Talking about climate change and solutions to mitigate its effects is synonymous with talking about the Paris Agreement. That Summit against Climate Change held in December 2015 was a new international recognition to recognize the urgency that the planet has to reduce and contain the increase in global temperature above 1,5 ° C.
This objective is ambitious, however, the actions and commitments by the countries are not so ambitious. According to the UN, the trajectory of the rise in temperatures that we have Today if everything continues like this it is 3,4 ° C. And that is taking into account that all countries fully implement the measures agreed in Paris.
Actions to reduce temperatures
For this reason, the Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP22), which took place in Marrakech in November 2016, sought to concretize this expected change of course in effective actions. If not, the most possible scenario has already been described by the World Bank as unprecedented heat waves, an increase in tropical cyclones, droughts and famines, and the sea level with the disappearance of ecosystems, etc.
It is clear that the objectives and the measures must change or be stricter since, for now, they are not enough. Faced with global warming and all the negative effects on ecosystems and life as we know it, cities play a leading role. The current pace of urbanization in cities is unsustainable over time. That's why changes are needed to respond to the challenges of our time, addressing issues such as inequality, climate change, and this unsafe and unsustainable urban growth. One of the many cities that must adapt to this new environment is Amsterdam, which is making significant efforts to combat these problems.
They are our daily and daily activities such as mobility, the transport of consumer products and food, heating, the exploitation or transport of fossil fuels, etc. It is all of this that contributes to the CO2 emissions that accelerate climate change. According to UN data, urban pollution in cities contributes to nearly 3,4 million premature deaths worldwide. This is because environmental pollution increases the probability of suffering from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Amsterdam does its homework
It is for all the reasons mentioned above that Amsterdam has begun to implement measures aimed at greater urban sustainability. One of its major aspirations regarding pollution and climate change is to be a city completely free of CO2050 emissions by 2. This is a major step at a critical time for the environment, especially considering that there are other cities that could disappear if urgent measures are not taken.
Among the measures being carried out to achieve this sustainability are:
- The "Clean Air 2025" program aims to sustainable mobility that eliminates CO2 emissions associated with transport, both public and especially private. A gradual replacement of diesel-powered buses with zero-emission models is also planned, along with an increase in the number of electric vehicles. Support for the private replacement of electric vehicles will also be encouraged through support plans for individuals and restrictions for gasoline and diesel vehicles. The most polluting vehicles will see their access progressively restricted in various areas, as is being done in Madrid with Manuela Carmena's plan. Furthermore, these measures are part of a broader strategy that seeks to invest in green and sustainable infrastructure in the city.
- Clean and sustainable energy will be promoted with a transition from the use of coal and natural gas to the use of renewables. Thus, in 2050 It is intended to have eliminated the use of natural gas throughout the city to make it a zone free of CO2 emissionsOver the next four years, it is expected that some 100.000 homes will be able to join a new grid powered by clean energy. This energy will be generated by burning garbage, using industrial waste, geothermal energy, green gas (gas released from organic substances such as manure or plant remains), or the use of solar panels. This approach to energy is aligned with the climate change adaptation measures being taken in Europe.
- Environmental awareness and education plans. This is of vital importance in order to improve urban air quality. A project called TreeWifi An initiative to motivate residents to keep the air in the streets clean in exchange for free internet access. TreeWifi is placing birdhouses in city trees equipped with an air quality sensor and a Wi-Fi router with an internet connection. Thus, as long as pollution and overall air quality levels remain within recommended limits, the roof of the birdhouse will light up green, and residents will have free Wi-Fi. Otherwise, the roof of the house will light up red, and the router will cut off the internet connection. Initiatives like these are examples of how technology can help in the fight against climate change.
As you can see, Amsterdam is doing its homework well and the rest of the cities of the world should also do it.
