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Asia-Pacific Media Forum unveils consensus on shared prosperity

SHENZHEN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A consensus on jointly promoting the prosperity and development of the Asia-Pacific region was unveiled at the Asia-Pacific Media Forum, which kicked off on Saturday in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. More than 400 representatives from over 40 countries and regions, as well as from UN agencies and international organizations, attended the event. At the opening ceremony, 16 founding organizations from China and abroad jointly formed the Organizing Committee of the Asia-Pacific Media Partnership Program. The Shenzhen Consensus of the Asia-Pacific Media Forum noted that the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) stands as the region's highest-level, most extensive, and most influential economic cooperation mechanism. Since its establishment more than three decades ago, APEC has propelled the region to the forefront of global development and helped it become the most dynamic region in the global economy. The representatives pointed out that openness, innovation and cooperation are of great significance for promoting the prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region. They are committed to championing the consensus on openness, safeguarding the multilateral trading system, and reporting and explaining concepts and practices such as the construction of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, regional connectivity, and the stability of industrial and supply chains. They will also facilitate policy alignment and experience sharing, and comprehensively showcase the region's progress across various sectors. Attendees agreed that digital, intelligent and green transformation presents significant opportunities for the region's development. Committed to interpreting digital development policies and promoting positive narratives on digital technologies, they pledged to expand the application and popularization of artificial intelligence in the media sector and to broaden the media's reach and amplify its influence. Meanwhile, they expressed their willingness to encourage identifying and promoting best practices in areas such as clean energy and low-carbon buildings to guide green development in

Mwasalat to launch hydrogen-powered <b>city</b> bus in Muscat

Muscat – Oman is set to introduce its first hydrogen-powered city bus on public transport routes in Muscat under a new partnership with Hyundai Motor Group that also covers smart-city development and ultra-fast electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Hyundai Motor Group signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) at the Gulf Green Mobility Forum last week as part of cooperation on sustainable mobility and smart cities under Oman Vision 2040. The agreement has an initial one-year term and is subject to automatic renewal. Under a separate pilot agreement, national transport operator Mwasalat will deploy Hyundai’s 24-seat ELEC CITY Fuel Cell bus on regular public transport routes in Muscat. The pilot, scheduled to run from the third quarter of 2026 until the third quarter of 2027, will assess the hydrogen bus under actual passenger service rather than as a short-term technology demonstration. Mwasalat will evaluate its reliability in local driving conditions, operational efficiency on daily routes and environmental performance compared with conventional diesel buses. “We are delighted to establish strategic partnerships with MTCIT today. HMG is committed to helping turn Oman’s Vision 2040 ambitions into tangible outcomes through collaboration in smart cities and future mobility,” said Hokeun Chung, Executive Vice President and Head of Future Strategy Division at Hyundai Motor Group. The wider partnership also includes electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO) and its EV charging brand EVO have signed agreements with Hyundai Motor Group and Hyundai Kefico to install and operate a 240kW DC ultra-fast charger at an Oman Oil service station in Halban. The charger will undergo testing during the third and fourth quarters of this year, including trials under Oman’s high summer temperatures. The partners will assess charging performance, demand and commercial viability before deciding on possible expansion.

Two <b>Cities</b> Are Rewarding Slow Drivers With Green Lights, Fast Ones With Red | Carscoops

- Albuquerque and Portland use red lights to reward drivers who obey limits. - Portland says one pilot cut average speeds from 39 mph to the 30 mph limit. - City says the system helped reduce crashes and injuries on one corridor. All of us want to get where we’re going quickly and safely. Oftentimes, those two factors can be at odds. Two states are testing out a way for both to work in harmony. If drivers slow down to the speed limit, they’re sometimes granted more green lights. That means a quicker overall commute despite driving at a lower top speed, and the data indicates that the system is working. Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Portland, Oregon, are using variations of a traffic-signal strategy known as “rest in red.” Instead of leaving a light green when nobody is around, the signal defaults to red. Sensors detect approaching vehicles and, crucially, how quickly they’re traveling. Obey the speed limit, and you can get an earlier green. Read: Over 20% Of San Diego Roads Could Get Lower Speed Limits Overnight Come barreling toward the intersection, and you’re more likely to sit there. In other words, it’s effectively a speed camera that doesn’t mail you a ticket. The idea has been particularly useful on roads that carry plenty of traffic during the day but become tempting improvised drag strips after dark. Portland calls the concept a “virtual speed bump.” What Happened On One Of Portland’s Worst Streets Portland runs the system on stretches of Southeast Powell Boulevard, one of the city’s highest-crash corridors, mostly between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. depending on the day. City officials told The AP that average speeds at the first intersection tested dropped from 39 mph (63 km/h) to the posted 30 mph (48 km/h).

Solar, Data Centres &amp; Manufacturing: This Week in Energy

Solar, Data Centres & Manufacturing: This Week in Energy Plug-in solar panels went on sale in Great Britain for the first time this week. The government changed the rules to allow the devices to be sold legally, opening the door for DIY retailers and high street chains to stock them. Argos was first chain of the gate on 27 August, while Amazon, Currys, B&Q and Screwfix are expected to begin selling them within the next few weeks. So, what is all the fuss with these new solar panels? Unlike conventional rooftop arrays, these systems are plugged straight into a standard wall socket, converting sunlight into electricity that flows directly into a household's circuit. They are already a familiar sight on balconies across some other European countries, like Germany and Spain, but this marks the first time that they will be available in the UK. Their arrival on British shores will give flat dwellers and renters without roof access a way into solar generation that has previously eluded them. SLB has agreed to acquire Kelvion, a German thermal management company that specialises in data centre cooling, in a deal worth approximately US$3.4bn. The Houston-based oilfield services giant will also assume around US$700m of Kelvion's debt, bringing the total value of the deal to US$4.1bn. That brings the total transaction value to around 11 times Kelvion's estimated 2026 earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, or EBITDA. But why exactly is a company known for discovering, drilling and producing oil investing so heavily in the data centre sector? A new era has officially started at OMV Group, one of Europe's largest integrated energy companies. Emma Delaney stepped into her new role as Chairwoman of the Executive Board and CEO on 1 September, five months after her appointment was first announced. She has

Hyundai Motor Group Partners with Oman to Drive Green Mobility Transition ...

Hyundai Motor Group Partners with Oman to Drive Green Mobility Transition under Oman Vision 2040 Support CleanTechnica's work through a Substack subscription, on Patreon, or on Stripe. Help us produce all of the high-quality, original content we publish week after week despite the challenges of content-scraping AI, antisocial media, inflation, and other hurdles. - Hyundai Motor Group Signs Historic Partnership Agreements with Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology - The Group Teams Up with Mwasalat to Launch Oman’s First Hydrogen City Bus in Muscat - Oman Oil Marketing Company and EV Charging Brand EVO Join Forces with the Group to Build 240kW Ultra-Fast EV Charger Near Muscat - Hyundai Kefico Formalizes EV Charging Test Cooperation with EVO Through New MOU Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) at the Gulf Green Mobility Forum, launching cooperation in smart city development and eco-friendly mobility. Through this agreement, the Group positions itself as a key partner in Oman’s national smart city strategy under Vision 2040. The partnership runs for an initial one-year term, subject to automatic renewal. The same visit also saw separate agreements signed with Oman’s public transport and energy sectors, including a pilot program for Oman’s first hydrogen city bus and the deployment of an ultra-fast EV charger in Muscat. “We are delighted to establish strategic partnerships with MTCIT today. HMG is committed to helping turn Oman’s Vision 2040 ambitions into tangible outcomes through collaboration in smart cities and future mobility.” —Hokeun Chung, Executive Vice President, Head of Future Strategy Division, Hyundai Motor Group What Does the MTCIT Partnership Cover? The Omani government is advancing state-led smart city development under Vision 2040, with flagship projects including Sultan Haitham City. The MOU with the Group

ISCSEE2027 to Unite Global Engineering Experts in Hamburg

| News By Tag Industry News News By Place Country(s) Industry News | ISCSEE2027 to Unite Global Engineering Experts in Hamburg Civil & Environmental Engineering – Smart Infrastructure for Sustainable Cities (ISCSEE2027) By: Spectrum Conferences About ISCSEE2027 The 5th International Summit on Civil & Environmental Engineering – Smart Infrastructure for Sustainable Cities (ISCSEE2027) Organized by Spectrum Conferences, ISCSEE2027 will bring together professionals from different areas of civil and environmental engineering to discuss emerging technologies, engineering practices, sustainability strategies, and solutions for the infrastructure needs of future cities. ISCSEE2027 to Bring Together Global Experts to Explore the Future of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure. ISCSEE2027 will provide an international platform for discussing advances in civil and environmental engineering, with a particular focus on the development of sustainable, resilient, and smart infrastructure for future cities. The summit will address engineering challenges associated with urbanization, climate change, ageing infrastructure, mobility requirements, environmental sustainability, and the increasing adoption of digital technologies. The scientific program will cover a broad range of research areas, including structural engineering, sustainable construction, environmental engineering, transportation engineering, smart infrastructure, advanced construction materials, digital construction, artificial intelligence, digital twin technology, geotechnical engineering, water resources, climate change, and emerging engineering technologies. Additional topics will include AI-driven infrastructure and generative design, robotics and construction automation, 3D concrete printing, structural health monitoring, advanced earthquake-resistant techniques, smart mobility, autonomous transportation, nature-based solutions, green infrastructure, disaster risk reduction, advanced geospatial technologies, drone applications, and integrated urban intelligence. The two-day summit will feature plenary sessions, keynote presentations, invited talks, technical discussions, poster presentations, and networking opportunities. The program is designed to facilitate the exchange of research findings, practical experiences, innovative engineering approaches, and ideas among members of the global civil and environmental engineering community. Call for Abstracts and Participation The Scientific Committee welcomes original research contributions for oral

AGIQUAD Showcases D1 Quadruped Robots at LEAP 2026, Expanding Its

AGIQUAD Showcases D1 Quadruped Robots at LEAP 2026, Expanding Its Presence in the Middle East Press Release Date 09-04-2026 RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AGIQUAD, a developer of embodied intelligence and quadruped robotics solutions, showcased its D1 Series quadruped robots at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh, presenting solutions designed for complex operating environments across the Middle East, including desert and outdoor areas, industrial and energy facilities, and municipal operations. LEAP 2026 brings together technology companies, investors, government representatives and industry leaders from around the world, with a focus on artificial intelligence, embodied intelligence, digital infrastructure and other emerging technologies. The event provides a platform for technology companies to explore opportunities in the region's smart city development, digital transformation and international industrial cooperation. At the exhibition, AGIQUAD's quadruped robots performed live demonstrations of heavy-load carrying and self-righting capabilities following a rollover. The demonstrations underscored the robots' stability and robustness under complex operating conditions and severe external disturbances, demonstrating the platform's suitability for challenging tasks such as industrial inspection, security patrols, and desert operations. With all-terrain mobility, advanced autonomous functions, and stable, durable performance in outdoor conditions, AGIQUAD attracted considerable attention from government and corporate representatives across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, international business visitors, and industry partners. On-site discussions focused on pilot project deployment, regional channel partnerships, and the joint development of localized solutions, laying the groundwork for AGIQUAD to deepen its presence in the Middle East and build a long-term international collaboration network. In recent years, the Middle East has continued to accelerate the development of next-generation smart cities and smart energy, while demand has grown rapidly for intelligent solutions for outdoor patrol and inspection, operations in hazardous environments, and 24/7 unattended operations. High temperatures, windblown sand and dust, complex unpaved terrain, and large open operating areas

Environment Leadership Series - Fall 2026

Environment Leadership Series - Fall 2026 Environment careers in action - making an impact What does a typical day look like for a sustainability professional, planner, geographer, consultant, policy analyst or environmental scientist? What skills do they use? What challenges are they tackling? What impact are they making? Join us for an evening of career exploration and networking with Waterloo environment alumni. Through a career panel and Q&A, they will share an inside look at their work, the paths that led them there, and the skills that have helped them succeed. Following the panel, students will have the opportunity to connect with these alumni in small-group networking rounds. Whether you're exploring career options, preparing for co-op, or thinking about life after graduation, this is a great opportunity to learn from alumni who were once in your shoes. The event is hosted in partnership with the University of Waterloo's Centre for Career Development (CCD), whose staff will be available throughout the evening to share resources and answer questions about career planning, job search strategies, and co-op opportunities. Please note: - The event is open to all undergraduate and graduate students. - Business casual attire is recommended. - Light food and refreshments will be provided. - Students who register and attend will be entered into a raffle prize draw, with winners announced during the event. Alumni presenters Haya El-Merheby (BES '24) Senior Analyst, Sustainability, LaSalle Investment Management Haya is a Senior Analyst on LaSalle’s Americas Sustainability Team, advancing sustainability strategies across real estate portfolios and properties. A University of Waterloo Environment, Resources and Sustainability (ERS) graduate with a diploma in Future Cities, Haya specializes in green building certifications, climate resilience, operational efficiency, and sustainable real estate. She is passionate about creating practical solutions that drive environmental and business value. Ask me about:

The Weekly Wrap: The EPA Wants To Let Data Centers Skip Public Comment

Welcome back to The Weekly Wrap, our Friday roundup of stories that explain the problems oppressing people in cities and elevate the solutions that bring us closer to economic, environmental, and social justice. If you enjoy this newsletter, share it with a friend or colleague and tell them to subscribe. EPA Proposal Would Let Data Centers Skip Public Comment A proposal from the Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency could make it significantly harder for residents to learn about — or weigh in on — plans to build AI data centers in their communities, the Associated Press reports. The EPA plan would eliminate a federal requirement that states notify the public and accept comment before issuing air pollution permits for data centers and other industrial facilities, leaving it to individual states to decide whether to seek public input at all. Critics say the move is especially dangerous in Southern and Midwestern states that currently rely on the federal floor as their only meaningful public notice requirement. “Data centers and other industrial sources should not be able to get their air pollution permits in secret,” said Keri Powell of the Southern Environmental Law Center. The proposal comes amid a bipartisan, urban-rural backlash against data center proliferation that has reshaped local politics across the country. Data centers have emerged as a flashpoint in state legislative races and local elections in Virginia, Georgia, Texas, and beyond. The EPA is expected to finalize the rule next year. Trump Administration Destroying Fair Housing Enforcement The 1968 Fair Housing Act bans discrimination in housing accommodations based on protected categories, including race, disability, gender, and religion. But enforcement of the law is almost entirely outsourced by the government to third-party nonprofits that carry out investigations of potential violations. These fair housing organizations have been hobbled by delays in

Hyundai partners with Oman on zero-emission vehicles, EV infrastructure

Hyundai Motor Group has formalised a cooperation pact with Oman’s transport and technology ministry, opening the door to joint work on sustainable urban projects, hydrogen-powered public transport and electric-vehicle charging infrastructure in the Gulf state. The agreement, signed today (4 September) during the Gulf Green Mobility Forum, ties Hyundai to Oman’s Vision 2040 agenda. Discover B2B Marketing That Performs Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms. Hyundai Motor Group executive vice president, head of future strategy division Hokeun Chung said: “We are delighted to establish strategic partnerships with MTCIT today. HMG is committed to helping turn Oman’s Vision 2040 ambitions into tangible outcomes through collaboration in smart cities and future mobility.” Under the plan, government is advancing major urban development programmes including Sultan Haitham City. The arrangement starts with a one-year term and will roll over automatically unless changed by the parties. The ministry-level memorandum creates a basis for collaboration on future city planning and lower-emission transport solutions. Areas covered include electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell mobility, as Oman pushes to cut transport emissions and build smarter urban systems. Alongside that pact, state-owned bus operator Mwasalat agreed to introduce Hyundai’s ELEC CITY Fuel Cell bus on Muscat routes, marking the first hydrogen-powered city bus service in Oman. The 24-seat vehicle is scheduled to run from the third quarter of 2026 to the third quarter of 2027. The bus trial is being set up as part of regular passenger operations rather than a closed demonstration. Mwasalat will review how the vehicle performs on uptime, route efficiency and emissions-related benefits compared with conventional diesel fleets. Hyundai also signed separate charging-related agreements with OOMCO, the retail fuel and distribution arm of OQ, and EVO, OOMCO’s EV charging business. The companies plan to install a

Oman takes green mobility step with hydrogen-powered <b>city</b> bus

Oman to launch hydrogen-powered city bus in Muscat Published: 04:09 PM,Sep 04,2026 | EDITED : 12:09 PM,Sep 05,2026 MUSCAT: Oman is set to introduce its first hydrogen-powered city bus on public transport routes in Muscat as part of a wider partnership with South Korean automotive conglomerate Hyundai Motor Group aimed at accelerating the Sultanate of Oman’s transition towards low-carbon mobility, smart cities and cleaner transport infrastructure. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect was signed earlier this week at the Gulf Green Mobility Forum in Salalah between Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) and Hyundai Motor Group, establishing a framework for cooperation in smart-city development and environmentally friendly mobility. The agreement, initially valid for one year and subject to automatic renewal, covers areas including electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel-cell mobility and smart-city technologies. It also positions Hyundai as a potential technology partner in Oman’s efforts to develop sustainable urban centres, including flagship developments such as Sultan Haitham City, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. Under the pact, the 24-seat ELEC CITY Fuel Cell bus will be operated by Mwasalat, Oman’s national public transport operator, under a pilot agreement signed with the South Korean automotive group. The vehicle is scheduled to enter passenger service during the third quarter of 2026, with the pilot continuing until the third quarter of 2027. Significantly, the initiative is being structured as an actual passenger transport service rather than simply a technology demonstration. During the year-long programme, Mwasalat and Hyundai will assess the bus under real-world operating conditions, including its reliability, efficiency and environmental performance compared with conventional diesel buses. The hydrogen bus initiative forms part of a broader package of green mobility cooperation unveiled by Hyundai Motor Group in Oman. “We are delighted to establish strategic partnerships with MoTCIT

Friday's Headlines

Friday’s Headlines Streetsblog will be off on Monday in celebration of Labor Day. 8:52 AM PDT on September 4, 2026 Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org. More from Streetsblog California The Short Week in Short Video Toronto Barriers on Imperial Highway, Dinosaurs on the Train. September 4, 2026 Labor Day Weekend Roundup: Hopkin’s Bike Lane Lawsuit, Orwellian Assault on E-Bikes… ...and SFMTA still lacks automated train safety measures September 3, 2026 Parts of San Gabriel River and Rio Hondo Bike Paths Closing for Dam Construction Sections of the two bikeways will be closed for years to come, as Whittier Narrows Dam gets important safety upgrades. September 3, 2026 Thursday’s Headlines Transit Month!, State Transit Cuts!, State Micromanaging Bike Projects!, Flock Ruins Everything...and more... September 3, 2026 Talking Headways Podcast: New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies "Strong reforms are necessary in California if we're going to have public transit agencies that are successful," says this week's guest. September 3, 2026

Redesigning Urban Green Spaces for Nature-Based Healthcare

Healthcare systems worldwide face growing burdens from chronic disease, mental health disorder, and sedentary lifestyles. In response, healthcare providers across multiple countries are implementing nature prescriptions – formal, non-pharmacological clinical interventions advising patients to spend structured time in a natural environment as part of disease treatment or prevention. — Nature prescriptions, also called park prescriptions, are non-pharmacological interventions. Doctors or other clinicians recommend targeted engagement in activities such as walking, horticulture, or mindfulness across urban parks, forests, gardens, and blue spaces. Formal initiatives, including Park Rx America in the United States and PaRx in Canada, now equip healthcare professionals with tools to prescribe outdoor time and integrate recommendations into electronic health records and routine clinical care. Substantial empirical evidence supports the efficacy of nature prescriptions. Systematic reviews show that they can lower blood pressure, alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, and foster physical activity. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials reported reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared with control groups, along with moderate to large improvements in depression and anxiety scores. Additionally, intervention participants exhibited an average increase of nearly 900 steps per day, aiding weight management and lowering long-term metabolic risk. Mental health benefits are similarly well-documented. Exposure to nature lowers cortisol, the primary stress hormone, which promotes relaxation and eases anxiety and depression. Research also highlights the therapeutic role of forest volatile organic compounds absorbed through inhalation. Inhaling tree-derived terpenes such as pinene from conifers and limonene from citrus fruits delivers direct antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to the human respiratory system. For individuals experiencing neurodevelopmental or cognitive fatigue, such as children and adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), natural environments mitigate the cognitive depletion caused by continuous “hard fascination” such as traffic, digital screens, and noise in urban settings. Grounded in Attention Restoration Theory, exposure to

Casella acquires Pennsylvania hauler seeking to triple transfer capacity

Casella Waste Systems has signed an agreement to acquire Waste Reduction, Recycling & Transfer, which provides collection and disposal services in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The company has operated for over 30 years in the Hanover Township area. It provides dumpster rentals, commercial and industrial waste disposal services and recycling services for both large commercial clients and residential customers, according to its website. The company has about 9 trucks, according to FMCSA. WRRT also operates a transfer station in Hanover Township. The company plans to expand from a maximum of 500 tons a day to 1,500 tons a day. Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection is reviewing WRRT’s permit modification proposal for the project. WRRT applied for a permit modification in April, and as of August 24, DEP had requested the company provide more information on the project. Joseph Valenti, WRRT’s president and CEO, will stay on after the deal closes, he said in a LinkedIn post. He acquired the company in 2012, per LinkedIn. “Customers can expect the same commitment to responsive service and dependable operations throughout the transition, while benefiting from the additional resources, technology, and environmental expertise that Casella brings,” he wrote. Casella has been expanding its presence in Pennsylvania and the wider mid-Atlantic in the years since it acquired certain assets from GFL Environmental in 2023. The WRRT deal “complements our existing operations in Pennsylvania and supports our efforts to strengthen our transfer and disposal network in the region,” said Jeff Weld, Casella’s vice president of communications, in an email. WRTT’s transfer station is nearby two companies Casella acquired in recent years. Earlier this year, Casella acquired Cougle’s Recycling in Pennsylvania to expand its presence and recycling infrastructure in the Hamburg region. Casella also acquired Pennsylvania-based Whitetail Disposal in 2024. That same year, it acquired LMR, which serviced parts

Can artificial intelligence be the answer to green development? evidence from China's ...

Abstract Introduction: Using panel data for 282 Chinese cities from 2011 to 2023, this study examines whether AIoriented place-based policy promotes urban green development. Methods: We exploit the staggered rollout of China’s National New Generation Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Development Pilot Zones (AIIDPZ) as a quasi-natural experiment and estimate its causal effect on urban green total factor productivity (GTFP) using a staggered difference-in-differences approach. Results: The results show that AIIDPZ significantly improves urban GTFP. Mechanism analyses suggest that this effect mainly operates through industrial structure upgrading and green technological innovation. Heterogeneity tests further show that the effect is stronger in eastern cities, non-resource-based cities, and cities with better digital infrastructure. Discussion: Overall, this study provides new evidence that AI-oriented public policy can contribute to green development and offers implications for the design of regional innovation policy. 1 Introduction Climate change is reshaping development strategies, industrial competition, and public policy around the world. For China, this challenge is especially pressing. As the world’s largest developing economy and a major manufacturing center, China must continue to grow while reducing carbon emissions and resource dependence. Its goals of peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060 make this transition even more urgent. Future growth can no longer rely mainly on factor-intensive expansion. Instead, it will depend more on technological progress, efficiency gains, and structural transformation. In this context, identifying new drivers of green development has become an important academic and policy issue. Recent discussions of climate governance and sustainable development likewise emphasize the urgency of reconciling economic growth with environmental sustainability (; ). Green total factor productivity (GTFP) provides a useful way to assess whether economic growth is becoming both more efficient and more environmentally sustainable. Unlike conventional productivity measures, GTFP considers not only factor inputs and desirable outputs, but

The 5 Thematic Pillars

The Summit of Mayors Cork City – Thematic Overview The Cork Call to Action on Climate and Health is a city-led framework for accelerating practical climate-health action across Europe. Cities are on the frontline of both climate change and public health, and many of the systems shaping people’s daily lives - transport, housing, food, nature, public space, and emergency preparedness - are also the systems that can deliver some of the greatest health, equity, and climate gains. The Cork Call to Action builds on the momentum of the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health Call to Action, launched at the World Health Assembly on 17 May 2026. In particular, it functions to operationalize scaling up local, community-based solutions for climate and health. It translates this regional call into a practical agenda for cities, recognising the role of local governments, communities, and urban networks in turning evidence and political commitment into action. Cross-Cutting Foundations The Cork Call to Action is guided by shared principles that apply across all five thematic pillars - principles that ensure climate and health action advances equity, strengthens prevention and resilience, values community participation, and remains evidence-informed and accountable. The Call to Action also recognises that strong implementation requires more than ambition. Cities need integrated governance, reliable data, meaningful community participation, shared accountability, and enabling support from all levels of governments to turn commitments into action. Together, these cross-cutting foundations help ensure that the Cork Call to Action is a practical framework for healthier, more resilient, and more equitable cities. The Cork Call to Action seeks to: - Advance health equity and reduce avoidable inequalities; - Strengthen resilience and preparedness across communities and systems; - Prioritise prevention and long-term wellbeing; - Value lived experience and community participation; - Support intergenerational responsibility and environmental sustainability; - Promote integrated,

Hyundai Introduces First Hydrogen <b>City</b> Bus in Oman

For over 25 years, FCW has been the go-to source for news, information, and analysis. Join our community of industry leaders and innovators. Become a Member | Login Hydrogen EV Investors Research Knowledge Contact Hydrogen Energy Hyundai and Mwasalat to Run Oman's First Hydrogen City Bus on Muscat Routes By FCW Team September 4, 2026 at 8:40 AM EDT Listen

UN International AI and Citiverse Forum brings urban development leaders from around the ...

The event will bring together representatives from cities, governments, businesses, academia and international organizations. Discussions will move beyond individual pilots to examine what cities need to deploy AI responsibly and at scale: interoperable systems, international standards and strong collaboration across sectors. The programme will explore generative AI, agentic AI, physical AI, spatial intelligence and digital twins; guiding principles for people-centred smart cities; interoperability, standards and trust; and practical lessons for taking AI and citiverse solutions from pilot projects to citywide impact. The forum hosted by Tampere also reflects the city’s long-term commitment to international citiverse development. The City of Tampere has been an active contributor to the Discovering the Citiverse – Global Initiative on AI, Digital Twins and Virtual Worlds, launched by ITU, the United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC) and Digital Dubai. Jaakko Mustakallio, Deputy Mayor of the City of Tampere, serves as a Vice-Chair of the Initiative’s Executive Committee. Tampere joins global efforts to shape digital solutions for the cities of the future The AI-enabled citiverse connects physical and digital urban environments through technologies such as AI, spatial intelligence, digital twins and immersive virtual worlds . In this environment, data, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and augmented and virtual reality, for example, support urban development and residents’ everyday lives. – Tampere has gained international recognition as a frontrunner in citiverse development through its own pilots and innovations, European research and development projects, and the strong expertise of the region’s higher education institutions. The city cooperates with both European and global actors with the aim of building a responsible, inclusive and sustainable digital city, says Mustakallio. The forum will also be followed by the first meeting of the new international ITU-T Focus Group on AI for Smart Sustainable Cities and Communities (FG-AI4SSC), taking place on 10–11 September 2026. Open to

Map Reveals <b>Cities</b> Suffering Worst Exoduses in 2026

Americans are moving less than they used to during the pandemic, when the rise of remote work allowed tens of thousands to leave crowded, expensive metropolises for cheaper havens across state lines, but some cities are still rapidly losing residents, data shows. The latest report from the Bank of America Institute on Americans on the move, released on Friday, found that Memphis, Tennessee, experienced the sharpest net population drop of any major U.S. metropolitan area in the second quarter of 2026, down by nearly 1 percent compared to a year earlier. It was followed by Washington, D.C. (-0.73 percent), Los Angeles (-0.63 percent), Boston (-0.60 percent), Miami (-0.57 percent), Baltimore (-0.53 percent), Orlando (-0.49 percent), New York (-0.48 percent), San Jose (-0.44 percent), and St. Louis (-0.41 percent), a list which includes some of the most expensive cities in the country. Affordability Is Key Reason Behind Americans’ Moves Mobility has slowed down among Americans in the second quarter of the year, the Bank of America Institute found, with declines reported across income groups, generations and move types. But the sharpest pullbacks were experienced by lower-income households and millennials, a generation that has long struggled to build up wealth and reach traditional life milestones like homeownership - showing that affordability is an important factor in the moving equation. That is why the Midwest, a traditionally more affordable region in the country compared to the Northeast and the West, led the country in population growth in the second quarter of 2026, accounting for most of the fastest-growing metros in the country. These include Indianapolis (+1.87 percent in the second quarter of the year, compared to a year earlier), Columbus (+1.24 percent), Louisville (+1.15 percent), Cincinnati (+0.99 percent), Milwaukee (+0.99 percent), Minneapolis (+0.89 percent), Grand Rapids (+0.70 percent) and Cleveland (+0.37 percent). It

Hyundai Motor Group signs four deals with Oman partners

Hyundai Motor Group has signed a framework agreement with Oman’s transport ministry on smart city development and zero-emission mobility under Vision 2040. Separate deals at the same Muscat event cover a hydrogen city bus pilot and an ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charger. The memorandum of understanding (MOU), reached with Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) at the Gulf Green Mobility Forum on 4 September 2026, spans smart city development and electric and hydrogen mobility. Sultan Haitham City is among the Vision 2040 projects within scope. Hokeun Chung, Executive Vice President, Head of Future Strategy Division, Hyundai Motor Group, said: “We are delighted to establish strategic partnerships with MTCIT today. HMG is committed to helping turn Oman’s Vision 2040 ambitions into tangible outcomes through collaboration in smart cities and future mobility.” Oman’s first hydrogen city bus—a 24-seat Hyundai ELEC CITY Fuel Cell—will run on Muscat public transit routes from Q3 2026 through Q3 2027 under a pilot agreement with transport operator Mwasalat. Outcomes will inform future service expansion and procurement decisions. Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO) and EV charging brand EVO have signed MOUs with Hyundai Motor Group and Hyundai Kefico to build a 240kW DC ultra-fast charger at a service station in Halban, near Muscat. Testing covers Q3 and Q4 2026, including high-temperature assessment. Source: Hyundai Motor Group