Barcelona [1]
[2]Country:
Region:
- coastal [3]
City size:
- regional capital [4]
Population:
Area:
Unemployment rate:
City challenges:
- climate change adaptation [5]
- energy [6]
- food [7]
- green infrastructure [8]
- transport [9]
- waste [10]
- water [11]
Overview:
A regional capital, port city, and strong economic centre on the Mediterranean coast:
Barcelona is a vibrant economic and cultural centre in Europe committed to becoming the global model of a Smart City [12] as it combats urban development challenges related to climate change and population density.
POCACITO WORKSHOPS: [13]
Reports:
Background:
The coastal capital of Barcelona has made a name for itself as a world leader in tourism, entertainment, fashion and commerce. The city is currently facing particularly significant economic challenges from the global financial crisis but continues to be an important economic centre and transport hub in Europe. It is the 6th most populous metropolitan area in Europe and remains a world renowned cultural destination.
Challenges:
As a coastal city, Barcelona is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels, climate change and water stress. Its high population density - one of the highest in Europe - also magnifies the local heat island effect which causes an array of health and environmental challenges.
Current Initiatives:
Barcelona is ambitious to become the world model of a Smart City. To this end, its Barcelona Smart City [12] programme targets lighting, energy, water, district heating and cooling, transportation, zero emissions mobility and open government. The high technology zone 22@ [20] and Mobile World Capital [21] are just some of the many additional projects taking place in Barcelona. The city also holds the annual World Smart Cities Congress.
Centre for European Policy Studies [22] (CEPS) will be coordinating and developing post-carbon visions with local Barcelona stakeholders.
-
View the full image [23]
