In this episode, we talk to Barry Beagan, an architect and urban planner who is the Program Director at Kota Kita, an urban planning NGO based in Indonesia that works in governance, inclusivity, and climate change resilience. We discuss the complex and difficult (but necessary) topic of climate change mitigation and the real work that goes behind making resilient cities, particularly in heavily impacted parts of the world like Indonesia. We break down specific risks that Indonesia face, such as rising sea levels and sinking cities, as well as the ways in which marginalized communities are impacted by climate change. We also go in-depth into specific situations and scenarios (such as the Water as Leverage program in Semarang) surrounding climate change mitigation, such as understanding the economic incentives at play and the need for not only innovative solutions, but also adaptation strategies to tackle this new reality.
We really get stuck in the weeds in this episode with Barry, but we think highlighting his and Kota Kita’s work is really crucial in raising awareness about what kind of progress is being made in Indonesia on fighting climate change. If you’re interested in Kota Kita’s work, they’re looking for volunteers, interns, and paid positions — you can find out more here.
Thanks for listening!
For those interested in learning more about the topic, we’ve provided links to resources as well as other recommended readings.
Kota Kita — an urban planning NGO based in in Indonesia, with branches across Southeast Asia
The Carbon Brief Profile: Indonesia — an in-depth look at Indonesia’s climate situation
How Can Indonesia Achieve Its Climate Change Mitigation Goal? — courtesy of WRI Indonesia
Indonesia’s National Action Plan on Climate Change Adaptation — a review on the Indonesian government’s approach to fighting climate change
Rencana Aksi Nasional Adaptasi Perubahan Iklim 2014 — the 2014 report from Bappenas of Indonesia’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan
Water as Leverage for Resilient Cities Asia — the water development program Barry worked on in Semarang
Enhancing the Inclusiveness of the National Action Plan for Climate Change Adaptation in Indonesia — courtesy of Unesco
4 Ways Cities Can Build More Climate-Resilient Neighborhoods — courtesy of WRI
Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for Indonesia — courtesy of Future Directions
In Indonesia, villagers find innovative ways to adapt to climate change — courtesy of Conservation International
Rebuild by Design — the city resilience initiative started after Hurricane Sandy in 2012
MUSIC CREDITS:
SOUL HIGH by RYAN LITTLE
MONTMARTRE by JAHZAAR
NIGHT OWL and THE GREAT by BROKE FOR FREE