III - All aboard the path to climate-neutral cities
There’s no easy fix, and top-down policies won’t succeed without citizen participation.
Francesco Pilla, REALLOCATE project coordinator
“Ahead of 2030, there’s much work to be done in terms of new policies and interventions to reduce emissions,” says Francesco Pilla, professor of Smart and Sustainable Cities at University College Dublin’s School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy in Ireland. As project coordinator of REALLOCATE, Pilla is leading an initiative that aims to reshape mobility across 10 cities by focusing on policy intervention, infrastructure enhancement and – most importantly – behavioural change. “By reducing our reliance on personal vehicles, we can decrease their use, alleviate traffic congestion, and promote healthier and safer cities,” adds Pilla. “But a better road allocation towards sustainable options such as walking, cycling and public transportation is vital.”
Public collaboration
Plans include everything from creating superblocks and green corridors that prioritise safety for pedestrians and cyclists, to digital solutions such as simulating the impact of planned interventions. At the heart of the REALLOCATE project is the ambition of developing these changes collaboratively with both the policymakers and the public. “There’s no easy fix, and top-down policies won’t succeed without citizen participation,” Pilla explains. “These solutions aren’t theoretical, but developed in partnership with local stakeholders and citizens.”
Zero-emission pilots
REALLOCATE’s deployment phase begins mid 2024. Interventions include superblocks in Barcelona and Budapest, artificial intelligence to increase road safety in Tampere, Vision Zero traffic safety measures around schools in Utrecht and Bologna, safe and green routes to schools in Gothenburg and Warsaw, regional commuter plans in Heidelberg, smart traffic controls to prioritise sustainable travel in Zagreb, and reduced pollution parking policies in Lyon. After a comprehensive assessment, the interventions will be ready for roll-out in a further 10 municipalities. “Partnering with 10 different cascade cities means REALLOCATE will make a significant difference,” says Pilla. “We will assist them in building their skills and provide guides on how to replicate our tried-and-tested solutions.” Through these collaborations, REALLOCATE is hoping to future-proof cities that prioritise safety, accessibility and sustainability for all.
Keywords
REALLOCATE, EU missions, cities mission, adaptation mission, climate change, projects info pack, research, innovation, resilience, sustainable, urban, climate-neutral, smart mobility, clean energy