Page 33 - U4SSC Simple ways to be smart

Some smart city initiatives have contributed to environmental problems. For example, the rapid
deployment of shared bicycles in China led to massive dumping. In addition, electronic waste is
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a growing problem and so the use of technology needs to be more thoughtfully approached. Not
all smart initiatives benefit the environment, and the impact of additional technology needs to be
taken into account in the design of any smart intervention.

3.2.1 Increasing visibility

Smart Internet of Things (IoT) devices can be used as environmental sensors to monitor dust, air
pollution, odours, noise, humidity, weather and radiation levels. Environmental monitoring solutions
also enable the observation, control, and sustainable management of infrastructure for power
supply, air quality, recycling, waste management, water and sewerage.

Perhaps the most important smart intervention is to use the data that can be generated to increase
awareness of environmental problems and to lobby for changes that are needed to address them.
Environmental concerns are readily embraced by city residents, but solutions are more difficult
to design and implement. Climate data is that digitalised, analysed and made available through
public portals can be used to:

• Assess and predict climate variability.
• Design adaptation and mitigation measures.

• Disseminate real-time information, such as weather and air quality, to the public.
• Build public awareness through climate change education and training.

• Build capacity in the analysis and interpretation of climate data.

• Seek financial and technological support for interventions to address climate change.
• Prioritise environmental issues as areas for corporate social responsibility.

• Lobby for legislation and policy support for effective monitoring and control around
environmental issues.

3.2.2 Air quality

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 80% of people living in urban areas
that monitor air pollution are exposed to air quality levels that exceed WHO guideline limits. In
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cities, the major outdoor pollution sources include vehicles, power generation, building heating
systems, waste incineration and industry. Cities need to be concerned with cleaner transport,
energy efficient buildings, clean power generation, the energy sources used in homes, industrial
waste and better municipal waste management, all of which will contribute to better air quality.

U4SSC: Simple ways to be smart 21