Jesse M. Keenan’s Book Launch

On March 24th, Jesse M. Keenan discusses his recently published book, , alongside Mary Rowe. Join the School of Cities in person on Tuesday, March 24th, 2026, at 5:00pm at the Boardroom, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy.

In North: The Future of Post-Climate America, Jesse M. Keenan argues that America is entering a new era marked by shifts in population that will transform everything from the physical landscape of cities to electoral politics. First, Keenan examines how human mobility is shaped by the environment and the economy. Next, he provides a conceptual and empirical overview of adaptation science, with a focus on how people, governments, and markets are preparing for and responding to climate impacts. He documents how physical impacts in the built environment, escalating costs, and public sector inertia are converging to drive people out of high-risk areas, while, at the same time, certain other areas are attracting people who seek a more sustainable way of life. North is not just a collection of scientific observations and projections about the peril of those left behind. It is also a projection of optimism about America's capacity for decarbonization, environmental stewardship, and economic mobility for those on the move.

We expect the venue to be filled (50 seats) so please ensure your invited guests arrive promptly at 4:30 pm to secure seats.

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Speaker Bio

Jesse M. Keenan (he/him) is the Favrot II Associate Professor of Sustainable Real Estate and Urban Planning, Director of the Center on Climate Change and Urbanism, and Director of the Climate Change Science and Practice Minor Program at Tulane University. Keenan’s research focuses on the intersection of climate change mitigation and adaptation in the built environment, including aspects of design, engineering, regulation, planning, and financing. Keenan has previously advised on matters concerning the built environment for agencies of the U.S. government, governors, mayors, Fortune 500 companies, technology ventures, community enterprises and international NGOs. Keenan formerly served as the Director and Area Head for Real Estate and Built Environment on the faculty of the Harvard Graduate School of Design; Fellow of Science, Technology and Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government; and as the Research Director of the Center for Urban Real Estate on the faculty of the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at Columbia University, as well as visiting appointments at the University of Pennsylvania and Oxford University.

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Discussant Bio

Mary Rowe (she/her) is a leading urban advocate and civil society trailblazer who has worked in cities and with communities across Canada and the United States. She is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Urban Institute, a national platform for advancing the understanding and practice of urbanism in Canada.

Mary was President of the Canadian platform Ideas That Matter, a convening and publishing program based on the work of renowned urbanist Jane Jacobs, when a mid-career fellowship with the US-based blue moon fund led her to New Orleans. There she worked with national philanthropy, governments and community activists to support rebuilding through micro-investments in neighbourhood projects for seven years in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Prior to joining the Canadian Urban Institute, Mary lived in New York City and served as Executive Vice President of the Municipal Art Society (MASNYC), one of America’s oldest civic advocacy organizations focused on the built environment.

Mary is a frequent contributor to national and international city-building programs, including UN Habitat, the Massey City Summit, The Art of City Building and the World Urban Forum. She is a frequent media commentator and writer. Under Mary’s leadership, the Canadian Urban Institute expanded to include an international network from government, industry, community and city-building professions to advance research and collaborate on solutions to some of our greatest urban challenges.

Mary is a Senior Fellow with Shorefast, a national charity focused on building community economies, and the creator, executive producer and host of CityTalk, a regular virtual discussion featuring a diverse line-up of leading and emerging voices on the most pressing issues of the day.

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The School of Cities is committed to making its programs accessible to persons with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to participate in this event, please write to [email protected] at least 48 hours prior to the program with information regarding the requested accommodation.

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