PlayIcon

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 […]

See more

PlayIcon

Head in the clouds – Feet on the ground: radical solutions for the skyscrapers of the future

The eVolo competition imagines the skyscrapers of tomorrow, designed to alleviate urban issues such as pollution and refugee flows

See more

PlayIcon

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 […]

See more

PlayIcon

Makerspaces for economic development and social cohesion

The makers’ movement enables manufacturing with skills that can easily be shared in a small community, creating more cohesive societies.

See more

PlayIcon

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.

See more

PlayIcon

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 […]

See more

PlayIcon

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 […]

See more

PlayIcon

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 […]

See more

PlayIcon

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 […]

See more