Video surveillance and other security technologies have a major role to play in achieving urban sustainability goals.
Our expanding metropolitan areas, which are regarded as economic powerhouses and account for more than 80 percent of the global GDP, have a substantial environmental impact. Despite just taking up 2 percent of the planet's surface, these metropolitan centers are responsible for more than 70 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions.
As recently highlighted in a
blog post by Andreas Göransson, Global Marketing Manager at Axis Communications, cities play a crucial part in coordinating future sustainability policies.
The need for cities to embrace and execute sustainable practices is heightened by the broad trend of urbanization, which is predicted to result in roughly seven out of ten people living in urban areas by 2050. These urban centers face social and economic changes brought on by incidents like the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to environmental difficulties, emphasizing the value of cleanliness, open spaces, and green spaces.
Steps from governments
Fortunately, many local governments all over the world are aware of these issues and actively working to integrate UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their daily operations. The 17 interconnected SDGs were established in 2015 and act as a "blueprint for a better and more sustainable future for all."
“The adoption of the SDGs by the world’s cities is in no doubt. Recent research, which benchmarked 200 cities across the globe to determine their future readiness, showed that key SDG indicators ranked high on the list of priorities for cities,” Göransson said. “67 percent of cities wanted to improve citizen safety through urban planning, the same percentage also wanted to incorporate sustainability metrics into local planning processes, and two thirds (59 percent) also wanted to incorporate environmental metrics into investment decisions.”
Security solutions to consider
The blog emphasizes how important environmental monitoring is for reaching sustainability goals. The SDGs' specific targets, such Target 11.6, which states, "By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities," can be achieved by utilizing video surveillance and sensor data to efficiently manage garbage, keep an eye on the air, and lessen pollution. The key point to note here is that video surveillance and other security technologies have a major role to play in achieving these targets.
Intelligent surveillance systems and sensors can also be creatively used to create early warning systems for natural disasters like flooding. Additionally, they can help with adaptive lighting to lessen energy emissions in a city, aiding in the fight against climate change.
Smart city technologies are crucial once more for sustainable mobility and transportation. The SDGs' target 11.2 promotes "Affordable and sustainable public transportation systems." Video surveillance can improve safety on public transit, watch over traffic, and assist in managing and planning transportation infrastructure to reduce its negative effects on the environment.
Intelligent video analytics and video surveillance technology have a tremendous impact on public safety. By confirming the veracity of video footage, they can identify suspicious activity, stop crime, handle emergencies, and even support a just judicial system.
Cities, as suggested by Göransson, offer an unmatched opportunity to harness the power of smart technology to enhance the quality of urban life and significantly advance the achievement of the UN's SDGs. Therefore, it will be crucial to incorporate sustainability indicators into urban planning procedures if we are to create a future in which cities serve as both the hub of economic activity and the fortresses of sustainable living.
Actionable intelligence
A key consideration in the transition to smart cities is not only the collection of vast amounts of data but also its efficient use. In many instances, surveillance cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems have been widely deployed, resulting in the substantial accumulation of data. However, this abundance of data can lead to what's often termed as "security theatre" - over-hyped security measures that provide the illusion of safety but do not necessarily lead to more secure environments.
Rather than indiscriminate data gathering, cities should focus on converting this 'too much information' into 'actionable intelligence'. Advanced surveillance technologies can support law enforcement in maintaining public order and safety. With increased observation areas and extended monitoring periods, cities are more likely to possess critical information when needed.
All this while ensuring privacy
However, it's essential to remember that the accumulation and use of such data also comes with significant privacy considerations. In a smart city setup, data tends to flow one way - from surveillance devices to government officials. This dynamic may lead to tensions between personal privacy and government goals of safety and higher efficiency.
To avoid such a conflict, a clear understanding and buy-in from all stakeholders, including citizens, law enforcement, and city management, are critical. As wireless broadband connectivity becomes cheaper and faster, sensor and processing technologies get more miniaturized and affordable, and big data tools like cloud resources and storage technology grow more robust, these tensions are only set to escalate.
Therefore, a careful balance must be struck. In smart cities, dialogue, public input, and careful analysis are just as important, if not more, than the technology that enables them. After all, city residents are not just consumers of public services and amenities, but also citizens with legal rights. As our cities grow smarter, they must also grow savvier, ensuring the benefits of technology are enjoyed without infringing upon the privacy and rights of its residents.