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WATER SMART CITY – According to a recent UN report on drought, climate change is increasing the frequency, severity and duration of droughts, which contribute to food insecurity, poverty and inequality. Add to this the fact that by 2050, the world's population is expected to approach 10 billion and the demand for water to rise by 55%. And by then, two-thirds of the population will live in cities. As cities continue to grow and experience more frequent droughts, planners need to think not just five or 10 years out, but 50 or 100 years out. Several solutions are on the table: recycle water, better measure uses, but most importantly, it is urgent to address the heart of the problem – climate change. (UNDRR, Bloomberg) – Yamina Saydi, Communications Officer
COASTAL CITIES AT STAKE – A few days ago, the Working Group I's contribution to the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report delivered the most up-to-date physical understanding of the climate system and climate change. Among the numerous alarming points, the dark fate of coastal cities. Due to rise of sea level, and more frequent violent storms or extreme river flows, the perennity of cities which have benefited from their proximity with the ocean or the sea is at stake. For instance, it is estimated that 25% of the Vietnamese population currently live on land that will be inundated, and a massive migration movement have already begun in this country (IPCC, The New York Times) – Arthur Wienhold, Research Assistant
→ Related: our studies on climate resilience.
LET'S PEDAL – The University of Westminster recently released a study summarizing the benefits of cargo bikes over delivery vans. The study found that bikes can reduce carbon emissions by 90% compared to diesel vans and 33% compared to electric vans. And that's not all, it seems that they are also faster: in central London, the cargo bikes had a higher average speed and dropped off ten parcels per hour, compared to six for vans. This means that bike carts could deliver goods 60% faster than vans in city centers. In addition to reducing the amount of land used, electric bikes could lead to a rapid change in behavior, as recommended in the latest IPCC report. (Possible, Cities Today) – Yamina Saydi
PARIS 2024 – As soon as the Tokyo Olympic Games ended, all eyes turned to Paris. The Summer Games of 2024 promise to be different and less expensive as the organizers have put the stress on temporary structures and adaptability. Instead of an isolated, fee-based Olympic park, the Paris Games will be spread throughout the city and its suburbs. Instead of a dozen brand new stadiums, Paris will build only a handful, relying on temporary or older buildings for the rest. Competitions will be held in ad hoc structures scattered around the city: fencing at the Grand Palais, horseback riding at the Château de Versailles or wrestling in front of the Eiffel Tower. And for the first time, the construction budget (3.35 billion euros) is lower than the budget for the event itself (3.9 billion euros). Will these games keep their promise? See you in 2024 to find out! (Slate) – Yamina Saydi
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