Affairs
What we gain and lose with the rise of sky gardens
Although green spaces are always a welcome addition to urban landscapes, vertical lawns can never replace real parks in the heart of cities.



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The Agenda: Affairs
What we have learned a year on from the 7 October attacks, Brazil’s spat with Nicaragua and Ireland’s naval know-how.

Affairs round up: Icebreaking in the Arctic, Rwanda’s aviation ambitions and 58 Polish “wolverines”
Arctic sea ice might be shrinking but it still inhibits maritime navigation. Seven Nato members have territory in the northern polar region but their icebreaking capabilities lag behind those of Russia and China. The…

Is neutrality coming to an end as politicians look to put Thailand back on the map?
As geopolitical schisms widen, will an intermittent democracy with growing regional clout continue to conciliate – or is it time to take sides? Monocle meets the diplomats who will decide.

Steering giants through Seattle’s waters at Puget Sound
Monocle climbs aboard a cargo carrier to learn how a special cohort of pilots steer these giant vessels through Puget Sound, a complex system of maritime waterways surrounding Seattle.

Chain reaction
Despite cleaning up the Belgian capital’s congested centre, an anti-car initiative has divided opinion. We meet the policy’s architects – and some of its opponents.

Editor’s letter: Andrew Tuck on making cities work for everyone
The conversation around urban planning has been politicised like never before. But in striving to point out what makes cities work, Andrew Tuck says we’re more than up for the debate.

Talking trash: Community efforts and new technology that are keeping our cities clean
From the Swiss inventor taking bins underground to an ecological pioneer in Bali, we celebrate the unsung heroes keeping our cities clean and tidy.

The essential survival guide on how to beat the heat in the city
Summers are getting hotter and urban areas bear the brunt. From age-old wisdom to some modern insights, here are some tips and tricks to stay cool this season.

The Monocle manifesto for collective wellbeing
From urbanism and the environment to simple street manners, we present 30 edicts for improving cities for people and planet.

Urbidermis’s commitment to sustainable landscaping is shaping cities across the world
Founded ahead of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, this design company has been setting the blueprint for enhancing cities with innovative and sustainable urban furniture, while harnessing the natural world.
