How some cities are safeguarding worker health and safety amid heat waves
Author | Raquel C. Pico Climate change is driving global warming. The IPCC reports have been warning about this for years, but the general public is now becoming increasingly aware of it in their everyday lives, especially during the summer months. Heatwaves have become more frequent and intense. This has a direct impact on public […]
Korea now supplies its most remote islands by drone
Author | Lucía Burbano South Korea is now employing drones to transport essential supplies to its most remote areas, showcasing the nation’s strong commitment to unmanned aerial vehicles. This initiative not only addresses logistical challenges but also aligns with South Korea’s strategic goal of becoming a global leader in drone technology and innovation. The drone […]
Rubber in playgrounds: an unexpected source of land pollution?
Author | Lucía Burbano Can materials like rubber, used in public infrastructures such as children’s parks, have harmful effects on health? In general terms, the numerous quality controls to which they are subjected would suggest otherwise. Many of these petroleum-based synthetics, however, contain harmful substances that can negatively impact the environment and potentially human health. […]
Are illuminated pedestrian crossings effective in preventing accidents?
Author | Raquel C. Pico Despite significant advancements in road safety in recent decades, there remain numerous areas that need attention and further improvement. Pedestrian safety is one such area, as many cities and roads still prioritize vehicular traffic over the safety and convenience of pedestrians. Improving sidewalks and creating safe spaces for pedestrians is […]
Tire dust: the great hidden pollutant in road traffic
Author | Raquel C. Pico Although we often view the environmental footprint of cars as a whole, their impact on the environment—and consequently on human health—is actually linked to various types of pollution. On the one hand, there are emissions from exhaust pipes. On the other hand, there are those not directly related to exhaust […]
La Rinconada, Peru: Living in the highest altitude city in the world
Author | Raquel C. Pico If you take a map of the world and look for the most populated areas with the highest concentration of cities, you will likely notice a pattern. Coastal regions and well-connected valleys tend to have the most towns and, generally, a higher population density. This makes sense, as these areas […]
Wood: A key material for the new generation of sustainable development
Author | Elvira Esparza Wood can replace other construction materials such as steel, concrete, and glass, and it is also a more sustainable option. Using wood in construction does not entail destroying forests; instead, it focuses on preserving existing forests and managing tree-rich regions with modern methods aimed at protecting biodiversity. The sustainable use of […]
How the city of Pontevedra became a pioneer in pedestrianizing its streets
Author | Lucía Burbano Nearly 25 years ago, Pontevedra sparked a revolution by removing cars and reclaiming its streets and squares for its residents. How? By placing people at the heart of its urban strategy, pedestrianizing the entire city center and significant portions of its inner ring road. Despite initial reservations in the Galician city, […]
Ellinikon, Greece’s futuristic smart city project in an abandoned airport
Author | Lucía Burbano Over the next decade, the former international airport of Ellinikon will be transformed into Greece’s first smart city, embracing the principles of sustainable and inclusive urbanism. Ellinikon, one of the largest urban regeneration projects in Europe, is dedicated to integrating advanced technology, environmental sustainability, and smart resource and population management. It […]
The momentum of smart cities in Latin America
This is a guest post by Lucía Bellocchio, founder and executive director of Trend Smart Cities. Lucía has extensive experience working on urban innovation, and has written in leading media outlets in South America like La Nación, El Observador, Clarín or TN. Over the past decade, Latin America has witnessed a remarkable advance in adopting innovative […]