Cool City

We watched the Cool City video.

According to the video:

Economic development since the Industrial Revolution has been breathtaking but it has brought with it problems such as population pressure & CO2 emissions.

If we don't act to solve these problems, we'll need another earth, clearly impossible.

We have to reduce CO2 emissions by 50%.

In Japan during the last 30 years, GDP has doubled, while energy efficiency has increased by 37% & oil consumption decreased by 8%.

90% of CO2 emitted into the air comes from buildings & transport.

Cool city is an environmentally friendly green city with minimal CO2 emissions.

It is being built by SDCJ, a group of Japanese companies.

There are 3 main zones: Business; Commercial/Cultural; Residential.

Three types of transport mentioned were light transit rail/monorail; solar water taxis; hybrid cars.

Heat-reducing techniques: tree-planting; waterways; rooftop membranes.

Expected CO2 reductions: for eco-towers 50% & for eco-residences 30%.

Overall reduction of CO2 emissions is expected to be 60%.

How practical/ realistic is the video?

It certainly looks good but I'm personally sceptical as to what % of the Emirates' population will ever live in such a cool city.

It will involve a massive shift in lifestyle & cultural attitudes.

For a corrective viewpoint, see the posting below, A Load of Hot Air.

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