As the world population climbs inexorably beyond the 7 billion mark, demand for habitable land follows suit. Currently half the worlds’ population live in cities or urbanised areas and by 2050 that figure will double. This expansion is placing a great burden on the natural world for space and resources and is contributing to climate change. The ecological cost is becoming well understood but what is the cost for those inhabiting the new urban environment? Does a disconnection between the urban human and nature have unexpected consequences? How can we design environmentally sustainable habitation centres that incorporate displaced ecology and provide physical and psychological wellbeing for their human inhabitants? This seminar and panel discussion will explore these and other questions relating to the urbanisation of the Earth.