Bertie Russell, Research Associate in the Urban Institute at the University of Sheffield describes in an article on The Conversation website what one small German town has done to undertake its own low carbon energy transition. Are there lessons for all of us? This small German town took back the power – and went … Continue reading With 100% of its electricity coming from renewables, one German town demonstrates what can be achieved when municipalities adopt innovative approaches
Category: urban policies
Increasing concern about “SUV insanity” in our cities
For many reasons, there is increasing attention being given to congestion and air pollution in our cities due to traffic. While, in many cities there has been a trend towards smaller vehicles, increasingly there are growing numbers of sports utility vehicles (SUVs). In Europe, sales of SUVs leaped from 7% of the market in 2009 … Continue reading Increasing concern about “SUV insanity” in our cities
Canberrans are being asked to do more of the heavy lifting in combatting climate change
I’m advised by my friends from Canberra that the city is hooked on the car culture and a fairly unsustainable lifestyle. It is going to be a challenge for the needed change. Tom Lowrey writes on the ABC News website about the plans that are being considered. What is your city doing to combat climate … Continue reading Canberrans are being asked to do more of the heavy lifting in combatting climate change
The challenge to adapt our cities from rising temperatures
Having been in Paris when it hit 42 C was a bit of a shock. Dealing with dramatic heat levels is a necessity to avoid health and other concerns. Tim Schauenberg writes on the Deutsche Welle website about how we can keep them cool. What is your experience? Cities are heating up. How can we … Continue reading The challenge to adapt our cities from rising temperatures
Berkeley California became the first city in the US to ban natural, fossil gas hook-ups in new buildings
Natural gas was once hailed as an important transition fuel but that view is now rapidly changing as the move away from all fossil fuels accelerates. Susie Cagle writes in The Guardian about the recent vote in Berkeley to ban natural gas hook-ups in new buildings. Cagle writes: "Natural gas, it seems, has become the … Continue reading Berkeley California became the first city in the US to ban natural, fossil gas hook-ups in new buildings
Dubai: To be more successful at achieving an energy-efficient neighbourhood, technological solutions should complement urban design solutions
Karishma Asarpota, an urban planner and researcher, writes on the Inter Press Service News Agency website about his views on ways in which we should rethink architectural or urban design solutions. What are your views? Building a More Energy-Efficient Neighbourhood in Dubai Dubai is an Emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a … Continue reading Dubai: To be more successful at achieving an energy-efficient neighbourhood, technological solutions should complement urban design solutions
Chicago commits itself to going 100 % renewable by 2035
It is encouraging to see the efforts being made by cities globally to move to a low-carbon energy transition. Kristin Musulin writes on the Smart Cities Dive website about the commitment recently made by the city of Chicago. Chicago becomes largest US city to commit to 100% clean energy Dive Brief: The Chicago City … Continue reading Chicago commits itself to going 100 % renewable by 2035
The experience of Copenhagen shows what’s possible for other urban governments on a warming planet
Who doesn’t enjoy Copenhagen when you visit? But the city offers so much more than just a tourist destination, according to an article by Somini Sengupta in an article in the New York Times. What are your views? Copenhagen Wants to Show How Cities Can Fight Climate Change Copenhagen intends to, and fast. By … Continue reading The experience of Copenhagen shows what’s possible for other urban governments on a warming planet
Seeking sustainable urban living
Geert Groot Koerkamp provides a good article on the Deutsche Welle website about the rapid construction underway in Moscow to accommodate the burgeoning population, putting a strain on the environment and rural communities. As we are urbanising globally, it is important to step back and look at the impacts. High-rise mania overshadows Moscow's suburban … Continue reading Seeking sustainable urban living
New solar-powered three-wheeler motorcycle helping to clean up Nairobi
Sophie Mbugua writes on the Deutsche Welle website about a new initiative to promote solar powered motorcycles in Kenya. Pollution is a big problem that needs innovative approaches. Importantly, electric motorcycles do not require an investment in new transport infrastructure such as the installation of special charging stations. It will be interesting to see how … Continue reading New solar-powered three-wheeler motorcycle helping to clean up Nairobi
