How technology in cities can help deliver a sustainable future

With urban areas containing an increasing majority of the world’s population, we need to make them work more efficiently

Singapore is working to reduce both traffic congestion and air pollution through intelligent transportation solutions. Photograph: Luis Enrique Ascui/REUTERS

Our reliance on technology is undeniable. It ensures we have potable water in our taps and that food is available on the supermarket shelves. Technology continues to change our lives and this dependence is only likely to accelerate given that, in 2010, we passed the historic milestone of having the majority of the world’s population live in cities. As we consider the implications, the question of sustainability is often raised.

Turismo sostenible en Guatemala prevee crecimiento del 20% en 2012

Por el crecimiento del turismo en general en el marco de las celebraciones del 13 Baktun y, por el creciente interés de parte de los consumidores de turismo sostenible por visitar destinos certificados, el Presidente de la Comisión de Turismo Sostenible, Comiturs, Alfonso Muralles, prevé un incremento considerable de turistas sostenibles en Guatemala.

A un día de concluir los preparativos para recibir el año nuevo maya, Oxlajuj Noj, los empresarios asociados a la Comisión de Turismo Sostenible de Agexport, Comiturs se están preparando para contar con mayores detalles e información con relación a las actividades que organiza el gobierno para la celebración del OXLAJUJ B`AQTUN, y así poder atender con información y detalles precisos a los más de 50,000 turistas sostenibles que esperan recibir para este 2012.

 

The Business Case for Product Sustainability

Global directives, national initiatives, state, and local regulations are all affecting what companies should or should not use in their products.  Additional pressure is coming from consumers, employees, business partners, and non-government entities (NGOs), that affects the way we do business.  A rising sentiment for “greener”, safer products is a clear message to us all.  This competitive peer pressure is forcing product-focused companies to be more innovative with the products they take to market, the materials that go into the product, and the materials and substances that are used in the manufacturing process.  In other words, the concept of product sustainability is moving from “nice to have” to “need to have.”