How to Move Your City, with Karen Vancluysen
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In this episode Karen Van Closen, Secretary General of Polis Network, takes us on a journey through the evolving landscape of sustainable urban mobility. With over 21 years of experience working with European cities on transport innovation, Karen shares powerful insights on how municipalities are navigating the transition to more sustainable, equitable mobility systems.
En route she powerfully debunks the false dichotomy between economy and ecology, explaining how green growth is not just environmentally necessary but economically essential: "If we don't invest now, the bill will be much bigger later," she says.
We also cover the importance of innovation in policy responses, as well as in technology, and our conversation touches on how cities can overcome polarisation and resistance to change. Karen shares practical strategies for winning hearts and minds, including the power of temporary interventions that let citizens experience car-free spaces before making permanent decisions.
Listen in to hear how cities are reclaiming their streets, reshaping transport systems, and creating more liveable urban environments for all.
Follow GoodGeist for more episodes on sustainability, communications and how creativity can help make the world a better place.
Chapters
1. Introduction to Good Geist (00:00:00)
2. Karen's Journey into Transportation (00:01:42)
3. Polis Network's Mission and Structure (00:03:42)
4. Balancing Sustainability and Economic Growth (00:05:46)
5. Transport Innovation Landscape (00:08:13)
6. Navigating Polarization in Urban Mobility (00:17:15)
7. Just Transition in Transport (00:21:33)
8. What Makes Karen Smile (00:28:33)
83 episodes