Closing the loop of product lifecycles through greater recycling and re-use or resources can bring benefits for both the environment and the economy. It is the case, for example of recycled nutrients from organic waste or by-products (bio-based materials such as food waste, used water and animal by-products such as manure) that can be returned [...]
The significant increase in scientific data that occurred in the past decade - such as NASA’s archive growth from some hundred Terabytes in 2000 to 32 Petabytes of climate observation data, as well as ECMWF’s climate archive of 220 Petabytes-- marked a change in the workflow of researchers and programmers. Largely the data responsible for [...]
The ever-expanding platform of mobile connectivity, together with the emergence of 5G-enabled cyber-physical systems and advanced cellular IoT, are laying the foundation for the fourth industrial revolution that will transform the existing business structures and provide a basis for disruptive new business. Industry 4.0 arrives in time in a critical moment for climate action. IoT, [...]
The first step in design strategies for adaptation is to collect information. There are multiple methods of data collection, including many types of equipment, from tidal gauges to satellite remote sensors. There are also more ways of analysing and presenting this data using sophisticated computer graphics programs, known as geographic information systems (GIS). Technological innovation [...]
It is the case of gas to liquids, for example, switching to alternative fuels. Electric and LPG offer separate fuel systems, but there are other options offering the potential to clean up the existing diesel. One example is the new synthetic gas to liquid (GTL) fuel developed by Shell, derived from natural gas. The use [...]
The growth of urban air pollution is one of the most serious indicators of the impact of global urbanization on the environment and human health. The rapid urbanization, with the associated economic and population growth, has led to increases in vehicle use, industrial activity and energy consumption that have raised urban air pollution to critical [...]
Smart cities are based on well connected, sustainable, and resilient technologies allowing the information to be available and findable. Significant amounts of data are generated and two key trends make this data collection and availability possible: Internet of Things (IoT) and Open Data. All the smart solutions in smart cities are based on IoT where [...]
An alternative to cleaning up emissions from vehicles directly could be to deploy technologies which remove pollution from the ambient air. For example, a number of companies are developing photo-catalytic treatments which remove pollutants from the air in the presence of sunlight. These treatments can be applied to a range of surfaces, for example roofing [...]
Energy management needs a communications infrastructure in order to connect infrastructure, with devices and people, in such a way that data gathering and services delivery is possible. The complexity of the technological and service ecosystem requires a holistic approach to networking and communications. For that, smart cities count on a range of technologies from low [...]
The environmental change affects cities and their inhabitants more regularly, bringing new challenges for city planners. Among those, there is a need to improve air and water quality and control noise pollution looking to create a healthy and enjoyable environment for city inhabitants. For that, environmental monitoring and management is gaining importance, as understanding and [...]
