Editor's Note

September 16 and 17 are two important environmental days: International Ozone Layer Protection Day and International Cycling Day.

As global industrialization and urbanization continue to rise, emissions of carbon dioxide and other harmful gases have also increased, putting the ozone layer in unprecedented crisis and worsening climate change, which poses threats to human health and the Earth's ecosystems.

In response, cities can reduce emissions of harmful gases and carbon dioxide through policy guidance, community involvement, and technological innovation, thereby addressing climate change and achieving sustainable development. For example, promoting green buildings and renewable energy, optimizing public transportation systems, and encouraging cycling and walking can help reduce vehicle emissions. Additionally, cities can enhance waste sorting and resource recovery to minimize the environmental impact of waste disposal or advance smart city technologies, such as smart grids and energy management systems, to improve energy efficiency.

This article will focus on several representative innovation cases from the GZA cities, showcasing how they effectively tackle the complex challenges posed by climate change through low-carbon and emission-reduction strategies.

Capital Region, Denmark

Cycle Superhighways

(Shortlisted Cities 2020)

With the increasing number of cars in the Capital Region of Denmark, traffic congestion has become a problem that urgently needs to be addressed. Not only that, but it also leads to a rise in carbon dioxide emissions and a decrease in residents' exercise time, which have become major concerns for city managers. To this end, the Capital Region has launched the "Cycle Superhighways" plan in collaboration with 30 cities, aiming to reduce regional environmental pollution and transform residents' lifestyles in the long term.

To realize this joint plan, government departments have established the quality and standards for bicycle highways and aim to complete the nationwide network by 2045. The Cycle Superhighway Collaboration (CSC) coordinator provides data support for the "Cycle Superhighways" program, including facilitating collaboration between municipal and regional governments, closely monitoring and evaluating bicycle routes, and collecting relevant data.

By the time the project received the award, 174 kilometers of bicycle highways had been completed, resulting in a 23% increase in ridership, with 14% of new riders previously using cars. The planned 45 routes are expected to generate economic benefits equivalent to 765 million euros. The project will reduce 1 million car trips, and 1,500 tons of CO2 emissions annually. Today, bicycles are regarded as a crucial part of Denmark's transportation system, and bicycle highways have become a local development trend.

Learn more:

http://www.guangzhouaward.org/a/1318.html?lang=en

Gimhae, Republic of Korea

Good-bye to Plastic Flowers and Disposable Dishes! – Carbon Neutral and Happy Green City

(Deserving Initiative 2023)

As a carbon-neutral and plastic-free society gains power as a pressing environmental concern globally, Gimhae City is actively exploring strategies to minimize carbon emissions and combat climate change. In Gimhae City, public cemeteries and funeral homes are significant sources of carbon emissions. For instance, approximately 2,000 tons of plastic flowers are used annually in public cemeteries, resulting in 43 tons of waste and carbon emissions. Additionally, the use of disposable utensils in 14 private funeral homes amounts to 24 tons each year.

By transitioning from plastic flowers and single-use plastic tableware to eco-friendly alternatives such as fresh flowers and reusable tableware, Gimhae City has the opportunity to significantly reduce carbon emissions. Since the project's implementation, Gimhae City has reduced over 43 tons of plastic flower waste and more than 45 tons of carbon emissions annually across 4 cemeteries and 48,000 graves.

The project's innovative measures initially focused on Gimhae, targeting the city's public cemeteries and funeral homes. However, its successful implementation has expanded its impact beyond the city, garnering national attention. By implementing these dual initiatives, Gimhae City aims to establish an eco-friendly Gimhae and Korea that serves as a model for sustainability not only in Gimhae City but also globally.

Learn more:

http://www.guangzhouaward.org/a/3350.html?lang=en

Songpa, Republic of Korea

Songpa Solar Nanum (Sharing) Power Plant

(Winning Cities 2016)

The rise in oil prices and policies aimed at reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases have led to a significant increase in global energy costs, placing a heavier burden on low-income households. In South Korea, approximately 1.5 million households face energy deprivation, with only 100,000 benefiting from the energy welfare programs available at that time.

To address these issues, Songpa-gu was proclaimed the "Leading city for climate change response" in 2008 and constructed the "Songpa Solar Nanum Power Plant", a public solar generation plant recognized the world over. Songpa took its first step towards reducing its carbon footprint by setting up a public solar power plant in partnership with an NGO Energy Peace in 2009. In 2010, the project was expanded with the establishment of the No.2 Songpa Solar Nanum Power Plant to assist energy-deprived populations and improve energy efficiency. By 2012, the No.3 plant was completed, with costs shared by the government, private enterprises, and residents, providing aid to households with overdue energy bills. In 2013, plant No.4 was put into operation, and projects for insulating old houses and replacing gas facilities were initiated.

The Songpa Solar Nanum Power Plants will reduce potential carbon dioxide emissions by 22,000 tons over 25 years. It is equivalent to plating trees over a land area of 17,476,800 square meters. Songpa has already achieved a reduction of 4,429 tons of carbon dioxide through the power plants. The project will continue to support third-world countries affected by climate change and plans to collaborate with international non-governmental organizations to advance energy-sharing initiatives.

Learn more:

http://www.guangzhouaward.org/a/725.html?lang=en

Santa Ana, Costa Rica

Santa Ana en Cleta

(Shortlisted Cities 2018)

Santa Ana en Cleta is a project dedicated to the empowerment of the local population by teaching women how to ride a bike and how to use it as a means of transport. Its objective is to transform the mobility and road culture of the city's 57,000 inhabitants. The project also contributes towards an improved urban environment, well-being, health, the recovery of public spaces, and the right to use the city in a safe, respectful, and sustainable way.

The objective of this project is to transform the mobility structure within Santa Ana County to contribute to the reorganization of public spaces and create conditions for mobility, accessibility, and road calming in a healthy, convenient, and safe manner. This aims to minimize time lost due to traffic accidents, substantially reduce the carbon footprint, improve punctuality, and increase independence from vehicular congestion. The project involves planning and designing safe and efficient common routes for cyclists, in collaboration with the private sector, providing alternatives for their daily commute. Through these measures, the city seeks to implement a permanent Sustainable and Active Mobility Program to advance the paradigm shift in mobility, prioritizing walking, cycling, and public transport.

At the time the project received its award, over 100 women had become direct beneficiaries, and more than 500 people had benefited indirectly. With an initial funding of $10,000, the project expects to increase the number of direct beneficiaries to 500 and indirect beneficiaries to 2,000 by the end of the year. Additionally, the project has established connections with public institutions such as the Mayor's Office, City Council, Women's Commission, Accessibility Commission, and the Ministry of Public Education (MEP), and plans to promote the project's experiences nationwide.

Learn more:

http://www.guangzhouaward.org/a/928.html?lang=en

Milan, Italy

Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP)

(Deserving Initiative 2016)

With economic growth, population increase, and urbanization, global city traffic volumes are continually rising. Milan faces challenges such as peak oil, global warming, traffic congestion, and urban space saturation. Although most Milanese use public transport, the city has one of Europe's highest car ownership rates. To address these issues, Milan introduced the "Area C" congestion charge scheme and other traffic management initiatives.

In just a few years, Milan's shared transportation programs have achieved significant results. By 2015, the bike-sharing system attracted over 44,000 users, with more than 3 million uses, deploying 3,650 traditional bicycles and 1,000 electric bikes. Car-sharing services drew nearly 300,000 users, utilizing over 2,000 cars, and the motorcycle-sharing program also saw rapid growth since its launch in 2015. The large-scale vehicle deployment has driven exponential growth in user numbers.

These measures have enhanced Milan's global leadership in shared transportation, reduced car traffic, created more shared space for residents, and improved quality of life. Milan's success has set an example for other Italian cities like Rome, Turin, and Florence, and attracted global attention.

Learn more:

http://www.guangzhouaward.org/a/755.html?lang=en