10 June 2023 12:07 pm
Prioritising water and food security in smart City Development

Prioritising water and food security in smart City Development

May 15, 2023

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We all know technology could turn one of the greatest challenges of today into one of the greatest opportunities for sustainable socio-economic development to maintain economic progress while dramatically reducing emissions, but beyond Tech: Prioritising water and food security in smart City Development would be a must, especially in certain regions of the globe.

The image above is credited to the Gulf Times

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Beyond Tech: Prioritising water and food security in smart City Development

By Chandra Dake, 

May 14, 2023
Prioritising water and food security in smart City Development Female Farm Worker Using Digital Tablet With Virtual Reality Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Analyzing Plant Disease in Sugarcane Agriculture Fields. Technology Smart Farming and Innovation Agricultural Concepts. Image used for illustrative purpose. Getty Images , Getty Images
Female Farm Worker Using Digital Tablet With Virtual Reality Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Analyzing Plant Disease in Sugarcane Agriculture Fields. Technology Smart Farming and Innovation Agricultural Concepts. Image used for illustrative purpose. Getty Images

Dake Rechsand’s Chandra Dake examines why water and food security networks are equally essential for the smart cities of the future.

Smart city projects dominate the development vision of economies across the world. In the Middle East, such developments are gaining momentum by the day. Therefore, a future where the word “smart” prefixes every city in the developing world is not too far away. However, at this juncture, the question remains: What are smart cities beyond their obvious technological underpinnings?

By definition, smart cities are urban centres where infrastructure, such as power grids, water utilities, and traffic control, is connected via different information and communication technologies (ICT). In the Middle East, smart city developments must prioritise food and water networks due to long-standing scarcities. Due to systemic challenges, including but not limited to an arid climate, high soil salinity, unreliable rainfall, and desert conditions, the region has not made progress toward sustainable water and food security.

Systems thinking approach to food security

Food scarcity has many causal factors as well as consequences. In the regional context, it has led to a trade deficit, with nearly 90 percent of food being imported. Such supply-chain dependencies are not sustainable in the long run. While the obvious solution is local food production through agriculture, it is anything but easy due to desert conditions, soil salinity, and water scarcity, among other detriments. This complex situation calls for a “systems thinking” approach.

Systems thinking posits a multidimensional assessment of a problem, as well as a strong focus on how various constituents interrelate. For example, due to soil salinity, local food production requires excessive irrigation, which further aggravates existing water scarcity. The adoption of smart agriculture technologies (AgriTech), such as irrigation sensors and precision farming, carries merit. However, their impact is limited to increased efficiency in irrigation and yield measurement; they cannot address systemic challenges such as soil salinity.

Water-retentive mediums such as ‘Breathable Sand’ make a compelling case here. Through its permeability, it ensures effective nutrient supply to the roots, leading to optimal yield with nearly 80 percent less water usage. Combined with smart AgriTech, such solutions can enhance food security without compromising water goals, characteristic of systems thinking. Concurrently, smart cities, through the effective use of sensors and networks, must make provision for a reduction in water usage, reuse, and recycling.

Sponginess adds to smartness in cities

As part of smart city projects, developers can implement Sponge City solutions like ‘IDer’ across public areas. In application, they absorb rainfall runoffs, keep surfaces free from waterlogging and skidding, and even filter and store the water in underground reservoirs. The harvested water can enhance the city’s water security, as well as supercharge its agriculture-led food security efforts. Instead of traditional carbon-intensive techniques, such as the construction of canals and sewers, urban master planners can explore Sponge Cities to address flooding incidents associated with increasing rainfall.

Thanks to smart cities’ ICT capabilities, stakeholders can effectively measure the positive outcomes. The “measurability” is paramount because, in the short term, it enables regional economies to show accountability and transparency in key conventions such as COP28 and, in the long term, helps stay on track to achieving ambitious goals like net-zero emissions.

The bottom line is that the standalone capabilities of ICT in smart cities need on-the-ground, practical solutions to contribute to sustainable development goals.

 

Chandra Dake is the Executive Chairman and Group CEO of the Dake Group. 

ZAWYA

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What role can blockchain play in developing smart cities

What role can blockchain play in developing smart cities

May 13, 2023

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What role can blockchain play in developing smart cities and the IoT when growing cities are a critical fact of the 21st Century representing the greatest challenge . . . 

The author states that, for instance, by ”using blockchain, citizens could receive tokens for waste disposal.”

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Smart cities are urban areas that use advanced technologies such as sensors, data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve the quality of life for their citizens. As these kinds of cities grow and become smarter, managing the vast amounts of data generated by IoT devices raises concerns about privacy and security. Blockchain technology can provide a secure and transparent way to manage data and administrative processes and improve safety. It can play a significant role in developing smart cities and the IoT.

How can Blockchain help develop Smart Cities and IoT?

1. Secure Data Management

Imagine a smart city with sensors that collect data on traffic, energy consumption, and air quality. All this data is like puzzle pieces that can help city planners make better decisions to improve the city. However, they need to ensure that the data is secure and only accessible by authorized people. Blockchain can help with that by creating a transparent and secure data management system. It’s like having a locked box where only authorized people have the key. This way, they can track who owns the data and how it’s being shared between parties like the city government, businesses, and citizens.

2. Decentralized Energy Grid

Let’s say you are a city government official responsible for waste management. You want to incentivize citizens to dispose of their trash and recycle properly, but you’re unsure how to track and reward individual efforts. Using blockchain technology, citizens could receive tokens for proper waste disposal, which they could then exchange for rewards like discounts at local businesses or even tax credits. This creates a more efficient and transparent way to incentivize good behavior and promote sustainability in the city.

3. Digital Identity Management

Blockchain can be used to create a safe and reliable way for citizens to prove their identity, reducing the chance of someone stealing or committing fraud. For example, blockchain technology can create digital IDs that allow citizens to vote or access government services, making these processes faster and more efficient.

4. Smart Contract Integration

Blockchain smart contracts can automate many aspects of city management, including traffic management, waste management, and emergency response. This could reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance citizen safety.

5. Public Records Management

Blockchain technology can make public records like property titles and business registrations more secure and transparent. This can reduce bureaucratic processes and enhance the accuracy and accessibility of public records. For instance, when buying a property, the buyer and seller can use blockchain to automate the transfer of ownership, making the process more secure and transparent.

Conclusion

Blockchain technology has the potential to play a vital role in the development of smart cities and the Internet of Things. By providing secure and transparent data management, decentralized energy grids, digital identity management, smart contract integration, and public records management, blockchain could help to create more efficient, sustainable, and livable cities for all.

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How Smart Cities are Transforming Urban Living

May 2, 2023

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Throughout the world, cities are increasingly looking to digitize services or become more technology-forward. In so doing, the Intersection of AI and IoT is an obligatory passage resulting in the author wondering How Smart Cities are Transforming Urban Living? 

A Smart City is an urban area that utilizes advanced technologies, data analytics, and interconnected systems to optimize urban processes, infrastructure, and services. By integrating data collection and communication technologies with the Internet of Things (IoT), a Smart City can improve its citizens’ efficiency, sustainability, and overall quality of life while reducing environmental impact and promoting economic growth.

The image above is of IStock.

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The Intersection of AI and IoT: How Smart Cities are Transforming Urban Living

Assad Abbas

 

Last updated: 
KEY TAKEAWAYS

The combination of AI and IoT technologies is revolutionizing the way we live and work in smart cities, making them more efficient, sustainable, and livable. Real-time data analysis from multiple devices is simplifying decision-making and administrative tasks, optimizing resource utilization, and improving public safety. The smart city concept uses technology to improve the quality of life, including transportation, solid waste management, pollution reduction, sustainable communities, irrigation, public safety, traffic management, and healthcare, among others. Cities like Singapore, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Dubai are leveraging the benefits of AI and IoT technologies to transform urban living.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are being used together to leverage each other’s advantages. The interconnection of various data-generating devices, such as sensors, computers, vehicles, smartphones, buildings, and software through the Internet, has revolutionized how we live today.

The interplay of AI and IoT technologies has completely transformed the way we interpret and analyze the massive amount of data that is continuously generated by IoT devices with the help of AI techniques.

As a result, decision-making, optimizing industrial processes, making predictions, and identifying anomalies in industrial settings becomes easier than ever. Similarly, AI and IoT technologies are being used together in smart city applications to improve urban infrastructure and the quality of life.

Understanding smart cities

The idea of smart cities is described below, and various constituent components and examples of smart cities are also provided.

Defining smart cities

Before delving into how AI and IoT are transforming smart cities, it is important to understand what a smart city is and how it functions. The concept of smart cities emerged after the term “pervasive computing” started gaining popularity in the first decade of this century. Pervasive computing simply refers to “computing everywhere”. Therefore, pervasive computing and smart cities are closely related in several ways.

We can define smart cities as urban areas that utilize technology strategically and efficiently to perform day-to-day operations and improve their inhabitants’ quality of life. This includes incorporating technology in every aspect of life to offer better civic services, such as transportation, solid waste management and collection, pollution-free and sustainable communities, irrigation, healthcare, public safety and policing, traffic management, and many others. In a nutshell, “a smart city is an interconnected and technology-enabled sustainable environment designed to improve the standard of living of its residents.”

Components of smart cities

Smart cities comprise a variety of components, each of which is crucial for their functioning. The components include:

  • IoT devices: these include various data-collecting devices, such as sensors, traffic, air quality, energy usage monitoring devices, and so on.
  • Data analytics component: the component is responsible for processing and analyzing the data collected through the IoT devices
  • Communication Networks: are used for data transmission among IoT devices, data analytics systems, and other infrastructure components.
  • Metropolitan infrastructure and public services: are essential for the functioning of smart cities. Infrastructure includes buildings, roads, and other public areas, which can be transformed through data analytics and IoT. On the other hand, public services can be transportation, healthcare, education, and public safety, which may be improved through AI and data analytics.

Examples of smart cities

Recently, many cities worldwide have started implementing smart technologies to uplift the living standard of their citizens. Some of the cities include Singapore, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Dubai. Singapore’s smart city initiative utilizes IoT data and performs analytics to improve mobility and healthcare services, support businesses, and optimize traffic flows and energy usage. Likewise, Amsterdam, in addition to the ones discussed above, emphasizes sustainable solutions to mobility by providing smart traffic systems and electric charging stations.

Barcelona is not behind the others and also relies on IoT devices and data analytics methods. In particular, smart lighting systems based on motion sensors, green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, smart bike sharing, and waste reduction are among the few initiatives that make Barcelona a smart city. Similarly, automated buses and the urban metro system, smart grids, smart and energy-efficient buildings, smart healthcare, and policing have made Dubai emerge as one of the rapidly developing smart cities. The initiatives, such as Dubai Blockchain Strategy, the Dubai Future Accelerators program, and the Smart Dubai Platform, are pivotal in making Dubai one of the top living choices.

How AI and IoT are transforming urban living?

The intersection of AI and IoT technologies is transforming living and work in smart cities, and their impacts are becoming significant daily. By combining these two technologies, a new era of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability is emerging, which once could have only been dreamt of by humans. Real-time analysis of continuously generated data by multiple devices simultaneously has made decision-making and administrative tasks easier without much human involvement. For example, traffic signals equipped with IoT sensors can monitor traffic flow which can further be analyzed using AI algorithms and consequently can help traffic lights adapt to the traffic situation at a particular intersection in the city.

Likewise, another exciting usage scenario is in the solid waste collection and management domain, where the smart waste bins equipped with IoT ultrasonic sensors can notify about the levels of waste in the bins. AI techniques can schedule pickups, reducing unnecessary trips of waste collection vehicles and the environmental impact. Similarly, in smart buildings equipped with IoT devices, such as sensors, HVAC, lighting, etc., the data analytics techniques, with the help of the current sensor readings and historical data, may direct the control modules to optimize energy usage or predict any failures of the equipment. Moreover, the HVAC systems in smart buildings can be automatically adjusted based on occupancy and outside environmental conditions.

There are numerous advantages to using the two diverse spheres of technology together. Primarily, they result in increased efficiency, optimal resource utilization, reduced human involvement, savings of time and finances, etc. Moreover, sustainability is also vital in smart cities and can be improved through several environment-friendly initiatives. With the help of the sensors installed city-wide, the data about air quality and water usage is collected and analyzed by AI techniques. The data is subsequently used to issue alerts to the authorities of the areas where attention is required, for example, where high pollution levels are in the air or where water is being wasted.

AI and IoT technologies also help improve public safety through real-time monitoring. AI-powered security cameras are used to detect suspicious behavior through continuous surveillance. Similarly, monitoring the infrastructure for possible safety hazards through sensing devices enables timely alerts and quicker responses from the concerned authorities. In addition, greater civic engagement is promoted by providing citizens access to real-time data through various platforms and enabling them to provide decision-making feedback, leading to more impartial outcomes.

Challenges and Limitations of AI and IoT in Smart Cities

Though there are several benefits of integrating AI and IoT technologies in smart cities provides. However, numerous challenges and limitations must be addressed.

  • Device heterogeneity 

A lack of standardization across heterogeneous IoT devices and their communication protocols often results in compatibility issues, thus demanding the standardization of IoT protocols and interfaces for effective device integration and efficient data communication.

  • Data deluge 

The large volumes of data generated by IoT devices demand powerful computing resources and storage capabilities, hence elevating the need for data centers and cloud computing infrastructure.

  • Data security and privacy

Data security is crucial in smart cities due to the risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches, necessitating robust security measures. Moreover, continuous surveillance could also lead to privacy issues.

  • Ethical concerns

Addressing ethical concerns, such as bias introduced by the computational algorithms, may lead to discriminatory outcomes (for example, unfair treatment of certain groups), which is undesirable for equity and diversity in societies.

  • Job displacement and economic inequality 

Integrating AI and IoT in smart cities could lead to job displacement, especially for those who have little technical skills in sectors such as transport manufacturing, or logistics. This may further increase inequality of income and lead to a large number of workers not being adequately supported. Strategies to mitigate negative impacts should be developed in view of the possible impact on workers.

  • Massive investments 

Finally, significant investments are needed to realize smart city initiatives which can be challenging to manage initially.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the intersection of AI and IoT has paved the way for developing smarter and more sustainable cities. From optimizing energy consumption and transportation to enhancing public safety and citizen engagement, these technologies are revolutionizing how we live and interact in urban environments. While some challenges and limitations need to be addressed, the potential benefits of AI and IoT in smart cities are immense and should be exploited for better communities.

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What does ESG really mean for cities?

Apr 28, 2023

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What does ESG really mean for cities?

Can cities that prioritise ESG considerations create more sustainable and resilient communities that are better equipped to address challenges like climate change, social inequality and economic instability?

By Silvia Pellegrino

According to the World Economic Forum, cities not only house 60% of the world’s population but are responsible for over 70% of total emissions, meaning that they are at the heart of the green transition.

Green transition: ESG frameworks for cities need to go beyond visual indicators into tangible urban policy. (Photo by Owlie Productions/Shutterstock)

ESG approaches can guide cities towards a more efficient social and environmental strategy as well as help to reach the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals since they make finding solutions to socio-environmental challenges easier.

But what does ESG mean for cities in a practical sense? And how can its principles be applied?

What is ESG?

ESG stands for environmental, social and governance framework. It refers to a set of standards that revolve around a company or city’s impact on the environment and its transparency around it.

An ESG strategy can be the key to proving that steps are being taken to become more environmentally and socially friendly. This type of framework can provide greater stability for overcoming and addressing today’s socio-environmental challenges.

This is particularly important because, as the latest UN Emissions Gap Report revealed, delays and policy failures mean that members are not on track to meet the Paris Agreement emissions reduction objectives to prevent global temperatures from exceeding 1.5°C.

What does an ESG approach mean for a city?

When a city includes an ESG-based approach, its government will focus on five primary factors:

  • Regulations: increased ESG regulation strengthens and speeds up the implementation of companies’ ESG strategies.
  • Strategic planning: city governments formulate strategic and overarching master plans for the city, following national objectives and directives.
  • Funding and financing: the efficient allocation of financial resources is a key step in an ESG-based approach since it promotes sustainable economic growth and addresses important urban issues.
  • Service provision: regional, local and city governments often set the rules for service providers in sectors responsible for emissions.
  • Monitoring: city governments have the power to monitor local service delivery, and to make sure that regulatory compliance is present.

Which cities are adopting ESG strategies?

Several cities around the world are already adopting ESG approaches, with the main objective being to reach a more sustainable and efficient society.

Here are a few examples of cities that have adopted ESG-friendly approaches.

Dubai

One of the main focal points for Dubai is service provision to help the city achieve net-zero targets in a timely manner.

Indeed, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced the EV Green Charger initiative. This entails new charging solutions around the Emirate to not only augment the number of electric vehicles (EVs) in the city but also to procure EVs for the authorities.

By the end of 2022, the number of green chargers reached 350, with over 620 charging points across Dubai. In addition, the number of EVs went up to 15,100, while there now are around 13,500 hybrid vehicles. So far, 91% of this project has been completed, which is on track with the Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy.

Oslo

As the European Green Capital in 2019, Oslo is also the most sustainable city on Arcadis’s Sustainable Cities Index 2022.

The Norwegian capital aims to reduce emissions by 95% by 2030, in comparison with 1990 levels. Today, it produces the cleanest and most renewable energy in Europe partly thanks to its investment in hydroelectricity.

When it comes to infrastructure, Oslo also had the first zero-emissions construction site in the world, which only used electric machinery. In addition, electric cars are entitled to cheaper parking in the city and there are various low-emissions zones that can only be accessed for free with hybrid or electric vehicles.

New York

The Big Apple’s regulations to reduce building-related emissions are part of the Climate Mobilisation Act, which has the objective of reducing emissions by 40% by 2030.

These new regulations, called Local Law 97, mostly cover large buildings like skyscrapers and their energy efficiency.

This law focuses on making New York City reach net zero by 2050. Buildings are responsible for about two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions in the Big Apple, and this is one of the most ambitious plans for reducing emissions in the whole nation.

Under this plan, the majority of buildings over 25,000 square feet will have to undergo energy efficiency renovations and reduce their emissions by 2024, with tighter objectives in 2030. As a consequence, the emissions produced by the city’s largest buildings should be reduced by 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.

[Read more: Look to cities, but past their mayors, for new climate solutions]

 

 

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Education: How can technology and youth drive change?

Apr 27, 2023

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In the process of Transforming education, the author wonders in this UNESCO article; How can technology and youth drive change? Knowing that Technology can enhance the learning experience, address educational challenges, and prepare learners for future jobs.

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Transforming education: How can technology and youth drive change?

By Alice Mukashyaka Advocacy Manager for Livelihoods and Education for Restless Development and Global Partnership for Education Young Leader 

 

As the world reaches a critical point between the Transforming Education Summit and the SDG Summit scheduled to take place in September 2023, there is an urgent need for actions to break down the barriers that keep 244 million young people out of school. This blog announces a new partnership with Restless Development and the GEM Report. Together we aim to mobilize youth globally to inform the development of the 2023 Youth Report on technology and education, exploring how technology can address various education challenges, including issues of access, equity and inclusion, quality and system management. 

Education online – a case in point 

After the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the education sector is still in recovery. The pandemic had a profound impact youth, with the most vulnerable learners being hit the hardest. The global shift to distance and online learning resulted in many less privileged communities losing their means of connection to education, and some of the gains made towards the goals of the Education 2030 agenda were lost. As a result, the 2023 GEM Report on technology and education due out July 26 in Montevideo comes at a critical moment to reflect on how to accelerate progress towards SDG 4.  

Technology can enhance the learning experience, address educational challenges, and prepare learners for the jobs of the future. STEM education, in particular, is essential for promoting innovation and economic growth and equipping learners with the skills they need to succeed in the current technology-driven world. But it also raises concerns over privacy, data protection and sustainability. 

The 2023 GEM Report will investigate the ongoing debates around technology and education. It will explore how technology addresses issues of access, equity and inclusion, quality and system management. It will also acknowledge that some of the proposed solutions may have negative consequences. 

In this fast-changing world, technology is crucial in providing learners with access to a wide range of resources and information. With technology, learners can access educational materials from anywhere at any time, collaborate with peers, and engage in interactive learning activities that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed concerns about the inequality in technology accessibility. In many parts of the world, young learners are not prepared for their future due to a lack of digital access in formal teaching and outdated curricula that don’t accommodate technology. To create a more inclusive, creative, and future-ready approach to learning, education systems must be transformed, which requires scaling up access to digital skills and decent infrastructure to ensure that no one is left behind.  

A new partnership with Restless Development to mobilize youth globally will inform the 2023 Youth Report  

We are pleased to announce the new partnership between Restless Development and the GEM Report to mobilize youth globally to reflect upon, question and debate the recommendations of the 2023 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report and inform the development of its youth edition. Building on the consultation findings with youth in the run up to the RewirED Forum in 2021 on technology, Restless Development will lead a series of youth-led regional consultations aiming to better understand the challenges and opportunities young people from around the world face when using technology in education and to hear their recommendations for policymakers.  

The global consultation process will be officially launched on 26 April 2023 during a side-event at the ECOSOC Youth Forum in New York where youth activists and representatives will gather to discuss the themes that should be covered in the Youth Report. This is the first time that youth is involved in such early stages of the development of the report. Their views on the framing of recommendations for their region will be detailed and produced in the youth version of the 2023 GEM Report next to views from other regions and relating to the recommendations contained in the global GEM Report.  

This first global consultation event will trigger a series of activities: 

  • A global survey on the key issues that the Youth Report should address: Youth and student organizations will be able to choose from a series of themes linked to the recommendations of the global report: equity and inclusion, appropriateness, sustainability, and privacy among others.  
  • A call for expressions of interest for youth organizations from around the world to organize regional and thematic consultations to inform the development of the Youth Report and take part in associated advocacy activities. 
  • An online consultation to collect thoughts from youth from around the world on the themes that the report should cover and recommend projects and good practices on education technology to inform the report. 

We invite you to consult this page to see all the ways in which you can be involved!  

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