Relationships between teachers and students are a focus of both developmental and educational science, with implications for policies and experiences that affect millions of students globally. These relationships can be measured through various methods and have unique value for students’ learning and development, and they can be improved systematically. The study of teacher–student relationships confirms the value of adult–child relationships in human development more generally, with evidence of links to mechanisms of differential susceptibility and other broad developmental phenomena. Additional scientific efforts to understand the co-regulating linkages among social settings in classrooms, dyadic processes between teachers and students, and their respective individual developmental capacities hold promise for advancing developmental theory and its application in educational contexts.

This chapter explores urban nature-based solutions (NBSs) as an essential strategy for creating circular and liveable cities. NBSs leverage natural processes and ecosystems to address various urban challenges, including climate change adaptation, biodiversity loss, water management, and urban resilience. The chapter highlights how NBS can transform cities into more sustainable, resource-efficient environments while offering social, economic, and environmental benefits. Key urban NBSs discussed include green roofs, green walls, community gardens, permeable pavements, bioswales, urban forests, and constructed wetlands. These solutions not only contribute to mitigating the effects of urbanisation but also improve air and water quality, reduce the urban heat island effect, and enhance biodiversity. By integrating nature into urban planning, cities can become more resilient to extreme weather events and better equipped to manage natural resources sustainably. The chapter further emphasises the importance of policy frameworks and financial incentives to encourage the widespread adoption of NBS. Case studies from global cities illustrate the successful implementation of NBS and their positive impact on urban liveability. Ultimately, NBSs are a powerful tool in the circular economy framework, fostering healthier, greener, and more liveable cities that support both people and the planet.

This chapter explores the transition from the traditional linear economy, defined by the ‘take–make–dispose’ model, to a circular economy, with a focus on its application in creating liveable cities. With global material consumption and urbanisation increasing, cities are facing significant challenges, including resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and growing emissions. The circular economy offers a sustainable solution by promoting resource efficiency through recycling, reusing, and regenerating materials. This approach aims to decouple economic growth from resource consumption, enhancing urban resilience and sustainability. The chapter also highlights the role of circular economy practices in improving liveability within cities. By integrating circular principles into areas such as transportation, energy systems, water management, and the built environment, cities can reduce congestion, air pollution, and waste while promoting healthier urban living environments. The 5R framework – reduce, reuse, recycle, restore, and recover – is introduced as a core strategy for embedding circularity into city functions. Additionally, the chapter identifies key enablers, such as government policies, digital technology, and public engagement, that support the circular transition. Through these measures, cities can become sustainable, resilient hubs of innovation and prosperity, balancing economic growth with environmental protection and improving the quality of life for their residents.

This chapter delves into circular urban agriculture, examining strategies for sustainable food production in rapidly growing cities. As urbanisation accelerates, cities face the challenge of feeding an estimated nine billion people while minimising the environmental impact of agriculture. Traditional agricultural practices contribute to resource depletion and pollution, making a circular approach essential for sustainable urban development. Circular urban agriculture integrates resource efficiency by using waste streams, conserving water, and minimising inputs like soil and fertilisers. The chapter discusses various urban farming methods, including rooftop gardens, vertical farming, hydroponics, and community gardens. These practices can increase local food production while reducing the environmental footprint of cities. Water conservation and recycling are emphasised as critical components of circular urban agriculture. Strategies such as drip irrigation, greywater reuse, and rainwater harvesting help reduce reliance on municipal water supplies, lower operational costs, and promote sustainability. The chapter also highlights resource recovery, particularly through nutrient recycling and the use of biosolids, to enhance soil quality and increase agricultural productivity. By adopting circular practices, cities can support local food production, improve resource efficiency, and contribute to urban resilience, all while fostering community relationships and reducing the environmental impact of traditional agricultural systems.

This chapter outlines the best practices and strategies for cities to transition towards becoming circular and liveable. It emphasises the importance of adopting circular economy principles across various urban sectors, including waste management, energy efficiency, transportation, and urban agriculture. By applying the 5R approach – reduce, reuse, recycle, restore, and recover – cities can decouple economic growth from environmental degradation and create more sustainable urban environments. The chapter presents actionable strategies, such as implementing energy-efficient financing for building retrofits, promoting water reuse through grant programmes, and creating comprehensive electronic waste collection and disposal systems. It also emphasises the role of public participation and stakeholder collaboration in driving circular initiatives, highlighting the Quadruple Helix model, which involves academia, industry, government, and civil society working together to foster innovation. Additionally, the chapter explores the integration of nature-based solutions, sustainable infrastructure, and urban resilience practices. Case studies from cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and Copenhagen showcase successful examples of circular business models and governance frameworks that contribute to sustainability. Finally, the chapter presents a roadmap for moving forward, focusing on education, policy innovation, and community engagement as critical components for building resilient, circular cities that prioritise both environmental sustainability and social equity.

This chapter focuses on urban water demand management, a critical strategy for enhancing water security in growing cities. Traditional water management has relied on supply-side solutions, such as large-scale infrastructure projects like dams and reservoirs. However, these solutions are often costly, environmentally damaging, and politically contentious. In contrast, demand-side management seeks to reduce water consumption and optimise existing water resources, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective approach. Urban water demand management aims to change societal behaviours, attitudes, and practices towards water use. By implementing water conservation strategies, urban managers can decouple water demand from economic and population growth, reducing pressure on municipal water supplies. The chapter explores various demand management tools, including pricing mechanisms, water trading, metering, active leak detection, and alternative water supplies like rainwater harvesting and greywater systems. Additionally, the chapter highlights the importance of public education, communication, and stakeholder engagement in fostering a culture of water conservation. By utilising a portfolio of regulatory, technological, and communication-based instruments, cities can manage water demand more effectively, improve water security, and reduce the environmental impact of urban growth. Ultimately, demand management is essential for creating resilient urban water systems in the face of climate change and increasing population pressures.