The Nature of Our Cities

With humanity spending 90% of its time indoors, our growing detachment from nature has sparked crises in mental health, reduced longevity, and a bleak outlook for future generations. As we become more disconnected from the natural world, the threat of extreme weather intensifies. Yet, there is a rising awareness of nature's profound ability to heal and strengthen our communities. All it needs is a little help.

The awards and media highlights of the book: The Nature of Our Cities

Enter THE NATURE OF OUR CITIES, a groundbreaking exploration of how emerging technologies are aiding nature in these critical times. Modern advancements are creating a symbiosis between technology and nature, fostering resilience and sustainability. These innovations include:

  • Laser-mapping that identifies at-risk neighborhoods to fight deadly health disparities
  • A.I.-powered robots that prevent wildfires from reaching urban areas
  • “Talking trees” that combat deforestation in a major city
  • Apps that track nature exposure to improve health and reduce depression
  • Intelligent water gardens that protect cities from floods and hurricanes 
  • Advanced sensors that achieve 99% tree survival in dry, hot summers

Now is the time to extend our indoor technologies to the outdoors and reshape our world. We don't have to accept an increasingly hostile climate as our destiny. Through revolutionary innovations, nature can become our greatest ally, not a threat. Discover the promising future ahead in THE NATURE OF OUR CITIES, published by Mariner Books, an imprint of HarperCollins.

6 big ideas the book will touch upon

Technology will play a crucial role in integrating nature into urban environments, paving the way for a greener urban future.

Daily interaction with nature will enhance health, and adopting data-driven approaches will be essential for promoting urban well-being.

Focusing on the benefits of mature trees, rather than solely on planting new ones, will yield significant health and economic advantages.

Implementing green infrastructure will help cities withstand flooding, wildfires, and heatwaves, providing resilience against climate change.

Deepening our connection to nature will be key to increasing human longevity and preserving mental well-being in modern cities.

Balancing screen time with outdoor experiences will encourage children’s love of nature and foster their overall well-being.

Praise from the field

Read praise from experts in the field, including New York Times bestselling authors, industry leaders, and academic scholars.

Picture of Dan Buettner

“Where we live has an immense impact on longevity, and as an advocate for healthy living, I understand the role nature in our communities. Nadina'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 for all generations."

— Dan Buettner, #1 New York Times best-selling author of "The Blue Zones"
Picture of Michael Easter

"Drawing from extensive research, illuminating interviews, and her journey of self-discovery, Nadina explores our disconnection from nature and the implications of city living in the 21st century. Her insights are enlightening. 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 best-selling author of "The Comfort Crisis" and "Scarcity Brain"
Picture of Robin Thurston

“Nadina masterfully combines humor and poignant narratives to showcase the transformative power of nature on humanity. She serves a deeply insightful blueprint for our outdoor future — it's a delightful joy to read. Nadina's work underscores the urgency of integrating ecosystems into urban life and the fulfillment found in reconnecting with nature.”

— Robin Thurston, Founder and CEO of Outside Interactive Inc.
Picture of Cecil Konijnendijk

"This book is an invigorating journey into greening initiatives across the world’s cities. It's a must-read for those who want to create greener and healthier cities. Starting from a grim, powerful image of a city that could be if we don’t act, Nadina introduces us to people and projects making a real difference. An inspirational story of urgency, hope, and possibility.”

— Prof. Cecil Konijnendijk, Global Urban Forester and Founder of the Nature-Based Solutions Institute
Picture of Carlo Ratti

“How to address our estrangement from the natural world? Nadina has a possible antidote for this crucial question - an Internet of Nature....Digital technologies, sensors, and AI - 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 cities.”

— Prof. Carlo Ratti, Director of MIT Senseable City Lab
Picture of Gil Penalosa

“How cities are built is the most important decision of our time. Half of the urban homes that will exist within our children’s lives have not been built. An emerging talent in nature writing, Nadina demonstrates how technology can create cities radically different, with nature everywhere.”

— Gil Penalosa, Founder, 8-80 Cities and City of Toronto Mayoral Candidate (2023)
Picture of John Judge

“Exploring the intricate dance between urban landscapes and natural wilderness, The Nature of Our Cities echoes the sentiments of The Outdoor Citizen, reminding us that the heart of a city beats in harmony with the natural world. It's 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"
Picture of Don Tapscott

“Nadina beautifully intertwines ecological wonders with technological ingenuity, inspiring us to reimagine our cities as thriving ecosystems. Anyone who cares about building a connected, sustainable future should read this book.”

— Don Tapscott C.M., Best-selling Author, Entrepreneur, and Social Innovator
Picture of Timothy Beatley

“Join Nadina on an exhilarating journey as she introduces us to the pioneers shaping the future of urban conservation. The Nature of Our Cities is a hopeful and immersive exploration of how technology can empower us to be better stewards of the environment.”

— Prof. Timothy Beatley, Teresa Heinz Professor of Sustainable Communities, University of Virginia and Founder of "Biophilic Cities"
Picture of Fred Krupp

"Not only the trees in distant forests but also those right around the corner can play a vital role in the environment. As Nadina explore they also bring us shade, recreation, beauty, and hope."

— Fred Krupp, President of the Environmental Defense Fund
Picture of David Maddox

“Nadina’s prose is a joy, flowing across the page to imagine a present and future nature of cities that is both knowledge-centered and human: at once thoughtful and emotional.”

— David Maddox, Ph.D., Scientist, Artist, and Executive Director of "The Nature of Cities"

Reviews from readers

Here’s a glimpse of what readers are saying about the book on Amazon. Click the button below to read more and leave your own review.

Free book club bonus material

Access the official book club guide to delve deeper into the material with behind-the-scenes anecdotes, exclusive photos from research trips, and over 20 thought-provoking questions.

1

Buy your copy from your favorite retailer.

2

Send purchase receipt to nadina@nadinagalle.com

3

Get the official book club guide for free.

The Nature of Our Cities reading guide

Where to buy

The Nature of Our Cities book cover

Based in the US or Canada? Get THE NATURE OF OUR CITIES from one of these online retailers or several independent bookstores:

The Nature of Our Cities book cover

Based in Europe? Get your English-language copy via The American Book Center!

Based in the UK? You can find a copy of the book at one of these stores:

De Natuur van Onze Steden boekcover

The Dutch translation of the book, DE NATUUR VAN ONZE STEDEN, is available at all major bookstores in the Netherlands and Belgium and online at the following retailers:

The Nature of Our Cities audiobook cover on phone

Prefer listening to reading? The English audiobook of THE NATURE OF OUR CITIES, narrated by Eileen Stevens, is available here:

Hi, I’m Nadina

I’m a Dutch-Canadian ecological engineer, National Geographic Explorer, science and nature writer, podcaster, and keynote speaker. I’m dedicated to inspiring even the staunchest city slicker to embrace nature for better health and happiness. I help green professionals use emerging technologies to improve urban ecosystems for future generations and work to make science accessible to everyone.

More about me

Media & Events

Join me at an upcoming stop on my book tour or explore a curated selection of articles, reviews, and interviews from esteemed publications spotlighting THE NATURE OF OUR CITIES.

For media inquiries, please contact Anwesha Basu (USA/Canada) at anwesha.basu@harpercollins.com or Françoise Parlevliet (NL/BE) at francoise.parlevliet@terralannoo.nl.

Book Tour

Pakhuis de Zwijger

Location: Amsterdam

Date: October 2, 2024

Time: 20.00

Register here

The American Book Center

Location: Amsterdam

Date: October 11, 2024

Time: 17.00

Register here
Beste Boeken Live: August 26, 2024 at 12.00 in Utrecht, The Netherlands
Future Green City LIVE Podcast: September 25, 2024 at 10.00 in Utrecht, The Netherlands
'Forest of the Future' Nature Festival: September 26, 2024 at 14.00 in Amsterdam Forest (Amsterdamse Bos), The Netherlands
Utopian Hours: October 18, 2024 at 18.45 in Turin, Italy
Partners in Community Forestry Conference: November 17-21, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois

Media

A curated selection of articles, reviews, and interviews from esteemed publications, including radio, TV, and podcasts, featuring THE NATURE OF OUR CITIES.

BLOOMBERG CITIES, 5 summer reads for urban innovators
YALE CLIMATE CONNECTIONS: Books for adapting cities to climate change
CITIES FOR EVERYONE WITH GIL PENALOSA: Nature and technology: Friends or foes in urban progress?
GLOBE AND MAIL: 34 books to read this summer
49TH SHELF: “Most Anticipated” Spring 2024 non-fiction
NRC: “A tweeting tree has been difficult to sell thus far."
HET PAROOL: “A tree gives a signal when they're thirsty."
ELSEVIER WEEKBLAD: “Technology is not the enemy of nature."
DE STANDAARD: “Boscompensatie en herplantplicht zijn totale bullshit"
DE MORGEN: “Thanks to this tree we save 15,000 euros annually."
DE SOCIËTEIT: Talk show guest on national Dutch TV talk show
QUILL AND QUIRE: Spring 2024 reading round up
BIOPHILIC SOLUTIONS PODCAST: Harnessing the power of new technology for greener cities with Nadina Galle
AUDIOFILE, Summer 2024 Earphones award winner
TREE LADY TALKS: Discussing THE NATURE OF OUR CITIES with Nadina Galle
LITHUB: Inclusion in new books round-up
ORION MAGAZINE: Excerpt of the prologue
BOOKPAGE: Book review
CHECK IT OUT / WATERLOO LIBRARY BOOK REVIEW: Reasons for hope amidst climate change in Nadina Galle’s THE NATURE OF OUR CITIES
WHAT’S UP INTERPRETERS? Podcast interview for the National Association for Interpretation
BIONEERS: How technology and ecology are redefining urban life
DAILY KOS: Inclusion in a nonfiction round-up
LITHUB: City of one million trees: how New York inspired other cities to go green
FERNS & FEATHERS: The Internet of Nature: How technology could shape our urban forests of the future
EARTH.COM: Book review
NATURE REVISITED: Podcast interview (Ep. 124) with Stefan van Noorden
AUDIOFILE MAGAZINE/BEHIND THE MIC PODCAST, Review/recommendation of the day
SHELF AWARENESS, Reader’s edition review
ONE EARTH, Staff book recommendation