Are our cities ready for a transport revolution? Traffic, pollution, and outdated transit systems are holding our cities back. But what if there was a better way? Smart mobility, car-free zones, and bold public transit investments are already transforming places like Utrecht and Bogota. How can we rethink urban transport for a cleaner, greener future? Find out in our latest article
March 20 marks the International Day of Happiness. Can happiness be measured? As GDP loses its grip as the gold standard of progress, global indices reveal surprising trends—Nordic nations thrive, youth in North America struggle, and sustainable cities reshape well-being. But do these rankings truly reflect happiness, or is the picture more complex? Dive into the debate about international happiness index and discover what really shapes a fulfilling life.
Discover how the 15-minute city concept transforms urban living by making essential services accessible within walking or biking distance. Explore real-world examples from Paris, Barcelona, Melbourne, and others and learn how this model fosters sustainability, local economies, and a higher quality of life.
Biodiversity credits and units are emerging tools to bridge the $700 billion funding gap for environmental protection. They allow businesses to invest in conservation, offering measurable, tradable benefits. Learn how these innovative solutions are shaping the future of biodiversity preservation.
The article examines the unexpected environmental consequences of sanctions imposed on Russia. While the sanctions primarily target economic and political behavior, they have inadvertently shifted global pollution patterns, with slight reductions in emissions in Europe but increases in other regions. The article also explores Russia’s stance on CO₂ emissions, revealing that the country plans to continue increasing emissions through 2040, despite various policy scenarios.
The article explores the concept of "sponge cities" as a sustainable solution to urban water management amidst increasing global urbanization and climate change. Sponge cities use a combination of natural and engineered infrastructure, such as permeable surfaces, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting, to absorb, store, and reuse rainwater. This approach aims to reduce flooding, conserve water, and promote biodiversity while improving air quality and climate resilience. The article highlights successful global examples and discusses the challenges and future outlook for implementing sponge city principles worldwide.
The article focuses on bicycles as a vital tool for sustainable mobility, offering health, environmental, and traffic benefits. With over 1 billion bicycles globally, they help reduce carbon emissions and congestion. The bicycle market, especially e-bikes, is expanding, with innovations in eco-friendly materials further reducing environmental impact. As cities invest in cycling, bicycles play a vital role in creating greener, healthier urban environments.
This article examines the challenges of smart city development in the Western Balkans, including financial constraints, outdated infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled workers. Governance issues, public skepticism, and environmental concerns also hinder progress. The region requires comprehensive strategies, investment, and collaboration to overcome these obstacles and ensure equitable, sustainable urban growth.
Imagine a city built from scratch, with grand boulevards, futuristic architecture, and luxury homes—yet eerily empty. This is Ordos, China that began as a bold vision for urban transformation but quickly became a cautionary tale of overambition, speculative development, and the unpredictable forces of market economics. What went wrong? And how has Ordos managed to turn its story around, slowly finding new life amid its vast, empty streets? Writing about Ordos offers a unique lens on the complexities of modern city-building, the pitfalls of rapid urbanization, and the resilience required to reinvent a failed dream.
Numerous new city projects are currently being implemented across various countries, aiming to become smart cities, sustainable cities, or a combination of both. Building a completely new smart and sustainable city from scratch comes with numerous challenges, ranging from the initial stages of master planning to final execution and long-term operations. The article focuses on challenges which new city projects face.
