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-b303996
Chapters:
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 
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