Cities 1.5

Cities 1.5 is a podcast featuring progressive policy conversations with urban leaders taking action to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees. Hosted by David Miller and developed by University of Toronto Press, this podcast serves as a platform to discuss the most pressing policy and underlying economic issues facing cities in their effort to lead on transformational climate action. The podcast is an extension of the Journal of City Climate Policy and Economy (https://jccpe.utpjournals.press), which publishes timely, evidence-based research that contributes to the urban climate agenda and supports governmental policy towards an equitable and resilient world. Join Editor-in-Chief and host David Miller as he speaks with mayors, city policymakers, economists, youth leaders, and scholars, among others, who are implementing and fighting for ambitious, near-term climate action.

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Cities 1.5

TRAILER: Cities Won't Wait

December 30, 2025 • University of Toronto Press • Season 7 • Episode 1

As geopolitical power shifts, cities are rising to lead this urban century while nations cling to outdated systems. Season 6 of Cities 1.5 explores how mayors and urban leaders from around the world are turning uncertainty into opportunity, building regenerative futures with hope-filled narratives that counter disinformation and inspire action.

Join us from January 13, 2026, as we explore the urban transformation the world cannot wait for, ranging from tackling disinformation, decarbonising infrastructure, and confronting the growing alliance between political authoritarianism and the fossil fuel industry. Through intimate conversations with global mayors and urban innovators, we reveal how cities are not just adapting to change…but are actively shaping our future.

Because the future isn't waiting, and neither are cities.

Links:

Zohran Mamdani’s full victory speech, 4 November 2025 - Zohran Mamdani for NYC YouTube channel

If you want to learn more about the Journal of City Climate Policy and Economy, please visit our website at https://jccpe.utpjournals.press/

Listen to the Cities 1.5 five-part miniseries “Going Steady with Herman Daly: How to Unbreak the Economy (and the Planet)" here: https://lnk.to/HDMiniSeries

Cities 1.5 is produced by the University of Toronto Press and the C40 Centre, and is supported by C40 Cities. Sign up to the Centre newsletter: https://thecentre.substack.com/

Writing and executive production by Peggy Whitfield.

Narrative and communications support by Chiara Morfeo.

Produced by Jess Schmidt: https://jessdoespodcasting.com/

Edited by Morgane Chambrin: https://www.morganechambrin.com/

Music by Lorna Gilfedder: https://origamipodcastservices.com/

[00:00:00] David: As the tectonic plates of geopolitical power shift, cities are rising to lead this urban century. While nations debate and delay, clinging to outdated economic ideas, dangerous ideologies, and energy systems of centuries past, cities are already building the future. And they're finding new narratives to win over a public hungry for hope. Because this moment isn't only about emissions; it's about power and the stories that shape who wields it. This season, we're speaking to guests like Dr. Nasiphi Moya, mayor of Tshwane, South Africa.

[00:00:44] Mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya: Colleagues, no one is coming to save us. But there is support out there. You're not gonna get the support if you do not articulate the vision of your city, the realities of the people in your city.

[00:00:56] David: Economist and co-founder of the Donut Economics Action Lab, Kate Raworth.

[00:01:02] Kate Raworth: Can we meet the needs of all people within the means of the living planet - but also, what kind of economic mindset would give us even half a chance of getting there?

[00:01:10] David: And urban leaders such as Nick Reece, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Australia.

[00:01:17] Mayor Nick Reece: A young woman from the youth component of the Summit got up, and she said, they're not scared of the future. They're hopeful for it. And they want a city that's defined by hope, not fear.

[00:01:30] David: We'll also hear from cities and the people who lead, build, and inspire fresh stories and unprecedented coalitions driving the urban transformation the world cannot wait for. People like the newly elected mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani.

[00:01:47] Mayor Zohran Mamdani: Thank you to the next generation of New Yorkers who refuse to accept that the promise of a better future was a relic of the past. We will fight for you because we are you. This city is your city, and this democracy is yours, too.

[00:02:10] David: In season six of Cities 1.5, launching January 13th, 2026, you'll be hearing more from urban leaders around the world who are tackling everything from disinformation to decarbonizing ports and data centers. Because the future isn't waiting…and neither are cities.

David Miller

Host