Langdon Morris has put together a roadmap to how we can create a true, clean world.
He is the author of Net Zero City, a book that suggests that there is a path to curb the climate crisis by the year 2032.
Any way you look at it, that is an ambitious goal. As Morris pointed out in front of international representatives at the Smart City Expo & Net Zero Summit in Taipei, Taiwan last month, cities are using too much oil. Many are running out of water…while many others are inundated with too much water during unprecedented floods. But those who listened to Morris speak at the Summit were eager to understand his outline for a green-focused future.
At the core, Morris told the crowd that creating a Net Zero City is all about transforming our urban systems. That includes transforming how we think about urban governance, urban design, urban infrastructure, urban economics, and urban culture.
“Net zero is not just an engineering or architectural problem; it’s a governance problem,” Morris added.
Morris looked globally for examples as to how urban design, governance, infrastructure, economics, and culture can make more sustainable moves. He pointed out that there are lots of places around the world to look to for inspiration around how to build a sustainable-focused city, be it Net Zero Hotels using biomimicking concepts to new energy auditing technologies that are ensuring buildings are not wasting precious energy.
The Southeast region of the US got a shout out on the international stage, as Morris pointed out that financial institutions like Climate First Bank in Florida can help make financial decisions that are aligned with overall climate goals.
WHAT WE CAN LEARN
Smart City technology usually focuses on enhancing infrastructure and improving efficiencies around how individuals, businesses, and governments function. But sustainability efforts are central, though often overlooked, part of making a city livable and “smart.”
In Taiwan, the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions is the energy sector (>90%), with emissions from power generation making close to 49% of that. In the US, transportation and residential buildings make up the bulk of the emissions.
Countries around the world have a long way to go to reach aggressive climate target goals, like reaching net zero emission numbers by the year 2050. As Atlanta, and the wider US, looks for sustainable solutions, it will be important to look abroad for inspiration, collaboration, and GreenTech opportunities. Taiwan’s focus on sustainable technology could be an important partner for countries looking for climate technology solutions.
What was clear from the Summit was that startups and enterprise technologists are ready to help cities with their sustainability goals.
Many technology-based sustainability efforts were on display at the Expo, which attracted an international delegation. The Georgia Delegation learned first hand about Smart Air Quality platforms, urban waterway monitoring systems detecting pollution, carbon capture alternatives, and even a GreenGPT system designed by one of Asia’s largest banks.
More information on the Smart City Expo & Net Zero Summit can be found here.
