How Valencia and Tallinn are using entrepreneurship to mitigate disasters
Author | Elvira Esparza Valencia and Tallinn have launched initiatives that encourage startups to develop innovative solutions aimed at mitigating the impacts of natural disasters. The aim of this initiative is to develop innovative solutions for emergency management to reduce the impact of disasters, such as the ‘DANA’ (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos, Spanish for […]
How Chinese cities and the private sector are working to boost Low-Speed EVs and move away from fuel-driven vehicles
Author | Elvira Esparza The low-speed electric vehicle (LSEV) market is expanding rapidly worldwide due to the increasing restrictions on combustion vehicles. They have emerged as an alternative to conventional vehicles, enhancing mobility by being well-suited for short-distance travel and navigating congested city traffic. Fifty percent of the demand for low-speed electric vehicles comes from […]
Winter Placemaking: Turning Cold Cities into Vibrant Hubs
Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Päivi Raivio, a Helsinki-based urban designer and placemaker recognized for her innovative work on people-centered public spaces. With a background in creative urban interventions and community engagement, Raivio’s projects demonstrate how thoughtful design can make cities more vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming for every season.
Mobile ticketing is taking off in cities thanks to Low Emission Zones
Author | Elvira Esparza Mobiles have become an essential tool in our daily lives. Their use for paying public transport fares has facilitated the integration of various transportation modes, enhancing the overall user experience. Their adoption as a means of accessing Low Emission Zones has helped improve urban traffic flow and reduce pollution. The integration […]
How technology is being used to optimize city landfill sites and reduce emissions
Author | Lucía Burbano Cities must actively reduce their emissions to achieve the mid- and long-term decarbonization goals they have set. One of the infrastructures requiring the most effort in this regard is municipal waste management, as it is a major source of methane—a potent greenhouse gas. A report by the United Nations Environment Program […]
Pornainen (Finland) plans to store solar and wind energy during the harsh Nordic winter
Author | Lucía Burbano Despite the severity of their long, dark, and cold winters, Scandinavian countries are firmly committed to using renewable sources and innovative systems to heat and light their buildings, which have even become global examples in accelerating energy decarbonization. Now, Finland has taken a step further in the application of sustainable energy […]
Fukushima after the catastrophe: What’s the current situation and how do its residents live
Author | Raquel C. Pico In 2011, Japan experienced a powerful earthquake followed by a tsunami, both of which had devastating consequences. The earthquake registered a magnitude of 9.1 on the Richter scale, and its impact, combined with tsunami waves reaching up to 40 meters, resulted in the loss of 19,759 lives. Its repercussions triggered […]
Beyond decarbonization: How direct air capture seeks to drive the energy industry
Author | Raquel C. Pico To meet global warming targets recommended by agencies like the IPCC, decarbonizing the planet is essential. The first step is to reduce carbon emissions while also addressing historical emissions already released. This has led to the emergence of energy solutions offering alternative green sources, as well as tools to manage […]
Five years of COVID-19: how a tragedy changed cities for good
As we acknowledge five years since the outbreak of COVID-19, we reflect on how the pandemic reshaped the world in profound ways. Beyond the immediate devastation – millions of lives lost, economies shattered, and healthcare systems overwhelmed – it also sparked a wave of change and reconsideration.
Five smart city trends expected for 2025
Author | Elvira Esparza How will smart cities evolve in the near future? Although predicting the future carries some uncertainty, this year’s trends clearly point to the increasing integration of artificial intelligence in core functions such as traffic management, urban planning, and citizen engagement. The ultimate goal is to build more efficient and resilient urban […]