In the hunt for urban efficiency, smart cities promise a greener future and its’ common to have such headlines in news “How smart cities are raising our Quality of life”. But beneath the surface lies an inconvenient truth: the very sensors designed to safeguard our environment may be cluttering it with waste.
Imagine a city that not only breathes with the rhythm of its inhabitants but also thinks alongside them. A city where every street, building, and park is interwoven with a network of intelligence, making life smoother, safer, and more sustainable.
In a smart city, urban ecosystems are augmented with digital infrastructure, creating an interconnected mesh of IoT devices. These devices continuously collect data, which is then processed through advanced analytics to optimize city functions. As an example, Traffic management systems utilize adaptive signal control to reduce congestion, while adaptive lighting systems use sensor data to modulate illumination based on occupancy and natural light levels. The allure of smart lights – convenience and customization at your fingertips – comes with a hidden cost to the environment. While they often boast energy-efficient LEDs, features like constant connectivity and unnecessary nighttime glows contribute to a growing problem: e-waste and light pollution. These disrupt wildlife habitats and natural sleep cycles, while improperly disposed of smart lights leach toxins into landfills.Their connectivity can increase energy use, contributing to emissions. They can also worsen light pollution, disrupting ecosystems and human health.
Since childhood ,I desire to be a smart person, now when I think about it, isn’t it’s ironic biased imagery which provides subtle trust in “Smart” word itself .These were the building blocks Ii guess where marketing of SMARTphone,SMARTtv etc.. gives me a thought that if I have them then I will be “SMART”. But Really ?There is much to ponder on..
The recent buzz word around is “Smart Cities” creating an image of highly advanced and specialized city where everything is super-efficient and some even claiming that it will be bringing out sustainable goals nearer, but are they really sustainable?
Electronic Sensors used for smart controlling devices and other analytics purpose are bringing big issues of e-waste and lot materials are being extracted from earth itself for preparing these .The complete system starting from inputs from sensor, to data migration, analytics and then controlling every piece of it is heavily depended on electricity. What if few hours of no electricity!
Wouldn’t it be a situation like you got entrapped in a lift mid-way, and now mobile is out of signal and emergency call from lift is also not working.
So it is really a “Smart choice to be Smarter” ?
Another perspective moving towards sensor / technology based smart life is E-waste !E-waste is, the fastest-growing solid waste stream globally, poses significant environmental and health risks. In 2019, 53.6 million tonnes were generated, but only 17.4% was recycled. Be it mobile, computers, electronic beauty care ( toothbrush, shaver, massager etc.), security cameras, music systems…. list is very long.
Improper e-waste disposal, including open burning, releases harmful substances like lead. Children, pregnant women, and informal recyclers face heightened health risks due to exposure. Urgent action is needed to address this escalating crisis else our chase for being SMART will lead to Environment Dumbness.
Was it the same situation years before! The rise of smart cities, brimming with data-driven efficiency and sleek technology, promises a utopian future. However, a closer look reveals a potential trade-off with Traditional cities, where people themselves are smart, who can decode signs of nature and stay Responsibility Together in a community. . Traditional cities, are less tech-savvy, foster a strong sense of community through bustling squares and vibrant markets. They offer a richer sensory experience and a connection to cultural heritage, often lacking in the sterile efficiency of smart city life. While smart cities boast resource optimization and improved services, concerns linger around privacy and social isolation.
Ultimately, the ideal city may lie in a harmonious blend. By leveraging technology for sustainability without sacrificing the heart of a traditional city, we can create urban environments that are both smart and soulful.
The possible solution to achieve a smart city goal, could be by thinking differently, adopting for better choices , aligning with traditional ways of living. Some examples:
● If everyone becomes responsible and follow the traffic rules, the situation of congestion and traffic jams will be automatically avoided.
● Like above, in every segment could it be infrastructure, education, resource management, waste management… of a SMART City can be developed which complement the natural environment, integrating indigenous knowledge, leveraging communities in decision-making, drawing on traditional practices of communal living.
Adoption of public transportation and non-motorized transport, will not only heavily reduce the traffic, but also reduce the number of 4 wheelers and 2 wheelers production – a lot space will be available for garden, walking etc. There is no silver line which clearly specifies what is better solution. All one have to do is think holistically and logically, from several perspectives, including traditional practices.
Sustainability goals for a Smart city can be achieved by taking sustainable choices, leading to better living of not only humans but every species in that locality including plants, soil, air.
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