TED Talks: Building Wonder Season 1 Episode 7 Alex Steffen: The Shareable Future of Cities

Alex Steffen, an author, and futurist, takes the stage in the seventh episode of season one of TED Talks: Building Wonder. The episode entitled "The Shareable Future of Cities" examines the ways in which cities are evolving to become more sustainable and accommodating for all inhabitants through the innovation of shared spaces.

Steffen begins his talk by stating that cities are the most powerful tools humanity has for creating a better world. He believes that the key to building a better future lies in creating cities that are designed for sharing resources, knowledge, and culture. In Steffen's view, sharing is a powerful tool that can help us adapt to new challenges and create a sustainable world.

Steffen goes on to provide examples of cities around the world that are working to become shareable. He highlights initiatives such as Berlin's "Sharing Economy Policy" and Amsterdam's "City as a Service" program that encourage citizens to share resources and create a more equitable city. He explains that these initiatives are inspired by the belief that access to goods and services is more important than ownership.

To Steffen, sharing is not just about being altruistic. It is also about creating a more livable city. He explains that sharing can create benefits for all parties involved, such as reducing costs and increasing efficiency. He believes that a shareable future is not only possible but necessary for the survival of our planet.

Steffen then presents his vision for how cities can become shareable. He imagines cities that prioritize the needs of residents over cars, where spaces are designed for sharing and collaboration, and where resources are shared instead of hoarded. He believes that creating this type of city requires collaboration between citizens, governments, and businesses.

The shareable future, according to Steffen, is not just about sharing tangible resources. It is also about sharing knowledge and ideas. He believes that sharing information can lead to better decision-making and ultimately, a healthier planet. Steffen encourages people to embrace the idea of sharing and to work towards creating a more shareable world.

In conclusion, Alex Steffen's TED Talk "The Shareable Future of Cities" explores the ways in which cities can become more sustainable and accommodating for all inhabitants through the innovation of shared spaces. He highlights the benefits of sharing and presents a vision for how cities can become more shareable. Through his talk, Steffen encourages people to embrace the idea of sharing and to work towards creating a more shareable world.