Harry Smith
@hcsmith.bsky.social
Professor in Global Urbanism. Research & teaching for environmental & social justice. Urban planning & housing in the Global South and Scotland.
Reposted by Harry Smith
Where are the trees?
We have A LOT of this landscape and less than 4% native woodland. This should be a rich mosaic of habitats, moor, bog, woodland, montane scrub…We force it to remain in this artificial state. We don’t need to give every inch of our uplands over to sheep, grouse and deer stalking.
We have A LOT of this landscape and less than 4% native woodland. This should be a rich mosaic of habitats, moor, bog, woodland, montane scrub…We force it to remain in this artificial state. We don’t need to give every inch of our uplands over to sheep, grouse and deer stalking.
January 17, 2026 at 9:50 AM
Where are the trees?
We have A LOT of this landscape and less than 4% native woodland. This should be a rich mosaic of habitats, moor, bog, woodland, montane scrub…We force it to remain in this artificial state. We don’t need to give every inch of our uplands over to sheep, grouse and deer stalking.
We have A LOT of this landscape and less than 4% native woodland. This should be a rich mosaic of habitats, moor, bog, woodland, montane scrub…We force it to remain in this artificial state. We don’t need to give every inch of our uplands over to sheep, grouse and deer stalking.
Reposted by Harry Smith
#NatureBasedSolutions (NbS) have a lot to offer sub-Saharan Africa, like:
☀️Reduced extreme heat
💧Improved water security
🌱New green jobs
A report from WRI shows where NbS has already taken root, and what's needed to scale: lnkd.in/eXrBpCiX
☀️Reduced extreme heat
💧Improved water security
🌱New green jobs
A report from WRI shows where NbS has already taken root, and what's needed to scale: lnkd.in/eXrBpCiX
December 26, 2025 at 11:45 AM
#NatureBasedSolutions (NbS) have a lot to offer sub-Saharan Africa, like:
☀️Reduced extreme heat
💧Improved water security
🌱New green jobs
A report from WRI shows where NbS has already taken root, and what's needed to scale: lnkd.in/eXrBpCiX
☀️Reduced extreme heat
💧Improved water security
🌱New green jobs
A report from WRI shows where NbS has already taken root, and what's needed to scale: lnkd.in/eXrBpCiX
Reposted by Harry Smith
Africa’s cities are growing fast — but housing isn’t keeping up. 900M more urban residents by 2050, but only 21% of needed homes are being built.
Without urgent action, slums will swell, risks will rise, and resilience will remain out of reach. Housing can’t wait.
Without urgent action, slums will swell, risks will rise, and resilience will remain out of reach. Housing can’t wait.
October 17, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Africa’s cities are growing fast — but housing isn’t keeping up. 900M more urban residents by 2050, but only 21% of needed homes are being built.
Without urgent action, slums will swell, risks will rise, and resilience will remain out of reach. Housing can’t wait.
Without urgent action, slums will swell, risks will rise, and resilience will remain out of reach. Housing can’t wait.
Reposted by Harry Smith
If you're in Edinburgh, go check out the Jar in Action exhibit at Summerhall from 29Sept-19Oct
The jars represent different takes on the question "What does sustainability mean to you?" and includes work by HWU's Geography undergrad students www.summerhallarts.co.uk/event/jar-in...
The jars represent different takes on the question "What does sustainability mean to you?" and includes work by HWU's Geography undergrad students www.summerhallarts.co.uk/event/jar-in...
Jar in Action - Summerhall Arts
Jar in Action is an ongoing project undertaking research into perceptions around sustainability, produced by fusionartsci.co.uk With engagement at its core the project asks artists, scientists and com...
www.summerhallarts.co.uk
September 26, 2025 at 8:34 AM
If you're in Edinburgh, go check out the Jar in Action exhibit at Summerhall from 29Sept-19Oct
The jars represent different takes on the question "What does sustainability mean to you?" and includes work by HWU's Geography undergrad students www.summerhallarts.co.uk/event/jar-in...
The jars represent different takes on the question "What does sustainability mean to you?" and includes work by HWU's Geography undergrad students www.summerhallarts.co.uk/event/jar-in...
Reposted by Harry Smith
Urban resilience isn’t about walls or tech fixes, it’s about people.
Include communities, strengthen local governance, and blend nature with durable infrastructure.
Ignore equity or informal settlements, and you build fragility.
Include communities, strengthen local governance, and blend nature with durable infrastructure.
Ignore equity or informal settlements, and you build fragility.
October 4, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Urban resilience isn’t about walls or tech fixes, it’s about people.
Include communities, strengthen local governance, and blend nature with durable infrastructure.
Ignore equity or informal settlements, and you build fragility.
Include communities, strengthen local governance, and blend nature with durable infrastructure.
Ignore equity or informal settlements, and you build fragility.
Reposted by Harry Smith
Check out our fully-funded PhD Scholarship (one spot) to study the intersection between Climate Action and Climate (In)Justice at Heriot Watt, Edinburgh campus.
Open to home and overseas students. Due 26 Sept
#ClimateJustice #HumanGeography
www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
Open to home and overseas students. Due 26 Sept
#ClimateJustice #HumanGeography
www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
Understanding the Intersection between Climate Action and Climate (In)Justice at Heriot-Watt University on FindAPhD.com
PhD Project - Understanding the Intersection between Climate Action and Climate (In)Justice at Heriot-Watt University, listed on FindAPhD.com
www.findaphd.com
September 1, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Check out our fully-funded PhD Scholarship (one spot) to study the intersection between Climate Action and Climate (In)Justice at Heriot Watt, Edinburgh campus.
Open to home and overseas students. Due 26 Sept
#ClimateJustice #HumanGeography
www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
Open to home and overseas students. Due 26 Sept
#ClimateJustice #HumanGeography
www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
Reposted by Harry Smith
Early access to new article in #LancetRegionalHealth on the benefits and risks of #ArtificialIntelligence for #migrant #health (co-authored by Gina Netto, RCUS) #AI
@hcsmith.bsky.social
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
@hcsmith.bsky.social
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Artificial Intelligence in migrant health: a critical perspective on opportunities and risks
Rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are leading to the proliferation of
health applications. AI presents both opportunities and risks for migrants, including
refugees, and asylum-seekers. T...
www.thelancet.com
August 13, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Early access to new article in #LancetRegionalHealth on the benefits and risks of #ArtificialIntelligence for #migrant #health (co-authored by Gina Netto, RCUS) #AI
@hcsmith.bsky.social
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
@hcsmith.bsky.social
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Reposted by Harry Smith
New paper by Koorosh Ahghabozorgi (w @svdjagt.bsky.social @hcsmith.bsky.social) shows the importance and benefits of blue/green spaces for students' #MentalHealth
#UrbanForestry #UrbanGreening #Landscapes www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
#UrbanForestry #UrbanGreening #Landscapes www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
The role of university campus landscape characteristics in students’ mental health
University students frequently suffer from mental health challenges such as stress, depression, and anxiety during their studies. It is therefore cruc…
www.sciencedirect.com
August 4, 2025 at 3:04 PM
New paper by Koorosh Ahghabozorgi (w @svdjagt.bsky.social @hcsmith.bsky.social) shows the importance and benefits of blue/green spaces for students' #MentalHealth
#UrbanForestry #UrbanGreening #Landscapes www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
#UrbanForestry #UrbanGreening #Landscapes www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Harry Smith
In Brasilia now, in UK soon, Mae Mekea Project team present their 3D model of the #AmazonRainforest exploring how the forest is changing & lived experiences of #IndigenousPeoples on frontlines of #ClimateChange
@adriportella.bsky.social @hcsmith.bsky.social maemekea.site.hw.ac.uk/the-amazon-i...
@adriportella.bsky.social @hcsmith.bsky.social maemekea.site.hw.ac.uk/the-amazon-i...
The Amazon in 3D – Amazon Indigenous Wisdom
maemekea.site.hw.ac.uk
August 4, 2025 at 9:11 AM
In Brasilia now, in UK soon, Mae Mekea Project team present their 3D model of the #AmazonRainforest exploring how the forest is changing & lived experiences of #IndigenousPeoples on frontlines of #ClimateChange
@adriportella.bsky.social @hcsmith.bsky.social maemekea.site.hw.ac.uk/the-amazon-i...
@adriportella.bsky.social @hcsmith.bsky.social maemekea.site.hw.ac.uk/the-amazon-i...
Reposted by Harry Smith
New paper in Habitat International co-authored by RCUS Prof. Colin Jones shows nonlinear & spatial heterogeneity effects on #Housing prices in Beijing. Proximity to the central #BusinessDistrict, housing age, & size show significant spatially variable impacts.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Examining the nonlinear and spatial heterogeneity of housing prices in urban Beijing: an application of GeoShapley
Housing is essential for human well-being and economic stability. Major metropolitan areas, particularly in developing countries, face severe housing …
www.sciencedirect.com
June 20, 2025 at 8:52 AM
New paper in Habitat International co-authored by RCUS Prof. Colin Jones shows nonlinear & spatial heterogeneity effects on #Housing prices in Beijing. Proximity to the central #BusinessDistrict, housing age, & size show significant spatially variable impacts.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Harry Smith
The report has been deemed a ‘wake-up call’ for ministers over struggles faced by BME carers by STV News news.stv.tv/scotland/new...
New report a ‘wake-up call’ for ministers over struggles faced by BME carers
The Where Are We Now? report comes almost 20 years after a Scottish Government report highlighted the ‘barriers’ BME carers face accessing support.
news.stv.tv
June 19, 2025 at 9:04 AM
The report has been deemed a ‘wake-up call’ for ministers over struggles faced by BME carers by STV News news.stv.tv/scotland/new...
Reposted by Harry Smith
Good to see a legal right to breaks for unpaid carers being enshrined in law, something our friends MECOPP called for in their recent report which exposed the hardship and exhaustion experienced by BME unpaid carers in Scotland.
More on their calls: www.mecopp.org.uk/where-are-we... #CarersWeek
More on their calls: www.mecopp.org.uk/where-are-we... #CarersWeek
June 11, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Good to see a legal right to breaks for unpaid carers being enshrined in law, something our friends MECOPP called for in their recent report which exposed the hardship and exhaustion experienced by BME unpaid carers in Scotland.
More on their calls: www.mecopp.org.uk/where-are-we... #CarersWeek
More on their calls: www.mecopp.org.uk/where-are-we... #CarersWeek
Reposted by Harry Smith
For more information on Mae Mekea: Amazon Indigenous Wisdom - Shaping Climate Solutions in Brazil follow them on Instagram (@maemekea)
or visit their website maemekea.site.hw.ac.uk
or visit their website maemekea.site.hw.ac.uk
Amazon Indigenous Wisdom – Shaping Climate Solutions in Brazil @maemekea
maemekea.site.hw.ac.uk
June 19, 2025 at 8:34 AM
For more information on Mae Mekea: Amazon Indigenous Wisdom - Shaping Climate Solutions in Brazil follow them on Instagram (@maemekea)
or visit their website maemekea.site.hw.ac.uk
or visit their website maemekea.site.hw.ac.uk
Reposted by Harry Smith
New research from our Institute for Social Policy, Housing, Equalities Research shows stark #ethnic disparities in West Midlands #homelessness.
But innovative #prevention practices are beginning to work across the region.
More here: tinyurl.com/32brjpy2
#HeriotWattUni #SocialPolicy
But innovative #prevention practices are beginning to work across the region.
More here: tinyurl.com/32brjpy2
#HeriotWattUni #SocialPolicy
New research strengthens West Midlands’ commitment to tackle ethnic disparities in homelessness
Levels of homelessness are disproportionate among minoritised communities in the West Midlands, new research from Heriot-Watt University finds.
tinyurl.com
June 16, 2025 at 8:00 AM
New research from our Institute for Social Policy, Housing, Equalities Research shows stark #ethnic disparities in West Midlands #homelessness.
But innovative #prevention practices are beginning to work across the region.
More here: tinyurl.com/32brjpy2
#HeriotWattUni #SocialPolicy
But innovative #prevention practices are beginning to work across the region.
More here: tinyurl.com/32brjpy2
#HeriotWattUni #SocialPolicy
Reposted by Harry Smith
Congrats to our PhD student, Mireya Gómez-Nava, & team for winning a funding competition for their project: “From Knowledge to Action: Mexican Indigenous Women Harvesting Water for the Future” with support from University of Birmingham, British Council, & Tecnológico de Monterrey - Guadalajara.
June 16, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Congrats to our PhD student, Mireya Gómez-Nava, & team for winning a funding competition for their project: “From Knowledge to Action: Mexican Indigenous Women Harvesting Water for the Future” with support from University of Birmingham, British Council, & Tecnológico de Monterrey - Guadalajara.
After engaging with the self-built neighbourhoods of Medellin through action-research for over 10 years, they are now helping me rediscover my long dormant enjoyment of drawing.
June 7, 2025 at 2:34 PM
After engaging with the self-built neighbourhoods of Medellin through action-research for over 10 years, they are now helping me rediscover my long dormant enjoyment of drawing.
Reposted by Harry Smith
Congrats to our doctoral student, Jess Bowden, for passing her PhD viva!
#openacces publications from her thesis, Exploring Links Between #Heritage, #Memory and #SenseofPlace in Order to Understand How #OlderAdults Interact with Their Local #HistoricEnvironment, are linked in the thread below
#openacces publications from her thesis, Exploring Links Between #Heritage, #Memory and #SenseofPlace in Order to Understand How #OlderAdults Interact with Their Local #HistoricEnvironment, are linked in the thread below
June 2, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Congrats to our doctoral student, Jess Bowden, for passing her PhD viva!
#openacces publications from her thesis, Exploring Links Between #Heritage, #Memory and #SenseofPlace in Order to Understand How #OlderAdults Interact with Their Local #HistoricEnvironment, are linked in the thread below
#openacces publications from her thesis, Exploring Links Between #Heritage, #Memory and #SenseofPlace in Order to Understand How #OlderAdults Interact with Their Local #HistoricEnvironment, are linked in the thread below
Reposted by Harry Smith
Congrats to our @hwu-rcus.bsky.social colleagues, Dr Sacha Hasan, & Dr Deborah Menezes for their important research on housing barriers for people with complex needs in Scotland
New research by Heriot-Watt University for NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde found 1,300+ people with complex needs face significant #housing barriers in #Scotland, despite 20+ years of policy effort.
More here: tinyurl.com/d8usr9xr
#HeriotWattUni #HousingRights #ComplexNeeds @nhsggc.bsky.social
More here: tinyurl.com/d8usr9xr
#HeriotWattUni #HousingRights #ComplexNeeds @nhsggc.bsky.social
Critical housing barriers across Scotland are affecting people with complex needs
New research from Heriot-Watt reveals significant systemic barriers are preventing people with learning disabilities and complex needs from accessing appropriate housing.
tinyurl.com
April 30, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Congrats to our @hwu-rcus.bsky.social colleagues, Dr Sacha Hasan, & Dr Deborah Menezes for their important research on housing barriers for people with complex needs in Scotland
Reposted by Harry Smith
RCUS in the News: S.Hasan & D.Menezes found systemic barriers prevent people with learning disabilities & complex needs from accessing appropriate #housing in #Scotland “The reality is a postcode lottery which is unsustainable & damaging for our most vulnerable residents" news.stv.tv/east-central...
People with learning disabilities facing barriers to housing, report warns
It found around 1,300 people face challenges with appropriate accommodation, which was branded ‘varied and inconsistent’.
news.stv.tv
April 30, 2025 at 6:33 PM
RCUS in the News: S.Hasan & D.Menezes found systemic barriers prevent people with learning disabilities & complex needs from accessing appropriate #housing in #Scotland “The reality is a postcode lottery which is unsustainable & damaging for our most vulnerable residents" news.stv.tv/east-central...
Reposted by Harry Smith
Congratulations to our PGR student Koorosh Aghabozorgi who yesterday passed his viva AND heard news of publishing his latest article on the same day!
Read the preprint on the role of our @heriotwattuni.bsky.social campus #landscape in supporting student #MentalHealth here: doi.org/10.1016/j.uf....
Read the preprint on the role of our @heriotwattuni.bsky.social campus #landscape in supporting student #MentalHealth here: doi.org/10.1016/j.uf....
Redirecting
doi.org
May 20, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Congratulations to our PGR student Koorosh Aghabozorgi who yesterday passed his viva AND heard news of publishing his latest article on the same day!
Read the preprint on the role of our @heriotwattuni.bsky.social campus #landscape in supporting student #MentalHealth here: doi.org/10.1016/j.uf....
Read the preprint on the role of our @heriotwattuni.bsky.social campus #landscape in supporting student #MentalHealth here: doi.org/10.1016/j.uf....
Inspiring community work in self-built neighbourhoods in Medellin, collaborating with community organisations (JAC & Huerta Escuela El Faro, Mesa de Vivienda y Hábitat C8), NGOs (Madre Tierra Permacultura), and researchers at @hwu-rcus.bsky.social and @uoe-cahss.bsky.social. youtu.be/LEucGbeBBA4?...
Restauración Ecológica El Faro
YouTube video by Corporación Jurídica Libertad
youtu.be
June 1, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Inspiring community work in self-built neighbourhoods in Medellin, collaborating with community organisations (JAC & Huerta Escuela El Faro, Mesa de Vivienda y Hábitat C8), NGOs (Madre Tierra Permacultura), and researchers at @hwu-rcus.bsky.social and @uoe-cahss.bsky.social. youtu.be/LEucGbeBBA4?...
Reposted by Harry Smith
Really delighted to announce THIRTY bursaries for study on a postgraduate planning degree in Scotland in 2025/26.
The pipeline of future planners is being well supported by the Scottish Government. Details 👇
www.rtpi.org.uk/plannerbursary
The pipeline of future planners is being well supported by the Scottish Government. Details 👇
www.rtpi.org.uk/plannerbursary
March 31, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Really delighted to announce THIRTY bursaries for study on a postgraduate planning degree in Scotland in 2025/26.
The pipeline of future planners is being well supported by the Scottish Government. Details 👇
www.rtpi.org.uk/plannerbursary
The pipeline of future planners is being well supported by the Scottish Government. Details 👇
www.rtpi.org.uk/plannerbursary