Urban Political Ecology: Bridging Disciplines for Environmental Solutions

Maria Kaika introduced Urban Political Ecology, a framework that blends natural and social sciences. This approach aims to tackle urgent environmental challenges of our time.

Kaika discussed how this framework helps us understand various aspects of urban life, including new urbanization patterns, different ways knowledge is produced, and the complex relationships between politics, policy, and debates on urbanization and climate change. She stressed the importance of scholars addressing the reality of climate change.

Understanding Materiality through Practices

Annemarie Mol suggested focusing on practices rather than solely on materials. She believes that materials should be seen as part of a larger picture, with knowledge and actions all intertwined.

To illustrate this, she gave three examples such as using walking therapy for heart disease, the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on mood, and assessing cleanliness in urban areas. Mol emphasized the need for specific analysis in understanding these issues.

Aftertalk

Following their presentations, Mol and Kaika discussed how to incorporate materialities into social science research.

About the speakers

Annemarie Mol is Professor of Anthropology of the Body at the University of Amsterdam.

Maria Kaika is Director of the Centre for Urban studies and Professor of Urban, Regional and Environmental Planning at the University of Amsterdam.