Global Scans · Cities · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Smart cities are the talk of the town right now and so they should be to cope when over 60% of us will live in cities by 2030. E-bikes, Driverless- connected vehicles, buildings that talk to each other will help but many cities are susceptible to climate change and pandemics. Explore the issues faced by cities and the new ideas that will change the way urban dwellers live in the 21st century.

• [New] In summary, the digital shift in Dubai, with the introduction of cryptocurrency payments for government services, represents an innovative model that other cities and nations could follow. The Cryptonomist
• [New] City of Melbourne is proud to be part of a local and international movement of cities that will act to reduce emissions and to address climate change impacts. City of Melbourne
• [New] Modal shift for Wales involves 6% of baseline car demand switching to public transport, cycling, and walking by 2033, with the reduction in car-kilometres primarily achieved in more built-up urban areas. Climate Change Committee
• [New] Cities with high costs of living such as San Francisco, New York, and London are experiencing talent migrations to smaller cities, fuelled by remote work opportunities and more affordable lifestyles. Neat
• [New] Overture aircraft could feasibly fly passengers from London to New York City in just 3.5 hours at supersonic speeds. The Sun
• [New] Dubai's Urban Master Plan 2040 aims to support the growth of Dubai's population to 5.8 million people by 2040 whilst improving the quality of life for all residents. Engel & Volkers
• [New] Urban populations in the Asia Pacific are expected to grow by 25% by 2030, creating a surge in demand for efficient and comfortable seating solutions. Market Data Forecast
• [New] New York City has cut its 2025 tourism forecast by 3 million visitors, citing growing negative sentiment toward the U.S. Skift
• [New] Smart Cities and Connected Infrastructure China's commitment to smart cities and autonomous vehicle ecosystems presents additional investment opportunities in connected infrastructure. openpr
• [New] By 2030, Uber - which already operates a robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi, with Dubai next in line - will roll out WeRide's Robotaxi services in 15 new cities across Europe and other regions outside of China and the U.S., noted TipRanks. Forbes
• [New] A war using much of India and Pakistan's arsenals (in the range of 250 total warheads) would create firestorms so large that 50-125 million people might die immediately, and many major cities would be left uninhabitable. The World's Only Public Nuclear Threat Advisory System
• [New] Organic vegetable farming in the Philippines presents an attractive financial opportunity due to the higher sales prices of organic produce compared to conventional vegetables in urban markets such as Manila, which can range from 20-50% higher. Asia Farming
• Bringing urban leaders who have transformed their cities - from Barcelona to Bogota - together with activists, thinkers and practitioners creates a real opportunity to reimagine the way cities are planned and decisions are made to make cities fairer, healthier and greener. London School of Economics and Political Science
• As the world moves to a zero-carbon future, cities will be key places to transform - particularly buildings, which account for more than half of emissions in most cities. Chicago Build 2025
• Cities like Shanghai are already making plans to integrate flying cars into public transport, with a core industry scale expected to exceed 50 billion yuan by the end of 2027. SHINE
• The continued urbanization trend will see approximately 75% of the world's population living in cities, requiring innovative solutions for housing, transportation, and resource management. The Environmental Literacy Council
• Blade Urban Air Mobility, in New York, offers helicopter services that plan to reduce travel times to JFK from Manhattan by 8 minutes via air and 60 minutes by car. Facts and Factors
• Rotterdam plans to cover 10 million square feet of rooftops in vegetation, a move aimed at combating urban heat, reducing air pollution, and increasing biodiversity. Constructive Voices
• In summary, supporters pitch Kanal Istanbul as a long-term economic boon - creating jobs, revenue, a new city, and global stature - whereas critics warn it could become a financially draining boondoggle that Turkey can ill afford. Erkan's Field Diary
• With careful planning and continued innovation, urban air mobility could redefine the way we move through cities by the early 2030s - making air taxis a practical and sustainable part of everyday life. La Grada EN
• UAM envisions a network of air taxis and electric aircraft operating within cities, addressing the needs of a global urban population expected to reach 5 billion by 2030. La Grada EN
• By 2025, cities around the world will be implementing autonomous vehicles to improve urban mobility, reduce pollution, and create more livable environments. Science News Today

Last updated: 17 May 2025