Transforming Future of Urban Living

Smart cities use technology and sustainability to tackle urbanization challenges, reducing environmental harm, and enhancing quality of life, writes Lakshmi Prasad Padhy

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URBANIZATION is accelerating rapidly. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), by 2050, nearly 68% to 71% of the global population will live in urban areas. While this growth offers new opportunities, it also brings complex challenges, ranging from overstretched infrastructure and air pollution to traffic congestion, water scarcity, and inefficient waste management.

In response to these issues, the concept of smart cities has emerged. These urban spaces are driven by advanced technology and a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. Smart cities aim to improve urban life using digital tools and data to yield efficient, resilient, and environmentally responsible urban systems. This article examines the role of smart cities in creating a more sustainable future for urban living.

A smart city uses technology to enhance the quality and performance of urban services and infrastructure. Through tools like data analytics, sensors, and automation, energy, water, transportation, energy, waste, and safety systems are managed. However, smart cities go beyond just technological convenience-they prioritize conserving resources, improving efficiency, and minimizing environmental harm.

Environmental sustainability, in this context, means managing urban resources wisely to ensure long-term well-being. It includes cutting green-house gas emissions, conserving energy and water, reducing waste, and expanding green spaces. Cities grow, demand for resources rises, making sustainability not just a choice but a necessity to avoid ecological and social crises.