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Majed Al-Qatari

February 14, 2025 23:16

Urbanization has led to increased resource exploitation and pollution. Smart cities, by contrast, represent a forward-thinking approach to development, leveraging technology and the latest innovations to address urban challenges.

With 68 percent of the global population expected to live in urban areas by 2050, integrating circular economy concepts is essential for technological, environmental, and economic transformation.

The circular economy framework for innovative cities focuses on reducing resource consumption and promoting the recycling of materials. Urban planning can support this by incorporating reusable construction materials, renewable resources and recycled products.

These efforts can be enhanced by technologies that minimize waste and policies that promote circular resource management.

New technological advancements, including the internet of things, artificial intelligence and blockchain, are key drivers in the development of circular smart cities.

Sensors can monitor waste accumulation, optimize collection schedules and reduce costs, while AI-powered algorithms can predict energy consumption, helping to optimize resource use.

Meanwhile, blockchain enhances transparency and supply chain traceability, promoting sustainable procurement.

A strong example of this is Amsterdam’s Circular City program, which leverages technology to track physical materials and their consumption. Amsterdam’s circular strategy aims to recycle 67 percent of municipal waste with the goal of achieving full circularity by 2050.

Copenhagen has integrated AI into its energy systems, leading to a 42 percent reduction in the city’s carbon emissions over the past decade.

Applying circular economy principles in innovative city development is not just an environmentally responsible choice but an essential one.

Majed Al-Qatari

Recycling in the Danish capital is commonly implemented within the construction industry, where 80 percent of construction materials are reused or regenerated.

Similarly, ��������’s NEOM project envisions a sustainable, smart city that integrates waste-reducing technologies, including renewable energy sources and circular systems.

Circular strategies can lead to significant improvements in waste reduction, energy use and resource utilization. However, obstacles such as high initial costs, bureaucratic constraints, and public skepticism hinder widespread adoption.

Innovations in the circular economy of smart cities require the involvement of governments and the private sector as part of public-private partnerships.

Policymakers must establish clear legal guidelines for sustainability that are easily understood by all stakeholders. This could include mandating the use of recycled materials in construction projects or offering tax exemptions to participants in the circular economy.

Education investment is equally important, as public awareness can drive the behavioral changes necessary for realizing the circular economy.

Additionally, financing is needed for the development of new infrastructure and technologies, such as smart grids, renewable energy sources and modern recycling centers.

Applying circular economy principles in innovative city development is not just an environmentally responsible choice, but an essential one.

With increasing urbanization and growing pressure on the natural environment, circularity can serve as a blueprint for creating sustainable urban environments.

We can build cities for today and tomorrow by advancing technology, fostering teamwork, promoting education and constructing infrastructure.

•&�Բ�����;Majed Al-Qatari is a sustainability leader, ecological engineer and UN Youth Ambassador.