by annalisagiannuzzi | Dec 5, 2024 | The Urban Media Lab
Annalisa Giannuzzi
In an era marked by climate crisis and accelerated urbanization, the shift towards a low-carbon economy is no longer a mere aspiration but an urgent necessity. Smart grids, or “intelligent” electricity networks, represent one of the advanced technological responses aimed at promoting energy sustainability. They offer a model capable of optimizing the distribution and use of energy through a dynamic and interconnected control system(i). Through the integration of digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data analytics, these networks allow for bidirectional management of energy flows, transforming consumers into active participants in the system. In this new ecosystem, energy is not only consumed but also locally produced, contributing to a more resilient and participatory energy system. While smart grids offer innovative solutions, they are not the definitive answer to all global energy challenges. However, the adoption of these methods raises critical questions: can a simple technological leap resolve deep, systemic issues like energy justice, cybersecurity, and equitable access to resources? Smart grids promise to democratize energy by turning consumers into active producers (prosumers) and granting them access to the energy network(ii).
In reality, though, this potential for decentralization operates within a still heavily centralized framework, often controlled by large private companies or public entities. The promise of true democratization thus remains incomplete: although citizens can contribute to energy production, strategic decisions and decision-making power remain firmly in the hands of a few privileged actors(iii).
These intelligent networks require a complex digital infrastructure that, while enhancing the resilience and efficiency of the energy system, also introduces critical issues related to cybersecurity. Cyberattacks, such as data manipulation and blackouts caused by external intrusions, pose a real threat not only to the network’s reliability but also to national security and citizens’ privacy. These vulnerabilities, which could arise in the implementation of this model, bring up a crucial question: how can widespread and democratic access to intelligent energy be ensured without compromising data security and infrastructure? Addressing this issue requires an approach that goes beyond adopting technological solutions alone. Advanced technologies such as blockchain and encryption systems can be implemented as security standards, but they are not sufficient on their own(iv). It is essential to promote clear and integrated guidelines capable of balancing sustainability, technological innovation, and data protection a compass that can guide both major energy operators and individual prosumers.
Alongside the challenges related to cybersecurity, smart grids must also tackle the complexities of integrating renewable energies, such as solar and wind power. These sources contribute significantly to environmental sustainability, yet their intermittent nature complicates ensuring a stable energy supply(v). Meeting this need may require investments in storage infrastructure and advanced management systems that can anticipate and offset fluctuations in renewable production, thus guaranteeing a consistent and reliable distribution. Beyond technical aspects, smart grids offer consumers the opportunity to assume an active role in the energy system, encouraging responsible consumption practices and distributed energy production across various levels and actors. Consumers can monitor and manage their energy consumption independently, yielding positive effects in terms of both sustainability and economic savings for the entire system(vi).
Optimizing energy flows would not only reduce network losses but also enable better cost management, generating benefits for all stakeholders involved. On a global level, the adoption of smart grids raises important issues of social equity. Advanced economies, with their resources, are likely to benefit rapidly from these technologies, while developing countries risk being excluded, further widening the energy gap. To avoid such inequalities, international cooperation and financial support programs would be necessary, promoting not only technology sharing through open-source models but also specific training for disadvantaged communities. In addition to these complex challenges, the constant flow of data generated by smart grids risks creating an information overload, in which involved parties may struggle to interpret data, further diminishing the real value of this information(vii). In this sense, the development of simple and intuitive interfaces is crucial, alongside educational programs to enable consumers to use data effectively, actively, and consciously, without being overwhelmed. Finally, the environmental impact of smart grids cannot be overlooked. To ensure a truly sustainable approach, it will be necessary to adopt circular economy principles that encourage both recycling and reusing technological components while promoting an ecological and durable infrastructural design. Ultimately, smart grids represent a promising and advanced path to addressing the energy challenges of our time, offering a more equitable and participatory system. However, their implementation requires a constant and conscious commitment that goes beyond the adoption of new technologies. A holistic approach is essential, one that rethinks governance models, security, and social participation, placing sustainability and equity as central goals(viii). Only through the integration of advanced technology, clear regulation, and active participation can we build an energy system capable of meeting current needs and prepared to face the social, environmental, and ethical challenges of the future.
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References
(i) A. R. Gurrieri, G. Morelli, M. Mele, C. Magazzino, Gli smart meters, una misura di sostenibilità verde, 2023, Il Mulino – Riviste web.
(ii) S. Ghilardi, Comunità energetiche e smart grid, 2023, Persone, Energie, Futuro Infinityhub: la guida interstellare per una nuova dimensione dell’energia.
(iii) Ivi, i
(iv) G. Panattoni, Le Smart Connected Cities: i fattori di insicurezza e (s)fiducia dei cittadini, 2023, Il Mulino – Riviste web.
(v) A. Claudi De Saint Mihiel, La transizione energetica. Il ruolo delle smart gride delle tecnologie digitali, Innovazione e Sviluppo Industriale
(vi) Ivi, i
(vii) T. Alsuwian, A. Shahid Butt, A. Ahmed Amin, smart grid Cyber Security Enhancement: Challenges and Solutions—A Review, 2022, Sustainability
(viii) Ivi, ii
by Rasmus Nyhushertz | Nov 13, 2024 | The Urban Media Lab
In 2013 the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), a non-profit public policy think tank, was about to unintentionally expose the biggest emission fraud case in the history of the world when they granted West Virginia University’s Centre for Alternative Fuels, Engines, and Emissions (CAFEE) $69,000 to study emissions from Volkswagen diesel cars sold in the U.S (Reitze 2016, 10564-5); (Vanderkolk 2017, 206-7).
The ICCT wanted to understand what enabled Volkswagen’s diesel cars to meet the Nitrogen Oxide (𝑁𝑂𝑥) emission cap of the U.S., which was lower than in the EU, to adopt the technology in European diesel cars as well. However, instead they found on March 31, 2014, that Volkswagen’s diesel cars were exceeding the 𝑁𝑂𝑥 limit regulated by the Clean Air Act (CAA) by a factor of 5 to 35 (Reitze 2016, 10564-5). 17 moths later on the 3rd of September, 2015, Volkswagen admitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that it had deliberately outfitted 480,000 diesel cars with defeat devices (McGee, 2015). Defeat devices are components that are installed in vehicles to enable them to pass EPA testing even if their emissions would otherwise fail to meet standards (Vanderkolk 2017, 206). Eventually, Volkswagen admitted that 11 million diesel vehicles across the world had been fitted with the defeat devices (BBC News, 2015); (Reitze 2016, 10564).
The Impact of Non-compliant Diesel Vehicles on the Environment and Health
Non-compliant diesel vehicles in major markets emitted about 4.6 million tonnes of NOₓ in excess of limits in 2015, with Volkswagen’s actions contributing notably to this total (Anenberg et al. 2017, 469). According to the findings Tanaka et al. (2018) in the short-term these excessive NOₓ emissions lead to a significant increase in tropospheric ozone (O₃) concentrations, a potent greenhouse gas resulting in immediate global warming. For example, the global mean temperature increase attributable to a non-compliant VW Jetta 2012 diesel model under stop-and-go driving conditions is approximately 25 times greater than that of a compliant vehicle (Tanaka et al. 2018, 2-3). However, Tanaka also found that in the mid-term the elevated NOₓ levels accelerate the atmospheric breakdown of methane (CH₄), another greenhouse gas, leading to a cooling effect that partially offsets the initial warming (Tanaka et al. 2018, 4-5). Therefore, in the long-term, the impact of excessive emissions of NO_x on global warming is statistically insignificant (Tanaka et al. 2018, 6-7).
The impact of excessive NOₓ emissions on health is much more severe. According to Anenberg et al. (2017) the excess emission of NO-x by non-compliant diesel vehicles increased concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) across regions like Europe, China, and India, resulting in an estimated 38,000 premature deaths and 625,000 years of life lost globally in 2015 (Anenberg et al. 2017, 468).
What enabled Volkswagen to cheat?
Volkswagen ability to cheat was largely caused by regulatory capture in both the EU and the US. Regulatory capture occurs when a regulatory agency, established to serve the public interest, instead advances the commercial or political concerns of the industry it oversees, often due to close relationships and revolving doors between regulators and industry players (Oxford University Press, n.d.).
In the EU, the diesel emissions regulatory framework was fragmented meaning that once a vehicle received approval from any national regulator, it could be sold across all member states (FT Reporters, 2015). This allowed car manufacturers to “shop around” for national regulators that offered the most lenient approval processed. Consequently, regulators had a strong incentive to protect their national industries and economic interests by turning a blind eye to test cheating. The influence of this incentive on the regulatory procedures applied is clearly evident in the regulatory practices uncovered. For example, major countries like Germany, Spain, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic admitted they had not inspected vehicles for defeat devices since the European Commission banned them in 2007, creating a loophole that companies like Volkswagen exploited (FT, Reporters 2015).
Regulatory capture was exacerbated further by the fact that car manufacturers funded the certification process themselves, and that some countries even had stakes in their national car manufacturing companies (FT Reporters, 2015). For instance, Germany, home to Volkswagen, had a substantial ownership stake in the company and shared leadership between government officials and company executives (Braun and Van Erp, 2022, 195). These created conflicts of interest incentivising regulators or private companies to approve vehicles without stringent testing.
Similar trends are evident in the US, although not as gross. It is not difficult to demonstrate that the EPA suffered from both industry-driven inertia and a culture that at least tacitly favoured industry interests. On one hand, the EPA failed to consistently adapt its emissions testing procedure, making the tests highly predictable despite technological advancements and evolving industry practices. This predictability allowed companies like Volkswagen to exploit regulatory loopholes by designing vehicles capable of detecting testing conditions and artificially lowering emissions output only during the tests (Vanderkolk 2017, 208-9). On the other hand, the EPA’s regulatory framework heavily relied on post-hoc enforcement (i.e., penalising violations after the fact) rather than preventing them through pre-emptive oversight, incentivising car manufacturers to weigh the financial benefits of non-compliance against the risk of detection and subsequent penalties. Unfortunately, even though the enforcement actions and fines for emission cheating were serious, the profit-driven car industry took advantage of the post-hoc enforcement and engaged in emission cheating because the risk of detection was relatively low given the predictability of the EPA’s emission tests. This clearly demonstrates that the EPA’s enforcement mechanisms were not only insufficient but also suggestively shaped in a way that allowed for continued industry transgressions. (Vanderkolk 2017, 209-11).
In conclusion, the Volkswagen emission scandal clearly demonstrates how regulatory capture can allow environmental oversight to be compromised along with public health. Interconnected interests between car manufacturers and agencies of regulation in both the EU and the U.S. have enabled Volkswagen to exploit existing systemic weaknesses. Fragmented regulatory frameworks have been defeated by national economic interests along with the capacity of the manufacturers to finance and influence their own certification procedures. This manipulation led to an excess amount of NOₓ emissions from millions of vehicles worldwide, with an estimated 38,000 premature deaths around the world in the year 2015. This scandal epitomizes the negative implications that are likely to confront a regulatory body if it advances the interests of an industry rather than carrying out its mandate of protection for the public, and one of the various ways capture leads to mass deception and harm.
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Bibliography
Anenberg, Susan, Joshua Miller, Ray Minjares, et al. 2017. “Impacts and Mitigation of Excess Diesel-Related NOx Emissions in 11 Major Vehicle Markets.” Nature 545: 467–71. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature22086.
BBC News. 2015. “Volkswagen: The Scandal Explained.” BBC News, September 22, 2015. Accessed October 4, 2024. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-34324772.
Braun, C., and J. Van Erp. 2022. “International Regime Complexes and Corporate Crime: A Research Agenda Based on the Volkswagen Diesel Fraud Case.” Crime, Law and Social Change 77: 185–206. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10611-021-09980-z.
FT Reporters. 2015. “Volkswagen Emissions Scandal Exposes EU Regulatory Failures.” Financial Times, September 30, 2015. Accessed October 4, 2024. https://www.ft.com/content/03cdb23a-6758-11e5-a57f-21b88f7d973f.
McGee, Patrick. 2015. “Volkswagen Emission Scandal: A Timeline.” Financial Times, December 10, 2015. Accessed October 4, 2024. https://www.ft.com/content/346e7c64-0550-343c-90fb-ace89a2ff200.
Oxford University Press. n.d. “Volkswagen Emissions Scandal.” Oxford Reference. Accessed October 4, 2024. https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100411608.
Reitze, Arnold W. 2016. “The Volkswagen Air Pollution Emissions Litigation.” Environmental Law Reporter 46. University of Utah College of Law Research Paper No. 174. Accessed October 4, 2024. https://ssrn.com/abstract=2805186.
Tanaka, Katsumasa, Marianne T. Lund, Borgar Aamaas, and Terje Berntsen. 2018. “Climate Effects of Non-Compliant Volkswagen Diesel Cars.” Environmental Research Letters 13 (4): 044020. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/aab18c.
Vanderkolk, Eilif. 2017. “Dirty Code: Regulatory Lessons from the Volkswagen Emissions Scandal.” Colorado Technology Law Journal 16 (1): 203–viii. Accessed October 4, 2024. https://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.journals/jtelhtel16&id=217&collection=journals&index=.
by Martina Mariani | Oct 31, 2024 | The Urban Media Lab
Seems that Europe has enough water to satisfy all existing needs, but this is not true for all states equally. Despite the thousands of freshwater lakes, rivers, and groundwater sources available, the rise in water demand across Europe has increased so much over the past 50 years that it has resulted in an overall decrease of 24 % in renewable water resources per capita across Europe. In addition, the population in urban areas is expected to grow, a factor that will exacerbate this data if no efforts are made to improve it.
In 2000, the domestic sector accounted for about 24% of total water abstraction in Europe, of which 70% was used by households, 24% by small industries and services and 6% by public services. Additionaly, EEA showed that water in Europe is used primary in 4 sectors: 58% for agriculture, 18% for energy cooling, 11% for mining and 10% households3 (and services (3%)).
Currently, the European water sector is already regulated in many of its aspects. This resource, being fundamental to life, is highly controlled and based on very complex structures. The usages are many and so are the appliances. Given the multiplicity of installations, the continuous advancement of production technology, and the European directions pushing for diminishing waste of resources, the introduction of a unified and mandatory tool to clarify the efficiency of installations would bring many benefits.
This article push to codify a way to achieve a successful implementation of an efficiency classification of hydric appliances with the ultimate goal of encouraging the sustainable production and use of water resources.
The classification tool would make the market dynamic, stimulating both consumers and producers to be part of the transition, trying to climb the rankings. It could allow consumers to have reliable indications for an informed purchasing decision and gives manufacturers of classifiable products the opportunity to emphasize their focus on the responsible use of water resources.
The article intend to motivate the introduction of a classification starting from theoretical demonstration of its feasibility, adding case studies to support the theory. It also does not want to focus on water quality but only on the efficiency of water use (for now). Existing literature on impacts of ecolabels and labelling in general already support their intrinsic informational value that motivates users to make sustainable choices. At the same time there are already existing case studies, including the energy efficiency classification and other water case studies around the world.
With an introduction of a hydric appliance classification, the water-saving efficiency of European appliances would be easily recognizable; there is the need for the European Union to give a way forward to align on the water sector in this sense.
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Bibliography
Ecologic Institute. Water Saving Potential. 2007
EEA. Uso dell’acqua in Europa — Quantità e qualità esposte a grandi sfides. [Online] https://www.eea.europa.eu/it/segnali/segnali-2018/articoli/uso-dell2019acqua-in-europa (2014)
EEA. Water use in Europe — Quantity and quality face big challenges. [Online] https://www.eea.europa.eu/signals-archived/signals-2018-content-list/articles/water-use-in-europe (2014)
EEA. EEA Report No 12/2021. European Enviromental Agency. [Online] https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/water-resources-across-europe-confronting/
Félix, Fiona. Water efficiency starts in our homes. Water Europe. [Online] https://watereurope.eu/water-efficiency-starts-in-our-homes/ (2023)
by Kodjori Carlos Junior Farouk Lougourou | Oct 18, 2024 | The Urban Media Lab
Kodjori Carlos Junior Farouk LOUGOUROU
Climate is an important factor in agriculture, it is considered the driving force of the agricultural sector due to its strong influence. An essential factor in economic growth, agriculture represented 4% of global gross domestic product according to the United Nations (UN). A greater contribution in developing countries representing 25% of national GDP. The agricultural sector is today responsible for feeding 8 billion people on earth. It was recently estimated that more than 866 million people around the world work in agriculture. A figure which represents 10.8% of the world population[1]. If in recent years climate change has been at the center of discussions, we must emphasize the impact of climate change on vulnerable countries in West Africa which is even more significant and which infects their agri-food systems.
In recent years, climate change and its consequences have been felt on the agro-food system of West African countries, which are already vulnerable. A vulnerability which is defined by famine, low agricultural yield, poverty, soil degradation, scarcity of vital resources, (FAO, Luanda, Angola, 3 – 7 may 2010). Note that West Africa today represents nearly 37% of the population of the subcontinent and is expected to increase from 400 million inhabitants to 700 million inhabitants by 2050 according to statistics. Faced with such demographic growth and with a view to preventing the worst from happening, the urgency of finding alternatives to counter the climate issue is felt.
The Reall question here is: How can innovations and policies in the agri-food system effectively mitigate the impacts of climate change on the vulnerabilities of West African populations; specifically in terms of famine, health, agriculture, poverty, drought, and floods?
Challenges Facing the Sahel and West Africa
The Sahel region, encompassing Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, faces profound challenges related to its geography and climate. The area’s reliance on rainfed agriculture, limited irrigation systems, and landlocked status compounds its vulnerability to food insecurity, migration, and displacement. Climate change further exacerbates these issues, reducing agricultural yields and heightening the vulnerability of populations who depend on farming for their livelihoods. The ongoing instability caused by terrorist attacks in the region deepens this crisis, leading to the displacement of communities, loss of livelihoods, and worsening food insecurity.
The broader West African region shares many of these challenges, particularly with the degradation of ecosystems and biodiversity. The overexploitation of wildlife, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices contribute to habitat loss, pollution, and a decline in biodiversity. This environmental degradation has direct consequences for food security and the livelihoods of rural populations, many of whom rely on natural ecosystems for subsistence. In addition, poor land distribution and the impact of extractive industries, such as mining, contribute to the deterioration of West Africa’s environment and further threaten food security. Global factors like famine, conflict, natural disasters, and the COVID-19 pandemic have worsened the situation in West Africa. Hunger has increased globally, disproportionately affecting developing countries. Key drivers include demographic growth, agricultural disruptions, and economic challenges, all of which have led to a sharp rise in food insecurity since 2019. In West Africa, this crisis is compounded by poor infrastructure, limited healthcare access, and dependence on food imports.
Climate Change and Food Insecurity in West Africa
West African agriculture is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, resource scarcity, and the increased frequency of extreme weather events are already affecting agricultural productivity across the region. These factors, combined with the loss of biodiversity, further intensify food insecurity, poverty, and the vulnerability of rural economies that depend heavily on farming.
As climate change continues to worsen, millions of people in West Africa who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods are at risk. The consequences of this are multifaceted. Food insecurity will rise as crops fail or yields diminish, leading to higher levels of poverty and displacement. Furthermore, the degradation of ecosystems will result in a loss of biodiversity, which has implications for both food security and the environment.
However, there are opportunities to address these challenges by leveraging West Africa’s traditional knowledge, diverse ecosystems, and emerging technologies. Climate-smart agricultural practices offer a promising solution. These practices enhance agricultural productivity and resilience while mitigating the environmental impacts of farming. For example, agroforestry and conservation agriculture can improve soil health, boost biodiversity, and help retain moisture, reducing the risk of erosion and land degradation. Additionally, developing climate-resilient crop and livestock varieties tailored to local conditions can help secure agricultural productivity despite the impacts of climate change.
Solutions for Building a Resilient Future
Addressing the environmental and agricultural challenges in West Africa requires a comprehensive approach that integrates scientific research, traditional wisdom, technological innovation, and policy reform. A major focus should be on adopting climate-smart techniques like agroforestry, which enhances soil health and biodiversity while providing income for farmers. Conservation methods such as minimal tillage and crop rotation help retain soil moisture and prevent erosion, key factors in sustaining agricultural productivity in a changing climate.
Investments in research and development are essential to promote the use of climate-resilient crops and livestock that are better suited to withstand the region’s environmental conditions. Diversifying agricultural production is also crucial to reduce risks associated with monocultures and enhance food security. This approach, combined with efforts to build sustainable agricultural systems, offers hope for long-term resilience in the face of climate change.
Policy reform is central to these efforts. Governments, international organizations, and private sector partners must collaborate to support smallholder farmers, improve climate information services, and ensure equitable development in rural areas. Strengthening infrastructure—such as irrigation, transportation, and storage systems—will further improve the resilience of agricultural value chains. Additionally, expanding access to finance, insurance, and social safety nets will be critical in helping farmers withstand the financial and environmental shocks brought on by climate change.
Conclusion
The Sahel and West Africa face profound challenges due to the combined impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and economic instability. Yet, there are also opportunities for positive change. By leveraging traditional knowledge, investing in climate-smart agricultural practices, and enacting policy reforms, the region can build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system. Ensuring food security, promoting economic growth, and protecting the environment for future generations will require a holistic approach, combining research, innovation, and collaboration across sectors. The path forward is challenging, but with coordinated efforts, West Africa has the potential to overcome these obstacles and achieve sustainable development.
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References
[1] The problem of Hunger in the world and a new model proposal to solve this problem is a literature review that give an overview hunger around the world.
https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/bsbd/article/1107538
by samuelelupidi | Sep 6, 2024 | The Urban Media Lab
Cities, the most promising place
Cities are nowadays increasingly attracting and represent the place where many people try their best to succeed. But in this scenario lies a big paradox which in this historical moment sounds promising and scary at the same time. Cities represent the 80% of the Global GDP (World Bank, 2023), and cause 75% of the global CO2 emissions with transport and building sectors being the greatest contributors (UN environment Programme, 2017).
With environmental issues becoming more pressing and people waiting for a solution, policymakers opted for the ‘green’ or ‘sustainable city’ as a viable planning and policy solution (Angelo & Wachsmuth, 2015). The term ‘planning’ here refers to the action of organizing the urban context and expresses the necessity to incorporate sustainability practices into urban planning.
Why urban planning is a solution?
Historically, urban planning has always encompassed the philosophy behind land use and city development. But how does this relationship help achieve the ultimate goal of contrasting climate change, and how are these two fields specifically connected?
What is urban planning?
There is not one exclusive definition, because this subject connects with various scopes. Nevertheless, in a broader sense it is possible to say:
“Town and country planning is the set of guidelines and public instruments for governing the transformation of the territory, both in the area and in urban areas. Strongly interrelated with economic planning, it is aimed at achieving a better quality of living, through a rational, fair and sustainable use of resources so as to guarantee the well-being of the community over time.” (Cappuccitti, 2014)
Beyond technicalities, it is important to imagine space as a resource and its organization as a political process able to shape new social relations. For example, Raphaël Fischler says that:
“Urban planning is the collective management of urban development, the use of purposeful deliberation to give shape to human settlements. It is the mobilization of community will and the design of strategies to create, improve, or preserve the environment in which we live. This environment is at once physical (natural and built) and cultural (social, economic, and political).” (Fischler, 2011)
This definition is particularly relevant because it links the physical space with how people use it. This connection is crucial for two reasons: first, redefining space involves people’s participation; and second, the design process not only adapts to people’s needs but can also influence them, creating different patterns and encouraging various behaviours. This aspect is essential for promoting sustainable attitudes, as seen in concepts like the 15-minute city, which leverages urban density to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to transportation.
Considering this capability to influence changes and attitudes, which are the drivers that can trigger a sustainability change in cities?
Planning and Sustainability
Broadly speaking, measures are organized into two main categories: mitigation and adaptation strategies. These climate change measures are integral to planning strategies and must be integrated at an urban level to reduce the negative impact on citizens and infrastructure.
Respectively: “Mitigation action lowers the GHG concentrations via reducing GHG emissions and adding carbon sinks, to meet the objective of reducing the pace of climate change and frequency of extreme events.” (Zhao, 2018) While “Adaptation refers to the regulating strategies employed under actual or expected climatic stimulation; their objective being to mitigate climate change impacts and promote adaptive capacity.” (Zhao, 2018)
Usually cities struggle with heatwaves, a problem that can be tackled by increasing the trees coverage which is a perfect example of an adaptation measure. Instead increasing the production of renewable energy and avoiding fossil fuels, reduce emissions and pollution performing a mitigation action on climate change.
For example, the study by Muñoz-Pizza et al. in ‘Linking Climate Change to Urban Planning through Vulnerability Assessment: The Case of Two Cities at the Mexico-US Border’ highlights how certain types of settlements are more susceptible to heatwaves. Additionally, the lack of political action in addressing these issues increases the likelihood that specific areas of the city, along with their residents, will be more vulnerable to climate change than others (Muñoz-Pizza, 2023).
A second point of contact between the areas lies in the democratic management embedded in the planning decision making process. Meerow and Woodruff in ‘Seven principles of strong climate change planning’ exhort planners to encourage new research and move towards the involvement of communities and the general public, who are increasingly aware of climate change issues in our time. (Meerow & Wordruff, 2019) In this sense sustainability planning strategies represent an opportunity to foster a democratic approach.
Main takeaways and strategies
Now that the measures have been defined, the challenge lies in the approach chosen to implement and scale them. Long and Rice, in ‘From Sustainable Urbanism to Climate Urbanism,’ emphasize the importance of prioritizing ‘climate urbanism,’ a policy orientation that promotes cities as the most viable and appropriate sites for climate action. This approach also aims to protect the physical and digital infrastructures of urban economies from climate change hazards (Long & Rice, 2019).
However, strategies can vary significantly during the policy application phase, making it challenging to address different issues effectively. A viable pathway that integrates multilevel action within cities has been outlined by Francisco Estrada in ‘A Global Economic Assessment of City Policies to Reduce Climate Change Impacts.’ Estrada develops a strategy that effectively addresses the challenge of measuring and mitigating impacts without solely focusing on growth-oriented decisions. This approach prioritizes investment in reducing carbon emissions—which leads to lower temperatures—and emphasizes the economic productivity of cities to safeguard urban systems from climate change effects (Estrada, 2017).
In conclusion, an organized strategy that correctly connects local city-level actions with broader targets offers a viable way forward. It is crucial to reiterate that securing urban infrastructures is fundamental to prevent disruptions in the economic benefits they generate.
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Bibliography
World Bank. ‘Urban Development’. Text/HTML, 3 April 2023. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/urbandevelopment/overview
Angelo, Hillary, and David Wachsmuth. ‘Why Does Everyone Think Cities Can Save the Planet?’ Urban Studies 57, no. 11 (August 2020): 2201–21. https://doi.org/10.1177/0042098020919081
Mattogno, Claudia. Ventuno Parole per L’urbanistica, 2014
Fischler, Raphaël. ‘Fifty Theses on Urban Planning and Urban Planners’. Journal of Planning Education and Research 32, no. 1 (September 2011): 107–14. https://doi.org/10.1177/0739456×11420441
Zhao, Chunli, Yan Yan, Chenxing Wang, Mingfang Tang, Gang Wu, Ding Ding, and Yang Song. ‘Adaptation and Mitigation for Combating Climate Change – From Single to Joint’. Ecosystem Health and Sustainability 4, no. 4 (April 2018): 85–94. https://doi.org/10.1080/20964129.2018.1466632
Muñoz-Pizza, Dalia M., Roberto A. Sanchez-Rodriguez, and Eduardo Gonzalez-Manzano. ‘Linking Climate Change to Urban Planning Through Vulnerability Assessment: The Case of Two Cities at the Mexico US Border’. Urban Climate 51 (September 2023): 101674. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.uclim.2023.101674
Meerow, Sara, and Sierra C. Woodruff. ‘Seven Principles of Strong Climate Change Planning’. Journal of the American Planning Association 86, no. 1 (2 January 2020): 39–46. https://doi.org/10.1080/01944363.2019.1652108
Long, Joshua, and Jennifer L Rice. ‘From Sustainable Urbanism to Climate Urbanism’. Urban Studies 56, no. 5 (April 2019): 992–1008. https://doi.org/10.1177/0042098018770846
Estrada, Francisco, Wouter Botzen, and Richard S.J. Tol. ‘A Global Economic Assessment of City Policies to Reduce Climate Change Impacts’. Nature Climate Change 7, no. 6 (May 2017): 403–6. https://doi.org/10.1038/nclimate3301
by annalisagiannuzzi | Jul 29, 2024 | The Urban Media Lab
Analyzing the habits and customs of contemporary society, it is evident that we are witnessing a transition in the energy supply model. Moving away from the traditional model based on centralized fossil fuel production, there is a growing trend towards the use of a distributed energy production system that prioritizes renewable energy sources and ensures greater energy efficiency. Issues such as climate change, decarbonization, and economic and social sustainability are not only current topics but also crucial controversies in public debate, involving the management of geopolitical balances and the consolidation of international alliances. The energy transition is no longer a matter of choice, but an urgent necessity to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change. It is “more than just a technological and political change; it also involves significant social and behavioral transformations that challenge historical narratives and accepted notions of democracy and the economy”(i). The construction of a new social organization model based on the production and consumption of energy from renewable sources, requires the direct involvement of citizens in the various processes of restructuring and managing the energy system. These profound transformations will lead, in the short and medium term, to the emergence of new social roles and responsibilities, which citizens might not automatically accept. This is because the necessary and desired change involves not just the mere replacement of unsustainable inputs with less polluting ones but also a conscious use of energy resources that implies the creation of new systemic approaches and paradigms. With this perspective, it becomes essential to develop operational strategies that can translate the proposed projects and development scenarios into reality, as the energy transition, to be concrete and efficient, requires innovative co-governance approaches.
The contribution of all social actors, on the topics of: energy transition, the fight against energy poverty and the governance of new energy models; imposes a paradigm shift, according to which, consumers are not only passive market customers, but become prosumers (ii), active subjects that produce value and energy for self-consumption, the circulation and sharing of resources, generating, as a consequence, a circular economy scheme, based on the binomial consumption-production, safeguarding of sustainable energy resources and reduction of fossil carbon emissions. This binomial has also received regulatory recognition following the approval of the RED II directive (iii). In this vision and mission, the concept of energy citizenship perfectly fits, positioning itself at the center of the debate on justice and the fight against energy poverty. Both themes correspond to different yet parallel problems. The recognition of the right to energy also aligns with the concept of energy justice. The latter, in its essence, aims to develop a universal energy system where costs and benefits are equally distributed through governance with democratic decision-making processes that promote and develop empowerment. This is precisely where the main issue lies. It is necessary to seek common solutions that are respectful and fair to the rights of the stakeholders involved to counteract energy poverty, understood as distributive energy inequality. Such a situation would imply not only the inability to see the interests of those with scarce energy resources represented in decision-making processes but also the inability to access energy information, effectively preventing the rightful assertion of their legal rights (iv). A holistic and systemic methodological approach conceived in this way would become an indispensable vector and turning point to facilitate collective participation in energy citizenship, not only to ensure equity but also to enhance the protection of all citizens’ interests regarding energy. Thus conceived, energy citizenship would act as a bridge between a complex technical-technological energy system and society, promoting active citizenship, embracing collective spaces for participation, and overcoming individualistic visions centered on energy technologies and personal consumer investments. Using a metaphor, the path towards energy citizenship could be depicted as a ladder with many rungs to climb, some of which are very unstable and need anchoring to safely reach the top. A practical example to achieve this ascent could be represented by the organizational model conceived by the GRETA – Green Energy Transition Actions project. It is a project funded by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 program, aimed at facilitating the energy transition through the active participation of citizens, supported in asserting their right to energy towards a just and equitable transition. GRETA represents not only a project to reorganize the relationship between citizens and energy infrastructures but also a bottom-up observatory of the obstacles that actually constrain the implementation of energy and social citizenship (v).
Within the framework of the GRETA project is the EN-ACTION lab, a laboratory promoted by the Cesena Campus, which introduces virtuous action strategies on the educational approach for global behavioral change, not only directed and aimed at the energy transition but also student citizenship, so that more subjects of all ages become aware that real change is achieved through education and knowledge of the various aspects related to the energy system. The project examines the conditions and enabling factors for the creation and adoption of energy citizenship for a more sustainable future through a just transition process, without exclusions or imbalances, both at the individual and community level. The actions of this project were aimed at defining the enabling factors for the creation of energy citizenship, raising awareness and knowledge on energy issues, and initiating processes of sensitization and involvement of the entire citizenry and the entire urban territory. The urban energy transition process started from an innovative, bottom-up approach centered on the citizen, their economic and health needs, and their role in achieving collective energy goals. The laboratory was divided into several stages: (micro level), starting from raising awareness among students and citizens on energy issues and promoting awareness of the individual contribution, leading to the drafting of a manifesto for the practical and shared realization of the various initiatives. The creation of the manifesto proved to be a great stimulus, not only to generate value within the community but also to implement public-private co-design initiatives (meso level). The idea behind the manifesto is to create not just a mere declaration of intent but to provide communities with a concrete, operational tool to support not only the birth but also the growth of energy citizenship, providing technical and financial tools and creating synergies between the various actors involved (vi). The GRETA project, developed within the EN-ACTION lab, is still ongoing, but one of the main results obtained so far is the Community Transition Pathway, a document that offers guidelines for engaging communities in the creation of energy citizenship. The latter is based precisely on the idea that each of us can learn to use energy sustainably, without relying on decisions made from above by the major players in the sector. After analyzing the various results and through a step-by-step approach, it will be necessary to: (i) define the boundaries of the context and the community involved, map current policies on the energy transition, assess the community’s status and level of energy citizenship, understand the desire for participation based on available time, (ii) establish a future vision with short, medium, and long-term goals, aim for ambitious targets, facilitate the community in formulating them, and finally (iii) help the promoter and the community identify the correct transition path, considering all necessary steps to achieve the vision and established goals (viii).
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References
i Lennon, B., Dunphy, N. P., & Sanvicente, E. (2019), Community acceptability and the energy transition: A citizens’ perspective. Energy, Sustainability and Society, https://doi.org/10.1186/s13705-019-0218-z
ii M. Castellini, I. Faiella, L. Lavecchia, R. Miniaci e P. Valbonesi, Report annuale – anno 2023, Osservatorio Italiano Povertà Energetica.
iii Directive UE 2018/2001
iv Ibi, ii
v A. Boeri, D. Longo, S. O. M. Boulanger, M. Massari, Energy Citizenship Contract and European Cities Transition, AGATHÓN – International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, 2024
vi C. Trippa, WP2 – Linee Guida per Azioni di Coinvolgimento della Comunità universitaria e del territorio, 2023
vii C. Trippa, WP1 – Mappatura delle buone pratiche e coinvolgimento della comunità universitaria in materia di transizioni energetiche, 2023
