New book out soon: Urban Water Security (Wiley)
In the 21st Century, the world will see an unprecedented migration of people moving from rural to urban areas. With global demand for water projected to outstrip supply in the coming decades,…
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A focused intelligence section from the Mark and Focus archive, connecting recurring analysis across policy, infrastructure, resilience, technology, and urban systems change.
DC having fun while improving sustainability
A key aspect of greening the economy is encouraging organizations and individuals to reduce their ecological footprints. To achieve this the District of Columbia (DC) has initiated the Smarter DC Challenge and…
Australia lowering emissions from commercial buildings
In Australia the built sector accounts for approximately 20% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Emissions from this sector are the result of fossil fuel combustion for heating, cooling and cooking needs…
A green urban transportation future
Globally, the transportation sector, which includes the movement of people and goods by cars, trucks, trains, ships, airplanes and other vehicles, is one of the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG):…
Vancouver a hub of green growth
Vancouver’s Greenest City 2020 Action Plan aims to turn Vancouver in a hub of green growth. The Action Plan specifically aims to double the number of green jobs over 2010 levels by…
Dubai’s smart water meters
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is one of the most water scarce regions in the world. In 1950, per capita renewable water resources were 4,000 cubic meters per year.…
The rise of the Smart Nation
Globally, nations are becoming increasingly challenged by rising household consumption levels, depletion of natural resources, increasing levels of pollution and greenhouse gases and increasing vulnerability to natural hazards and risks from climate…
LA cutting the costs of importing water
In the United States around 40 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity is used per year in the delivery and treatment of drinking water. Of that pumping comprises 90% of the total consumption. What…
Western Australia’s farmers growing more crop per drop
By 2050, the world’s population is projected to reach 9 billion while per capita income is expected to almost triple. This will likely lead to a substantial increase in demand for food…
Easing the cost of adaptation to water insecurity
Cities over the past century have become the driving force of the global economy. Accounting for over half the world’s population and generating around 80% of global GDP cities provide numerous opportunities…