In a world that is increasingly urbanized, where it is estimated that by 2050, 70% of the population will live in green cities. In this sense, the concept of smart and sustainable cities has ceased to be a futuristic vision to become an urgent climate adaptation strategy and collective well-being.
In Colombia, this challenge is even more pressing: more than 80% of the population lives in urban areas. Therefore, moving towards an environmentally friendly, equitable, and technologically efficient urban model has become a national priority.
The VIII Sustainability Summit, organized by Semana Forums and to be held on July 15 in Bogotá, will bring together national and international experts to analyze how territories can be transformed into resilient, habitable, and sustainable spaces under the theme ‘Sustainable Territories’. One of the focal points of the meeting will be the development of smart cities, with an emphasis on solutions in mobility, green infrastructure, resource management, and urban planning.
## Technology in the service of the planet
Colombia has taken firm steps in this direction. The National Policy for Smart Cities and Territories, led by the Ministry of ICT, promotes the use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and big data analysis to optimize public management, reduce emissions, and improve urban quality of life.
Cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Barranquilla, and Bucaramanga are leading this process with projects that integrate environmental and digital aspects. The Vision Colombia 2050, promoted by the National Planning Department, includes urban sustainability as a pillar of development, with goals aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
## Clean transportation and resilient public spaces
One of the most visible fronts of sustainable progress in Colombia is electric mobility. The country is already the second in Latin America with the highest number of electric buses—more than 1,400 in Bogotá alone—and is moving towards the electrification of intermunicipal transport. This transition reduces CO₂ emissions and improves urban air quality, directly impacting public health.
In parallel, the Colombian capital promoted a comprehensive climate adaptation strategy with the implementation of green cities. According to Adriana Soto, Bogotá’s Secretary of Environment, efforts focus on restoring water ecosystems, preventing natural disasters, and improving air quality with innovative mechanisms.
In the Caribbean, Barranquilla transformed over 31,000 square meters into green infrastructure: parks adapted to floods, shaded areas, and urban landscaping that mitigate heat islands, demonstrating that ecological design is also a tool for environmental justice.
## Scenarios of innovation and cooperation
Events like Smart Cities Latam in Medellín and the upcoming EXPOI 2025 in Bogotá are turning the country into a regional benchmark in intelligent urban development. These platforms promote the exchange of ideas, public-private cooperation, and the replicability of successful projects.
The Sustainability Summit will be a key opportunity to articulate policies, initiatives, and stakeholders under a shared vision of the future. Not only will technological advances be discussed, but also the need to build more humane, fair, and ecologically viable cities. An unmissable event on July 15 at Cubo Colsubsidio.
## Why are eco-friendly public transportation important?
Eco-friendly public transportation, also known as sustainable transport, refers to transportation systems that seek to minimize environmental impact by using renewable energies and reducing polluting emissions. This approach includes promoting means of transport such as buses, trains, and bicycles, as well as implementing technologies like hybrid electric vehicles.
### Benefits
– **Emission reduction:** The use of renewable energies and vehicle efficiency help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, improving air quality.
– **Health improvement:** Promotes the use of non-motorized transportation modes like bicycles and walking, contributing to the physical and mental health of individuals.
– **Congestion reduction:** By prioritizing public transportation, the number of private vehicles on the streets decreases, reducing traffic congestion and travel time.
– **Greater efficiency:** Public transportation, especially rail and bus systems, are more energy and resource-efficient per passenger than private vehicles.
Source: Semana.
