Mark Nieuwenhuijsen

Mark Nieuwenhuijsen is the director of urban planning, environment, and health at ISGlobal in Barcelona. Having lived in the city for 20 years, he has witnessed the escalating heat and air quality issues exacerbated by urban traffic. Nieuwenhuijsen advocates for the implementation of superblocks—pedestrian-friendly areas that prioritize people over vehicles—to improve Barcelona's livability and reduce pollution. He emphasizes the need for urgent action to adapt the city to climate change and mitigate health impacts stemming from rising temperatures.