Abstract Body

People are the key to transforming cities, to balancing urban and natural processes. An easy, effective method to engage people in sustainability is essential for transformation. This has global implications. World resilience expert Karl Folke wrote that we need adaptive social-ecological systems in tune with the resilience of the Biosphere. Yet this goal has eluded us. Human and natural systems are both too complex to be reconciled by any institution or program. But a global culture of sustainability can do it. Culture is organic and can interface with complex systems. Culture evolves, growing through human actions, and guiding human activities. By engaging people in sustainability, we create a culture a culture of sustainability, which will produce the adaptive social-ecological systems we need for transformation. A Biosphere Eco-City (BEC) is an area with an urban core and surrounding countryside, where people cooperate for sustainability. The BEC approach grows a culture of sustainability through engagement. And it strengthens urban-rural balance. 10 BEC Themes focus on all areas of direct action for sustainability. These stimulate discussions and projects that reconcile human and natural processes. Five BEC Tools of Engagement promote understanding, involvement, innovation and sharing. All are interactive. For example, sustainability plans assemble ideas in schools or communities, to stimulate individual and collective projects. Human capital is BEC’s key resource, ensuring strong community focus and building sustainability, even outside the monetary system. Ottawa BEC began in 2009 with a $100 budget, demonstrating BEC’s affordability. With over 250 volunteers, it tested BEC’s Themes and Tools, and now helps develop BEC initiatives in other Canadian cities. Initiatives are easy to start. An educational website (https://bec-evb.ca) explains how, and any organization can lead. There is no application form. All that is asked is that proponents in a city use the 10 Themes and at least one of the Tools, and share what they learn. If a single new city used the BEC approach, it could easily enhance the scope of its sustainability at low cost. If many cities used the BEC approach, they could significantly reinforce the resilience of the Biosphere.