At Pedestrian Space, we are developing the 2027 pilot for the Sustainable Urbanism & Planetary Health program with a focus on the issue of Urban Heat. We are collaborating with individuals across the world for pilots that focus on place-based approaches to advocacy and awareness-building, education, research, and knowledge exchange on issues of urban heat.
As part of this pilot, we are recording our conversations with collaborators around the world. Today we spoke with Bethelhem, an Educator, Researcher, Urban Planner, and Designer based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, currently working as a Lecturer in the Department of Urban Planning and Design at Ambo University. Bethelhem brings great urban planning and urban design expertise, and, importantly, as relates to urban heat, rooted in community-based climate resilience initiatives.
Bethelhem reflects that “Addis Ababa is currently undergoing large-scale urban redevelopment and that while these projects aim to modernize the city, many streets have lost their mature trees and green infrastructure. In numerous redevelopment areas, pedestrian walkways are now constructed almost entirely with impervious paving materials, providing little or no shade for pedestrians. As a result, walking has become increasingly uncomfortable, particularly during the dry season (Bega), when urban heat is more noticeable.’
These transformations have strengthened her interest in urban heat, climate-sensitive street design, and the importance of integrating appropriate street tree species and green infrastructure into urban development and have established her belief that these issues deserve greater attention in rapidly growing African cities. We look forward to collaborating on awareness-raising activities among different groups as well as co-creation of educational resources that help raise awareness about the impacts of urban heat and the importance of designing cooler, healthier, and more walkable cities. We also welcome Bethelhem’s readiness for Ethiopia to be one of the case studies for the Urban Heat Pilot.
View talk on LinkedIn here
View more about the ‘Sustainable Urbanism & Planetary Health’ Program 2027 URBAN HEAT pilot at link below.