Nature of Our Cities

Nadina Galle, Ph.D. is a Dutch-Canadian ecological engineer, technologist, and podcaster. Her work has been featured in documentaries produced by BBC Earth and in multiple print publications, including Newsweek, ELLE, and National Geographic. The recipient of several academic and entrepreneurial awards, including a Fulbright scholarship for a fellowship at MIT’s Senseable City Lab, she was selected by Forbes’ 30 under 30 list, and recently named a National Geographic Explorer for her work on how growing cities across Latin America are plugging into the Internet of Nature. She divides her time between Amsterdam and Toronto.

“Where we live has an immense impact on longevity, and as an advocate for healthy living, I understand the pivotal role nature plays in shaping our communities. Galle’s exploration of urban ecology and tech innovation offers hope for transforming our living spaces. I’m optimistic her work will guide us towards practical steps for a greener, brighter future, benefiting generations young and old.” — Dan Buettner, National Geographic fellow and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Blue Zones"How to address our estrangement from the natural world? Nadina Galle has a possible antidote for this crucial question: an Internet of Nature. . . . Digital technologies, sensors, and A.I.—tools we often associate with cold, hard progress—can, in fact, be our allies in understanding and nurturing nature. Her Internet of Nature is not just a concept; it’s a tangible, hopeful path to recentering nature in the heart of our built environment.” — Prof. Carlo Ratti, director of MIT Senseable City Lab"In The Nature of Our Cities, Nadina Galle masterfully combines humor and poignant narratives to showcase the transformative power of nature on humanity. Her book serves as a deeply insightful blueprint for the future of our connection to the outdoors—and is a delightful joy to read.” — Robin Thurston, Founder and CEO of Outside Interactive, Inc."Not only the trees in distant forests but also those right around the corner can play a vital role for the environment. As Nadina Galle explores in The Nature of Our Cities, they also bring us shade, recreation, beauty, and hope.” — Fred Krupp, president, Environmental Defense Fund“A compelling journey through spaces where concrete and greenery coexist, urging us to get outdoors and become stewards of our natural environments.” — John Judge, author of The Outdoor Citizen“In The Nature of Our Cities, Nadina Galle explores the transformative potential of emerging technologies in urban ecosystems. From firefighting robots to smart water gardens, Galle showcases how these innovations not only protect but also connect us with nature. The Nature of Our Cities is a hopeful and immersive exploration of how technology can empower us to be better stewards of the environment.” — Timothy Beatley, Teresa Heinz Professor of Sustainable Communities, University of Virginia, and founder of "Biophilic Cities"“Nadina beautifully intertwines ecological wonders with technological ingenuity, inspiring us to re-imagine our cities as thriving ecosystems. Anyone who cares about building a connected, sustainable future should read this book.” — Don Tapscott C.M., Bestselling author, entrepreneur, and social innovator"Half of the urban homes that will exist within our children's lives, have not been built. Nadina, an emerging talent in nature writing, demonstrates how technology can create cities radically different, with nature everywhere." — Gil Penalosa, Founder, 8-80 Cities and City of Toronto Mayoral Candidate (2023)"Drawing from extensive research, illuminating interviews with leading experts, and her own journey of self-discovery, Nadina explores our disconnection from nature and the profound implications of city living in the 21st century. Her insights are both enlightening and empowering. With a rare blend of expertise and relatability, she's written a must-read for anyone seeking to understand how to leverage the power of nature to improve our lives." — Michael Easter, New York Times bestselling author of The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain