What does it mean for a city to be ethical? To explore this thought-provoking idea, we spoke with Tim Beatley, professor of sustainable communities at the University of Virginia and founder of the Biophilic Cities network. In a new book proposal, Tim argues that we need to move away from a view of cities as purely legal and political entities and expand our definition to include the city’s moral obligations. Do cities have a duty to measure their impact beyond local boundaries? Should a city government consider the lives and wellbeing of future citizens? What ethical obligations do cities have towards local wildlife? How does nature (and crucially, access to nature) play a role in all of this? We’ll attempt to answer all of these questions and more on today’s episode of Biophilic Solutions.Follow Tim and Biophilic Cities on Twitter. Follow your hosts Monica Olsen and Jennifer Walsh on Twitter.Biophilic Solutions is brought to you by the Biophilic Institute and the Biophilic Leadership Summit. Show NotesBiophilic Cities for an Urban Century: why nature is essential for the success of cities, by Timothy Beatley, 2020.The Bird-Friendly City: Creating Safe Urban Habitats, by Timothy Beatley, 2020.The Good Ancestor: A Radical Prescription For Long-Term Thinking, by Roman Krznaric, 2020.The Charter for CompassionCully Park in Portland, OregonSouth Mountain Park in Phoenix, ArizonaMayor Stoney announces 5 new green spaces in Richmond’s southside (NBC12)Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

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