Experts agree that automated driving technologies constitute perhaps the most significant transformation in urban and transport planning since the invention of the private motor vehicle. In this article, Dr Ransford A. Acheampong assesses how policy-makers have an urgent responsibility to create alternative urban futures in which we are able to meet our everyday mobility needs […]
Determining the impact of poor air quality in cities on daily life: the value of using ‘citizen sensors’ and agile platforms
The air in cities can be bad for our health. People who live in cities are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases such as COPD and be admitted to hospital with asthma attacks and other serious respiratory conditions. Whilst it is important to monitor these, focusing only on life-threatening events can mask a lower-level […]
Built on sand: the need for new environmental standards in the construction industry
The building sector is responsible for 40% of global CO2 emissions, and many policies have been introduced about the energy efficiency of buildings during their working life. However, little consideration has been given to the whole life of a building, from the production of materials to the disposal of old buildings. Here, Ms Judy Too […]
Data and Decision Making: how AI and data tools can help influence evidence-based policy change.
It is crucial that policymakers have access to the increasing collection of datasets across our natural environment and other sectors such as health and economics. Currently, much of this data is spread across a variety of platforms which work in silo, making it difficult for users to analyse, assess and ultimately deliver improved policy outcomes. […]
Delivering on climate commitments: restricting global warming to 1.5C
In 2015, world leaders committed to holding global warming to well below 2C whilst pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5C as part of The Paris Agreement at COP21. It is now expected that the world is likely to hit this level of warming within the next five years. In this article, Dr Angela Minas […]
Spreading like wildfire: the need for a UK Fire Danger Rating System (FDRS)
In a rapidly changing world under pressure from climate change we are seeing alterations in the pattern of fires, especially in places where wildfires have not been viewed as a major threat such as the UK. Fire Danger Rating Systems (FDRS) provide a measure of the threat posed by wildfires, and are informed by fuel […]