Global Scans · Cities · Weekly Summary

• [New] Global energy consumption is expected to increase by 23% between now and 2050, driven by factors such as population growth, rapid urbanization, and economic development. Channels Television
• [New] Italy issued red alerts for 18 cities, while in Germany temperatures were forecast to peak at 40 degrees Celsius in some areas, making it the hottest day of the year. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Heat action plans are being used in India to manage summer temperature spikes and keep essential services running, but even within cities, some areas - and even buildings - are far more at risk than others. Peterson Technology Partners
• [New] For construction companies across the UK, from major urban centers to smaller regional markets, AI offers the opportunity to level the playing field with larger competitors whilst delivering superior client experiences that drive sustainable business growth. UK Construction Blog
• [New] With 17% of all residential electricity use in the U.S. going toward air conditioning, AI-designed cooling materials could deliver substantial energy savings while helping cities adapt to rising temperatures. AI - IT - Engineering - Cloud - Finance - Trends
• [New] China's obesity rates have risen sharply in recent decades due to rapid urbanization and changing diets, creating an additional risk factor for KOA. BioMed Central
• [New] Over the next three decades, Africa will experience an unprecedented increase in its urban population, doubling from 700 million to 1.4 billion people by 2050 and becoming the continent with the second largest urban population after Asia (3.5 billion people). Mishcon de Reya LLP
• [New] With autonomous vehicles like Tesla's potentially reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety, cities could reassess the scale and design of road networks. OpenTools
• [New] Industry leaders have repeatedly urged their government to recognize the progress made in the US, warning that China risks falling behind if companies remain restricted to small-scale trials in peripheral urban areas. KrASIA
• [New] Indian urban development can be called smart and future-ready if the chaotic, vibrant density of its cities can be complemented with necessary infrastructure to modernise it while preserving their heritage and economic opportunities, not just for the privileged but for all sections of society. The Indian Express
• [New] By 2026, the city of Paris plans to make the entire city suitable for bikes, reducing the usage of large vehicles. Daily Bunny
• [New] 68% of the world's population will live in urban areas, a demographic development that has implications for public policymaking, resilience planning, technology adoption, and financial backing. Verdict
• [New] Musk's vision of a fully autonomous ride-hailing service could revolutionise transportation, reducing costs, improving accessibility, and reshaping urban mobility. FleetPoint
• [New] Coastal cities see a boost-New York flights will rise from 4 to 7 (+2), and Boston will increase service to 3 flights on peak days. Aviation a2z
• [New] The Dubai government's Vision 2071 emphasizes sustainable urban development and quality of life improvements, positioning Marina residents to benefit from long-term strategic investments. Fingerlakes1.com
• [New] Wildfire risk is increasing in frequency, severity and cost, driven by climate change, land use changes and expanding urban development. Insurance Business
• [New] The European Digital Infrastructure Consortium will implement the EU's Local Digital Twins & CitiVERSE initiative, connecting digital twins in member cities. Interoperable Europe Portal
• [New] Cities connected to multiple global networks - through universities, multinational corporations, cultural institutions, or diaspora communities - have access to opportunities and resources that isolated cities cannot match. The American Bazaar
• [New] Cities attracting immigrants with advanced degrees and entrepreneurial backgrounds gain access to global networks, diverse perspectives, and risk-taking mentalities. The American Bazaar
• [New] Extreme heat in urban areas will increase levels of mortality and heat-related illnesses, especially among the elderly and young children. Climate Cosmos
• [New] If Tesla can expand its robotaxi service beyond Austin while maintaining safety and reliability, it could transform how people move around cities. Carbon Credits
• [New] The proportion of people under 16 years is projected to decrease in all local authorities, except for the City of London. Office for National Statistics

Last updated: 06 July 2025