A Tale of Two Cities: A New Chapter Artwork

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

A Tale of Two Cities: A New Chapter

March 24, 2026 • University of Toronto Press • Season 6 • Episode 6

0:00 | 32:08

In this episode of Cities 1.5, we bring you another "Tale of Two Cities" - but this time, David sits down with two pioneering mayors from opposite ends of the globe. Despite their vastly different histories, both Athens are Melbourne are inspiring and leading the way through the climate crisis, and mitigating its impacts.We explore Athens is embracing progressive economics and tackling energy poverty, and how Melbourne is transforming and greening urban spaces and trailblazing renewable energy schemes and much more.These urban leaders are protecting city residents from climate impacts, engaging the next generation, and proving that local innovation and leadership is the best way to navigate the climate crisis.

Featured guests:

Haris Doukas, Mayor of Athens

Nick Reece, Lord Mayor of Melbourne

Links:

Inside the World Mayors Summit: Cities throw down the gauntlet - Cities 1.5

Inside the World Mayors Summit: The battle for cities, truth and a fossil fuel free future at COP30 and beyond - Cities 1.5

Athens mayor focuses on getting capital through extreme heat - The Guardian

A blueprint for European cities? Athens announces new initiative to tackle energy poverty - Net Zero Cities

Doughnut Economics Action Lab

4th Youth Assembly on Climate Change with the participation of University Students - Eliamep

Nick Reece reveals plan to make Melbourne the “Garden City” - Southbank Local News

Melbourne Renewable Energy Project

Disinformation and the City - Melbourne Centre for Cities

What should Melbourne be like in 2050? - Docklands News

M2050 Summit Report

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/

David Miller

Host