Smart City and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy

Introduction The rapid population growth, unplanned urbanization, increasing migration, economic and technological development, and socio-political processes have led to irreversible environmental changes in urban ecosystems. These changes undermine the capacity of both natural and built environments to cope with climate-related disasters such as floods, heatwaves, storms, and rising sea levels, making growing cities, their inhabitants, assets, and infrastructure increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Climate change has emerged as one of the most critical environmental challenges of the ۲۱st century for cities. Cities account for ۶۰-۸۰% of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, which are the primary drivers of climate change. Cities have recognized their role as contributors to climate change and are striving to reduce their environmental footprint while simultaneously building resilience against the irreversible effects of climate change and transforming into sustainable cities. Smart cities have emerged as a transformative solution to address the challenges posed by urban population growth, environmental conservation, and climate adaptation. A key aspect of smart cities in confronting climate change is their level of resilience and adaptability. Studies have shown that cities with significant smart components are more adaptable and resilient compared to their counterparts with fewer or no smart components. Smart components enable cities to better tackle the complex challenges arising from climate change. In this context, the present study seeks to answer the following questions: How do smart cities influence climate change adaptation? and What are the most effective strategies within the smart city framework to enhance adaptation and mitigate the effects of climate change? Methodology This research is applied in purpose and adopts a descriptive-analytical approach. Data and information were collected using a library-based method, referencing documents, books, reports, and Persian and English-language articles. By reviewing published sources and documents and analyzing them, this study examines the concept of smart cities, theoretical foundations, theoretical approaches, and domestic and international research background. Additionally, through library research and a review of sources, the most important climate adaptation strategies and climate change mitigation strategies within the smart city framework were identified and analyzed. Results and Discussion The findings of this study are presented in two sections. The first section reviews the most important climate change adaptation strategies, while the second examines strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change. Key Climate Change Adaptation Strategies: Smart Infrastructure (green buildings, water-resilient systems, flood-resilient designs); Data-Driven Climate Monitoring (IoT sensors, predictive analytics); Sustainable Transportation (electric and autonomous vehicles, public transport, micro-mobility); Energy Transition and Grid Resilience (smart grids, energy storage); Urban Green Spaces (nature-based solutions, biodiversity); Social Resilience Building (citizen engagement platforms, climate education); Heat and Disaster Management (heat-resilient urban design, disaster preparedness programs); Circular Economy and Waste Management (smart waste systems, resource recovery); Policy and Governance (data-driven policymaking, green incentives); Global Collaboration Networks (smart city alliances). Key Climate Change Mitigation Strategies: Renewable Energy Integration (solar and wind energy, decentralized energy systems); Energy Efficiency (smart buildings, retrofitting existing infrastructure); Sustainable Mobility (electric vehicles, public transport, Mobility-as-a-Service, autonomous vehicles); Smart Grids and Energy Storage (smart grid technologies, battery storage systems); Carbon Sequestration (urban green spaces, vertical gardens, green walls); Sustainable Urban Planning (compact and mixed-use development, transit-oriented development); Digital Solutions for Emission Reduction (real-time data monitoring, AI and machine learning); Clean Industry and Green Technologies (industrial energy efficiency, carbon capture and storage); Water and Resource Management (smart water management, water-energy nexus); Behavioral Change and Public Engagement (sustainable lifestyles, carbon-tracking apps); Urban Logistics Decarbonization (electric delivery vehicles, urban distribution centers); Policy and Incentives (carbon pricing and taxation, green procurement); International Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing (city networks for climate action). Conclusion Based on the findings of this study and considering the limitations, barriers, challenges, and costs associated with implementing certain adaptation strategies, the most important feasible initiatives and solutions for climate change adaptation include: resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, water resource management, urban green space development, climate-resilient agriculture, public health initiatives, renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transportation, circular economy, carbon sequestration, and smart building design.

کلیدواژه ها:

Smart City ، Climate Change ، Adaptation ، Mitigation