Many cities are undertaking initiatives to improve environmental performance, creating ‘Smart Cities’ by introducing innovative technologies and plans to promote efficient energy use, recycling and environmentally-friendly traffic management. Yokohama and Kitakyushu are examples of cities working to become smarter. They are linking their environmental policies with those relating to economic revitalization, urban planning, health, and welfare, particularly post 3/11.
Professor Imura will discuss shifting Japanese perspectives on energy management and smart technology investment, not only for the creation of low-carbon cities and a green economy, but also for disaster recovery.
Bio:
Hidefumi Imura is Professor at the Global Cooperation Institute for Sustainable Cities of Yokohama City University and Professor Emeritus of Nagoya University, and a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies. He received his PhD in Applied Physics from the University of Tokyo, and has worked for the Japan Environment Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Yokohama Municipal Government.
