Which Nature(s) Are Possible in a Boomtown?

Discussing Contemporary Environmental Planning in Perth (Australia)

biodiversity, climate change, Spatial Planning, suburbanization, urban design, urban greening, urban planning

More than two million human residents of Perth live within an ancient landscape that lies within one of 36 globally recognised biodiversity hotspots. As the capital city of the mineral-rich state of Western Australia, the suburban footprint of the city is steadily sprawling outward from the centre, and now stretches across more than 120 kilometres of the Indian Ocean coast. The city is also at the forefront of climate change impacts, living through decades of steadily declining rainfall and increasing temperature. In this talk, Dr Pauli will explore how past and current environmental planning frameworks intersect with economic and demographic changes, with particular emphasis on initiatives to promote urban greening and water-sensitive urban design in a warming, drying climate.

Natasha Pauli

University of Western Australia (UWA)

Natasha Pauli is an Associate Professor at the University of Western Australia (UWA). Environmental geographer specialized in the study of the relations between society and nature in biodiverse environments and in areas dominated by anthropic uses. His research focuses on local knowledge, sustainable use of natural resources, ecosystem services and socioenvironmental integration in environmental management and planning, both in rural and urban areas. She has extensive professional experience in consulting for companies and public administrations, as well as in the design of international conservation policies. She has developed a solid field work path in America, Asia and the Pacific region.