On-Demand
Earn CEUs: $45 Add to Cart
Select this option if you would like to earn CEUs from this webinar. This may involve a quiz at the end of the webinar. You will not be allowed to fast-forward.
Webinar Only: $35 Add to Cart
Select this option if you would like to watch the webinar and not obtain CEUs.
Webinar Description:
This presentation is focused on identifying the critical role that landscapes and greenspaces play in preserving the natural environment in cities as well as impacting climate change and sustainability. Cities average 1-3 degrees hotter than other areas, while glass, concrete, hardscapes, and carbon emissions only add to the problem. Urban areas tend to lack trees that help reduce air temperature by blocking the sun’s rays, while cutting pollution levels by absorbing harmful particles. Natural ground absorbs rain, but in a city, the rain just runs into the sewer system, eventually making rivers and lakes warmer, which affects marine life. Keeping the green in our cities and increasing green spaces can have a major impact on restoring a better balance with nature. With water scarcity concerns on the rise, cities are increasing water rates and offering rebates to replace turf with hardscapes and xeriscapes.
Introducing diverse designs using water efficient methods with reduced fertilizer run-off can offer a solution for cities. The roles of biodiversity in the future changes of biogeochemical cycles and climate change will be also discussed. The aim is to demonstrate the negative impact that the current urban sprawl has had on the environment and sustainability, then offering nature-based approaches through landscapes and greenspaces to solve many socio-environmental issues, including climate change.
Learning Objectives:
1. Impact of Trees, turf, and plants on the environment (soil, water, climate) and people.
2. Importance of reductions in water and fertilizer usage in landscapes.
3. Benefits of diversity in designs, vertical walls or planters, patio or rooftop greenspaces, and incorporating spaces.
Janice Gould
Janice Gould has spent the past fifteen years dedicating her time and passion to irrigation. She has become a strong advocate for water conservation and improving water management and sustainability to preserve the environment and create a livable planet. Her mission has been to increase food production and save water for our children today and for our children’s children and grandchildren. Her main focus has been in developing and distributing a disruptive irrigation technology through her company, Responsive Drip Irrigation, LLC (RDI). RDI is a US- based company that has its main office in Bradenton, Florida and is currently working on projects in California and other water-stressed states in the western United States, as well as, more than 40 countries around the world. Working with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Jan has also established a manufacturing and distribution facility in the United Arab Emirates.
In 2022, RDI’s Nature & Water Conservancy Center for Global Sustainability opened in Abu Dhabi. The Center is focused on R&D of new innovative solutions and collaborating with companies introducing new Tech for water management, soil regeneration, carbon sequestering, best practices in agriculture, methods for preserving landscapes & green spaces in urban areas, and sustainable practices that will positively impact the environment. This center offers education on innovative products and methods, serving as a resource and educational center to lead the way for an agricultural transformation that utilizes the latest AgTech products and regenerative practices to preserve the planet for future generations.
