executive Director, Global Commission on the Economics of Water 4:38

9M ago4:38

4:38

In this episode of the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition podcast series, EriKa Yarrow Soden, content editor of IWA’s magazine The Source, engages in a compelling conversation with Henk Ovink, Executive Director of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water. They discuss the critical challenges facing our water future, emphasising the imp…

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WWCE 2024: Meet Anise Sacranie, Water Access, Director WU - Safe Water, Grundfos 6:16

9M ago6:16

6:16

In this episode of the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition podcast, Erica Yarrow Soden, content editor of The Source Magazine, interviews Anise Sacranie, Water Access Director at Gunfros. Anise discusses her role in the Safe Water unit and explores the challenges of public-private partnerships in the water sector, particularly in the global Sou…

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WWCE 2024: Meet Austin Alexander, VP Sustainability & Social Impact, Xylem 6:40

9M ago6:40

6:40

In this episode, we sit down with Austin Alexander, Vice President of Sustainability & Social Impact at Xylem, the principal sponsor of the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition. Austin shares insights into her role at Xylem and their long-standing partnership with IWA. We also explore the exciting discussions at the event and the value of Xylem's …

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WWCE 2024: Meet Sangeeta Chopra, Director (IPOT), Ontario Clean Water Agency, Canada 5:05

9M ago5:05

5:05

In this episode of the podcast series, Sangeeta Chopra, Director of Innovation, Process Optimisation, and Technical Services at the Ontario Clean Water Agency, Canada discusses the agency's work in water management.She also shares her excitement about connecting with global water industry experts during the Congress and exploring new ideas to enhan…

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WWCE 2024: Meet Rasha Maal-Bared, Principal Environmental Scientist, CDM Smith, Canada 5:11

9M ago5:11

5:11

In this episode of the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition podcast series, host Erica Yarrow Soden, content editor of The Source, interviews Rasha Maal-Bared, Principal Environmental Scientist at CDM Smith, Canada. Rasha shares insights from her 18-year career in water and wastewater treatment, discussing the complexities of emerging contaminan…

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WWCE 2024: Meet Rosemary Campbell, Head of Water, Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor 4:13

9M ago4:13

4:13

In this episode of the podcast series catches up with Rosemary Campbell, Head of Water at Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP). Rosemary shares insights into WSUP’s impactful work across Africa and South Asia, focusing on extending water and sanitation services to underserved communities. Discover how WSUP is transforming utilities, managin…

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WWCE 2024: Meet Michael Jensen, Business Development Regional Director, Grundfos 4:33

9M ago4:33

4:33

In this episode of the podcast series of World Water Congress & Exhibition, we had a chance to talk to Michael Jensen, BD Director for the Americas at Grundfos Industry, as he discussed about Industrial Water Forum which took place during the global water event. Michael explains the forum's focus on enhancing collaboration between municipalities an…

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WWCE 2024: Meet Sabrina Rashid Sheonty, Founder, Tetra, Canada 5:47

9M ago5:47

5:47

In this inspiring episode of the pod, we sit down with Sabrina Rashid Sheonty, the visionary founder of Tetra and a proud recipient of the prestigious Young Leadership Award at the World Water Congress & Exhibition. Sabrina’s remarkable journey is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and leadership in the water sector.Join us as Sabrina shares …

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(8) Refugee to Real Estate Developer; An Important Canadian Story! 47:58

9M ago47:58

47:58

Send us a text In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Kosta, a Bulgarian refugee who arrived in Canada in 1990 and transitioned into a successful real estate developer in Toronto. Kosta recounts his initial years working as an electrician and then starting his own renovation business. Through determination and a passion for buildi…

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(7) Heritage, Adaptive Reuse, & Building Unique Projects; A Conversation with Joey Giaimo, OAA 54:11

9M ago54:11

54:11

Send us a text (7) Heritage Buildings, Adaptive Re-use, & Building Unique Projects; A Conversation with Joey Giaimo, OAA. www.realestatedevelopmentinsights.com #realestatedevelopment #realestatedeveloper #podcast #torontorealestate #heritage #heritagebuilding #adaptivedesign In this real estate development insights podcast episode, I interview Joey…

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(6) Acoustics Engineering and Mass Timber Construction; A Conversation with Simon Edwards, P.Eng. 56:57

10M ago56:57

56:57

Send us a text In this episode of the Real Estate Development Podcast, Simon Edwards, an acoustical engineer at HGC Engineering, shares his insights on the intersection between acoustics and mass timber construction. Simon discusses his background, transitioning from a career in music to becoming an acoustical engineer, and emphasizes the importanc…

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(5) Urban Design & Development; A Conversation with George Popper 48:54

10M ago48:54

48:54

Send us a text In this "Real Estate Development Insights episode," George Popper shares his journey from architecture to urban development. We explore the importance of creativity, problem-solving, community engagement in urban projects, and key decisions that shape successful developments. George's experience includes working in Europe, where he w…

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Storytelling to Inspire Engagement in Urban Planning (with Uytae Lee) 48:35

11M ago48:35

48:35

Uytae Lee from the YouTube channel About Here, joins Helen Lui to chat about storytelling in urban planning, emphasizing the need for effective communication strategies to drive public engagement. They also advocate for diverse voices in advocating for inclusive urban environments. About Here: https://www.youtube.com/@AboutHere Show Credits: Host: …

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(4) Facade Systems, Climate Performance, and Important Decisions: Insights from Blair Davies, P.Eng. 50:39

11M ago50:39

50:39

Send us a text In this episode, Blair, a seasoned civil engineer, shares his journey from tech to the construction industry, focusing on the significance of building facades. The discussion covers the importance of facades, the evolution of building codes, challenges in the construction process, and the role of sustainability and waste management. …

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The Future of Urban Planning 46:56

11M ago46:56

46:56

Helen Lui interviews Fern Hahn, a transit advocate and urban planning student, who shares experiences that shaped their perspective on public transit. Fern discusses advocating for better transit and their interest in transit network design. Next, Helen speaks with Matthew and Emma from UBC CAPACity, focusing on engaging university students in urba…

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Designing for Happiness (with Houssam Elokda) 47:32

11M ago47:32

47:32

The conversation continues with Houssam Elokda from Happy Cities, as Helen Lui explores the impact of the built environment on communities, emphasizing the importance of creating livable and sustainable cities. They discuss the subjective nature of happiness and well-being in urban settings, also highlighting the significance of social connections,…

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(3) Engineering, Sustainability, and Real Estate Development: A Deep Dive with Cara Sloat P.Eng. 1:12:03

11M ago1:12:03

1:12:03

Send us a text This episode features an insightful conversation with Cara Sloat, a mechanical engineer with over 20 years of experience, focusing on low-energy mechanical systems, decarbonization, and the importance of mechanical engineering in addressing climate change. Cara discusses her background in philosophy and mechanical engineering, emphas…

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(2) Risk, Creativity, & Design Excellence: Real Estate Development with Sheldon Rosen 1:03:33

11M ago1:03:33

1:03:33

Send us a text In this episode of the Real Estate Development Insights Podcast, host Payam Noursalehi sits down with Sheldon D. Rosen, and architect turned developer and founder of the SDR Group. They discuss Sheldon's journey from architecture to development, the challenges and strategies involved in the real estate development process, and key ad…

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Does Density Impact Happiness? (with Houssam Elokda) 35:35

11M ago35:35

35:35

Density is a hotly debated topic in urban centres. Is it good? Is it bad? Does it make us more isolated, more lonely, or can it improve our happiness? Helen Lui speaks with Houssam Elokda, from Happy Cities. Their research explores the connection between urban design and happiness, striving to enhance the quality of life in cities through sustainab…

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(1) Introduction 6:21

11M ago6:21

6:21

Send us a text This episode introduces the Real Estate Development Insights podcast. Payam, explains the podcast's purpose of sharing insights, best practices, case studies, and interviews with industry experts to improve decision-making in real estate development. He also mentions providing a free PDF resource with top industry resources for liste…

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From Neighbours to Community 45:14

12M ago45:14

45:14

Helen Lui speaks with Mark Boardman and Alyssa Sacal from Minivillage, a Vancouver-based company fostering social connections within neighbourhoods. Mark discusses transforming neighbours into friends, while Alyssa emphasizes combating loneliness. The conversation explores authentic community bonds, the impact of physical environments on social con…

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Designing Public Spaces 48:29

12M ago48:29

48:29

Helen Lui is joined by architects Amit Price Patel and Jill Robertson from DIALOG, to discuss the design of great public spaces. They share insights on the political power of design, the intersection of science and art in shaping communities, and the significance of community engagement in creating inclusive spaces. The conversation emphasizes incl…

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Digital Water Programme - Rachel Peletz 21:45

12M ago21:45

21:45

In this episode, we interview Rachel Peletz, Executive Director of the Aquaya Institute. Rachel has been a member of the Steering Committee since 2022 and has been working in the Digitisation of Water and Sanitation in LMIC contexts subgroup. Listen as Rachel tells us about what got her started in the water sector and what keeps her going!This seri…

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The Evolution of Third Spaces (with the Sneaky Artist) 54:59

12M ago54:59

54:59

Helen Lui is joined by Urban Sketch Artist Nishant Jain, also known as "the Sneaky Artist" to discuss the concept of 'Third Spaces'—the places between home and work where social bonds are forged and community enriched. We explore how these spaces, from parks to cafes, are not just physical locations but also platforms for cultural expression and so…

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How Do We Improve Public Transportation? (with RMTransit) 44:23

1y ago44:23

44:23

Reece Martin from the YouTube channel RMTransit joins Helen Lui to discuss the evolving landscape of urban mobility and public transit. Explore the cutting-edge developments and innovative solutions that are shaping the future of our cities. Reece, who grew up in the Lower Mainland, and now a resident of Toronto, shares his expert insights on the c…

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Getting there Safely (with Lucy Maloney) 37:20

1y ago37:20

37:20

Helen Lui explores the critical need for safer, more sustainable urban transportation with Lucy Maloney, a fervent cycling advocate who leads the organization "Love The Lane" and is also a HUB Cycling member. Lucy discusses the ongoing efforts to promote safer streets in Vancouver, addressing the broader challenges of shifting public policy. She hi…

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Cities for People and the Planet (with Rhiannon Fox) 33:14

1y ago33:14

33:14

Helen Lui discusses the interconnectedness of urban development, climate initiatives, and public safety with guest, environmental scientist Rhiannon Fox. Highlighting the benefits of dense, less car-dependent cities, the discussion emphasizes community involvement and personal action as catalysts for change. Rhiannon shares how individual efforts c…

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Epsiode 5: Yoga for Climate Anxiety - a Sustainability week event in Lund 14:44

1y ago14:44

14:44

On this episode, we receive a IIIEE guest Emma Johnson, and we will dive into the topic of inner resilience and how to channel your energy to create outward change. She talks about the event she is organising with another researcher, Gustav Osberg, during the Sustainability Week in Lund. Their event is called “Yoga for Climate Anxiety and Building …

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Episode 4: How can we foster private sector engagement in Climate Adaptation in Least Developed Countries? 34:58

1y ago34:58

34:58

The increase in global temperature brought with it extreme weather events and shifts in seasons across the globe. In developing countries, there is a demand for 10-18 times more Climate Adaptation and Resilience (A&R) finance compared to current international public adaptation finance flows. This episode discovers how the private sector can play a …

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Sustainable Urban Development Practices Podcasts

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