The built environment is a major contributor to global emissions, driven by construction, heating, and resource use. This seminar, organized by IIASA together with the Research Council of Finland and Aalto University, offers a platform for inspiration, networking, and mutual learning aimed at reshaping this trajectory toward more sustainable solutions.
Rapid urbanization is intensifying emissions from the built environment, particularly in fast-growing emerging economies. Africa, for example, currently home to 18% of the world’s population, is projected to triple its urban population by 2050. Without innovative approaches, this growth risks replicating unsustainable patterns witnessed elsewhere, with far-reaching consequences for the planet.
The seminar, presented at Aalto University as part of the Designs for a Cooler Planet Festival, will explore creative strategies to transform urbanization challenges into opportunities. The discussions will focus on developing climate-sensitive and socially inclusive urbanization pathways that contribute to a more sustainable future.
Register here for in-person and virtual participation
IIASA Director General Hans Joachim (John) Schellnhuber will deliver the opening and closing remarks. The event will feature contributions from IIASA researchers in the Energy, Climate, and Environment Program and the Population and Just Societies Program, who will present insights on demographic shifts, societal trends, and the environmental impacts of urban expansion.
The seminar also highlights strong collaboration with Finland, including expert input from the Finnish Committee for IIASA and speakers from leading Finnish research institutions, underscoring the shared commitment to advancing sustainable urbanization.
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Program:
13:00 - Welcome and introduction
Chair: Olli Varis, Professor, Aalto University, Finnish Committee for IIASA
Welcome address:
Floora Ruokonen, Executive Director, Research Council of Finland
Setting the scene:
John Schellnhuber, IIASA Director General
13:30 - Issues: Urbanizing the planet towards 2075
Changing environment and climate:
Markku Kulmala, Professor, University of Helsinki
Demographic and societal projections:
Roman Hoffman, Research Group Leader, IIASA Population and Just Societies Program
Environmental consequences of urban growth:
Adriana Gomez, Senior Research Scholar, IIASA Energy, Climate, and Environment Program
Discussion
14:30 - 15:00 - Coffee break
15:00 - Solutions: Sustainability transformation for what?
What needs to be done differently?
Matti Kuittinen, Professor, Aalto University
What policy opportunities emerge?
Teppo Lehtinen, Director General, Ministry of the Environment
What innovation and business opportunities emerge?
Piia Pessala, Executive Director, Sweco Finland Oy
How can our generation do better?
Joaquín de la Barra, Doctoral Candidate, Aalto University, IIASA Young Scientists Summer Program participant 2025
Discussion
16:15 - Closing of the seminar
John Schellnhuber and Olli Varis
16:30 - 18:00 - Networking
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