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Sustainable AI for Cities: Strategic Priorities, Challenges, and Long-Term Impact

a man holding a tablet
As cities strive to become carbon neutral and resilient to climate effects carbon neutral, AI can play a pivotal role in driving this transformation. This article explores the dual nature of sustainable AI for cities — both as a tool for solving sustainability challenges and as a system that must itself be ethical and sustainable by design.
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Steering Autonomous Vehicles and Sustainable Cities Toward a Liveable Future

autonomous vehicle
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) could either deepen car dependency or support sustainable, liveable cities. This article contrasts two scenarios: private AVs driving congestion versus shared AVs integrated with transit. Drawing on examples from Singapore, Phoenix, and Stockholm, it highlights key tools — transport hierarchy and road pricing — to guide cities toward greener, fairer futures.
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Air Quality in the Balkan Capitals: Confronting the Urban Sustainability Challenge

Air Quality in Balkan Capitals
Air quality in the Balkan capitals remains a defining challenge for the region’s urban sustainability goals. This article explores how pollution, carbon emissions, and weak governance are constraining progress in Western Balkan cities. Despite lower per capita emissions, cities struggle to decarbonize due to fossil fuel dependence and outdated heating and transport systems. Public health impacts are severe, yet policy responses remain fragmented. The piece concludes by calling for a strategic shift from declarations to action to secure a sustainable urban future.
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SmartWaterTwin Project: Circular Economy for Urban Wastewater

SmartWaterTwin Project: Circular Economy for Urban Wastewater
Water scarcity and outdated wastewater systems threaten cities and industries across the Western Balkans. The SmartWaterTwin project aims to transform wastewater from a burden into a valuable resource. By applying circular economy principles, the project enables energy, nutrient, and water recovery. It provides tools, training, and a digital HUB to guide municipalities and industries toward sustainable water management. This approach strengthens local capacity while aligning with EU and climate goals.
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Above the Heat: Why Cities Need White Roofs Now

As global temperatures rise, cities need affordable ways to stay cool—white roofs offer one. Reflective coatings can lower indoor temperatures by up to 6 °C and reduce urban heat by 2 °C. Case studies from London to Delhi slums show clear benefits in comfort, energy savings, and emissions. These coatings are low-cost, easy to apply, and often community-led. Despite some trade-offs, white roofs are a powerful tool for cooler, healthier cities.
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From Risk to Resilience: Urban Heat Adaptation in Action

heat adaptation
As extreme heat becomes an escalating urban threat, cities worldwide are pioneering bold adaptation strategies to protect public health, infrastructure, and economic vitality. From green canopies and reflective rooftops to reimagined public spaces, From Risk to Resilience showcases climate-smart planning are transforming heat-vulnerable cities into hubs of resilience.
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