Climate change is the defining challenge of our times, and cities are at the two extremes of climate change: modern urban activities are one of the causes of a warming planet, whose consequences affect cities in dramatic ways. How fast we decarbonize cities will dictate how we and future generations will live. How can science, data, and design help us to understand and find solutions to adapt and mitigate the impacts of global warming?
3.30pm
Welcome speech
Session 1
Urban Mobility
Urban Mobility and decarbonization are intricately linked, with the movement of people and goods in urban areas significantly impacting emissions and public health. Collaborations between scientists, policymakers, activists, and industry players are reshaping urban mobility, though not all innovations have overall positive environmental outcomes. How can cities effectively use real-time emissions data to shape their sustainability plans, and what specific advancements in autonomous transportation have the potential to transform urban mobility for a more sustainable future?
Session 2
Energy and Power
A cleaner future requires energy innovation solutions. The intersection of nuclear technology and renewable energy sources holds promise for on-demand, carbon-free power generation. Additionally, the potential of vast thermal energy storage systems harnessing renewable sources is revolutionizing urban heating and energy distribution. What role can nuclear micro-reactors play in achieving carbon-free energy generation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in various sectors? How might large-scale thermal energy storage systems impact the transition to renewable energy sources and sustainable urban heating and cooling?
Session 3
Urban Ecology and Sustainable Living
Climate change has already changed the way we live. It affects from what we eat and our microbiome to how we build our cities and how populations relocate between large territories. Warming temperatures have decimated crops, changed eating habits impacting our microbiome, increased the use of air conditioning in Nordic countries, erased coastal communities. Leveraging data analytics and sensing technologies, cities can identify and address some of these challenges. How could we use visual intelligence to map cool zones to reduce heat stress for pedestrians? How to use data analytics and delivery data to understand the embodied carbon footprint and health consequences of our eating habits? How to use sensing technologies to inform greenery enhancement strategies?
Session 4
Scaling Up
Towards global urban solutions: Cities are centers of innovation and are living labs for decarbonization innovations. Different cities must strike a balance between embracing these innovations while keeping, each of them, their unique features. What strategies can city leaders implement to scale up decarbonization innovations and address potential challenges in their cities?
8.00pm
Closing reception
Celebration of the MIT Senseable City Lab 20th anniversary
Coming soon…
Research Scientist,
Google
Research Scientist,
Google
Research Scientist,
Google
Research Scientist,
Google