Cities & the climate crisis – part of the problem, and the solution

UNFCCC COP20 in Lima, Peru This blog post (see original) was written and published on the Institute for Development’s Eldis website, as part of a series of blogs published during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP20) underway in Lima, Peru from 1- 12 December 2014. It discusses why cities serve an apt platform to tackle climate change, and the challenges and opportunities of urban climate… Read More Cities & the climate crisis – part of the problem, and the solution

09/12/201404/03/2016 jenniferlenhart1 Comment

Skyscraper farming: roof gardens in Beijing, New York, Hong Kong & Montreal

I’ve formerly boasted of my roof terrace garden in Amsterdam – growing and harvesting fresh herbs, salads and berries from spring, through summer, and into the autumn. My roof terrace offers the opportunity to connect to local food production while living in the city. I’m not the only one who enjoys rooftop gardening. Some of the… Read More Skyscraper farming: roof gardens in Beijing, New York, Hong Kong & Montreal

14/10/201404/03/2016 jenniferlenhartLeave a comment

Euro-cycling, urban agriculture and an adventure of a lifetime…

In August 2014, I met 3 French agronomy students from Montpellier University cycling through Europe to examine urban agriculture trends and innovations. We met to discuss Amsterdam’s Food Vision and to visit the garden I volunteer in (Curious Finch). While I don’t usually write about travel stories (save for urban interesting planning/ sustainability strategies…) their story is inspiring and I wanted to… Read More Euro-cycling, urban agriculture and an adventure of a lifetime…

10/09/201406/03/2016 jenniferlenhartLeave a comment

Amsterdam: Full Circle Harvest

January may seem like an odd month to post about urban agriculture undertakings in the Northern Hemisphere; but it’s now that preparations for our community plot are under way. In fact, last January (2013) I first became involved with a new urban agricultural plot in Amsterdam – and inspired by our own resident finch, it’s… Read More Amsterdam: Full Circle Harvest

29/01/201411/08/2016 jenniferlenhart1 Comment

Balcony Garden Bliss: Season 2013

Watching the rain fall relentlessly outside, there’s no denying it: it’s mid October in the Northern Hemisphere. And while I love this season’s colours, it is equally apparent that my Amsterdam balcony garden will soon be tucked away until spring. But, I guess that is a big part of it. Learning (again) to understand the… Read More Balcony Garden Bliss: Season 2013

14/10/201309/01/2014 jenniferlenhart6 Comments

Paris: reclaiming the city for cyclists & pedestrians – an update on Les Berges

Paris has an amazing public space project underway along the River Seine that I’ve followed for the last several months. It intends to permanently deviate vehicular traffic along some of the city’s busiest roads, transforming a few kilometers of this arterial into a cycling and pedestrian zone: full of cafés, art and entertainment spaces, bike paths and floating… Read More Paris: reclaiming the city for cyclists & pedestrians – an update on Les Berges

18/07/201310/08/2016 jenniferlenhart2 Comments

Copenhagen & Malmö: Scandinavian sustainability superstars

I was recently in Copenhagen, Denmark for the Nordic Environmental Social Sciences Conference. Afterwards, I took a few days to return to one of my all-time favorite sustainability stars – Malmö, Sweden. Having studied and worked in Southern Sweden, I always enjoy returning ‘home’ and remain fascinated by how these two cities continue to drive… Read More Copenhagen & Malmö: Scandinavian sustainability superstars

12/07/201318/07/2013 jenniferlenhart10 Comments

As local as it gets: watching the (edible) balcony garden grow

Since moving into my latest Amsterdam flat about a year ago, I have been dreaming about putting the beautiful 5 x 2 meters squared/ South-facing balcony to good use. Last year was a first attempt, and it went quite well. This year, I am curious to know: how much can one really grow on a… Read More As local as it gets: watching the (edible) balcony garden grow

16/05/201325/05/2013 jenniferlenhart5 Comments

Amsterdam: urban food revolutions | power to the pieper (potato)

Food logistics & food trade are complicated issues these days and they don’t always make sense. In the Netherlands for example, almost as many potatoes are imported as exported: there are strict guidelines which often prohibit Dutch farmers from selling potatoes inside the country. As a result, it may be easier to buy potatoes from… Read More Amsterdam: urban food revolutions | power to the pieper (potato)

12/04/201316/04/2013 jenniferlenhart1 Comment

Rain, snow or shine – to the (urban) farming fields we go

In the Netherlands, every year the ‘Orange Fund’ organizes a set of national volunteer days; this year they fell on 15 and 16 March 2013. Thousands of organizations all around the country in need of some extra help sign up. This day, called NL Doet, has become the largest voluntary action in the Netherlands. It… Read More Rain, snow or shine – to the (urban) farming fields we go

11/04/201315/04/2013 jenniferlenhart15 Comments

The Urban Observer

The everyday life & surprises of living an urban existence

Tag: urban agriculture