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Sustainability

The Future of Sustainable Cities: Urban Green Solutions for 2025 & Beyond

April 24, 2025 No Comments

The world is urbanizing at an unprecedented rate and cities are on the frontline of the climate crisis. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, it is projected that by 2050 nearly 7 billion people will live in cities.

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The question is no longer if cities should become sustainable, it is how fast we can get cities to become sustainable. The Goal 11 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”

In this edition, I will spotlight the urban green solutions transforming cities into healthier, more livable spaces and the visionary individuals (both women and men) leading that change.

Cities are significant contributors to global carbon emissions and energy consumption, with cities accounting for over 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions and consuming more than two-thirds of the world’s energy. UN Habitat reports that cities consume 78% of the world’s energy and produce more than 60% of greenhouse gas emissions.

But the good news is, Cities are not just part of the problem — they are also powerful incubators of climate solutions. From vertical forests and electric public transport to waste-to-energy systems and green rooftops, a quiet revolution is underway.

In this edition, I will spotlight the urban green solutions transforming cities into healthier, more liveable spaces and the visionary individuals leading that change.

Sustainable cities are not just about cutting emissions, they are about improving quality of life. The World Bank highlights that green urban development can lower air pollution, reduce traffic congestion, increase biodiversity, and make cities more resilient to climate change.

In fact, research from C40 Cities, a network of nearly 100 global megacities—shows that sustainable urban policies could reduce emissions by over 90% in some sectors by 2050, while creating new jobs and improving public health.

Eco-Architecture

Urban planners and architects are embedding sustainability into every layer of city life.

Jeanne Gang (USA)

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The founder of Studio Gang, Jeanne uses architecture to foster biodiversity and community, as seen in her eco-forward Aqua Tower and Nature Boardwalk in Chicago. Two of her most celebrated projects in Chicago the Aqua Tower and the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo exemplify her commitment to fostering biodiversity and enhancing urban life.

Architects like Jeanne Gang are leading the charge with designs that foster biodiversity and human connection.

In Public Transport & Mobility

Leaders are transforming how people move around cities cutting emissions, improving access, and reclaiming public space.

Enrique Peñalosa (Colombia)

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Enrique Peñalosa, former mayor of Bogotá, Colombia, revolutionized urban transit by introducing the TransMilenio bus rapid transit (BRT) system and expanding the city’s bicycle infrastructure. Launched in 2000, TransMilenio became a global model for BRT systems, featuring dedicated lanes, high-capacity buses, and integrated routes that significantly reduced congestion and commute times. In parallel, Peñalosa championed the development of over 600 kilometers of bike paths—known as Ciclorrutas—to promote sustainable, equitable, and health-conscious transportation. His initiatives redefined Bogotá’s urban mobility and inspired cities around the world to prioritize people-centered, environmentally friendly transport systems.

In Waste & Water Management

From grassroots to high-tech, innovators are leading the fight against urban pollution and resource waste.

Nzambi Matee (Kenya)

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Nzambi Matee, founder of Gjenge Makers, is transforming how we think about plastic waste. Her Nairobi-based startup converts discarded plastic into durable, low-cost construction bricks that are stronger than concrete. Since launching in 2017, Gjenge Makers has recycled over 500 tonnes of plastic waste and created jobs for youth and women in the community.

Matee’s innovation tackles both urban waste and housing shortages, earning her recognition as aUNEP Champion of the Earth in 2021. Her work exemplifies how local entrepreneurship can scale impact and build climate-resilient cities from the ground up.

Green Roofs & Vertical Gardens

Green roofs can reduce urban temperatures by up to 5°C, absorb rainwater, and support biodiversity.

Patrick Blanc (France)

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Domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire

A botanist known for pioneering vertical garden designs seen in Paris, New Delhi, and Singapore. Patrick Blanc has pioneered the concept of vertical gardens, transforming cityscapes with lush, living walls of plants. Seen in iconic locations such as the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris and the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, Blanc’s designs have not only enhanced urban aesthetics but also improved air quality, reduced heat island effects, and provided habitats for local wildlife. His vertical gardens reduce carbon footprints by enhancing building insulation, lowering energy use, and mitigating environmental pollutants.

Clean Energy-Powered Buildings

Buildings contribute nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions.

Amanda Sturgeon (Australia/USA)

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Founder of Regenerative Design Lab, Amanda Sturgeon is a global leader in biophilic and carbon-neutral architecture. Her work integrates nature into the built environment, emphasizing designs that not only reduce environmental impact but also regenerate the ecosystems around them. Through her innovative designs, Sturgeon has helped shape projects that focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, and habitat restoration.

One of her notable contributions includes working with Living Building Challenge (LBC) projects that aim for sustainability at every level.

More Examples of Green Urban Solutions Reshaping Cities

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Milan’s Vertical Forests
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Kigali’s Electric Buses and Bike Lanes

How Can We All Contribute to Making Our City More Sustainable:

  • As Investors, back innovation hubs and climate startups led by diverse voices.
  • Governments must integrate sustainability into all urban planning and infrastructure policies.
  • As Citizens, support the movement by using public transport, reducing waste, and choosing local, sustainable services.
  • Businesses, adopt sustainable practices in your operations, reduce carbon footprints, and invest in renewable energy sources.

Having sustainable cities are not a distant dream, they are being built now, by bold visionaries with heart and hustle. Every tree planted, bike lane built, and smart home powered by renewables brings us closer to the cities we deserve.

How can you contribute to making your city more sustainable? Share your thoughts and actions in the comments. Every small step counts

Until next time,

Blessing Allen-Adebayo, PhD

References & Resources

Climate Sustainability

Innovations in Carbon Capture: What’s New in Net-Zero Technologies?

April 24, 2025 No Comments

The race to net-zero is on and innovation is leading the way.

According to the Paris Agreement, emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. The question now is: Are we on track to reach net zero by 2050?

As the race to meet global climate targets intensifies, net-zero technologies are evolving at breakneck speed.

From breakthrough startups to large-scale industrial shifts, the world is witnessing rapid advancements in carbon capture technology. This edition explores how cutting-edge solutions are helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move us closer to a sustainable future.

One key takeaway from these innovations? Solving climate change requires bold ideas and real implementation.

The carbon capture space is no longer just about theory or experimentation, it is about deployment at scale. Recent advancements are making the technology more cost-effective, energy-efficient, and adaptable across sectors.

Here are a few innovations leading the charge:

1. Direct Air Capture (DAC)

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from David Pickut medium

Companies like Climeworks and Carbon Engineering are scaling up DAC systems that remove CO₂ directly from ambient air. With Microsoft, Stripe, and other tech giants backing these efforts, DAC is no longer a futuristic idea—it is a growing industry. Recent breakthroughs are focusing on lowering energy consumption and finding permanent storage solutions.

2. Carbon Utilization Technologies

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Instead of simply storing captured CO₂, companies are now turning it into usable products. Think: sustainable fuels, concrete, even carbon-negative vodka. CarbonCure, for example, injects captured CO₂ into concrete during mixing, reducing emissions and strengthening the final product.

3. Nature-Based Solutions Meet Tech

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Reforestation and soil carbon sequestration have long been heralded as natural ways to capture carbon. Today, tech is supercharging these efforts. Satellite monitoring, AI-driven soil analysis, and blockchain for carbon credits are creating transparency and accountability in these solutions.

4. Industrial Capture Becomes More Precise

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Innovating carbon-capture biotechnologies through ecosystem- inspired solutions

Heavy industries like cement, steel, and petrochemicals are exploring post-combustion capture using novel solvents and membranes that target CO₂ with higher efficiency. Innovations in modular systems are making it easier to retrofit existing plants without massive overhauls.

The truth is Innovation alone will not get us to net zero. Supportive regulation, cross-border collaboration, and private-public partnerships are essential. Countries leading the way, like Norway with its Longship project, are proving how government backing can fast-track deployment.

Meanwhile, carbon markets and incentives are helping create a business case for capture, storage, and reuse, turning carbon from a liability into an asset.

Carbon capture is not just a futuristic idea, but a growing movement accelerating our path to net-zero.As costs continue to fall and infrastructure scales up, these technologies could play a key role in achieving the 2050 net-zero targets.

These are the Key Questions to Watch:

  • Will emerging economies get access to affordable carbon capture solutions?
  • How will carbon markets evolve to support global deployment?
  • Can we capture as much carbon as we emit, and fast enough?

To Keep the Momentum Going Here are some Few Suggestions:

1.Governmentscan incentivize carbon capture R&D and support pilot projects for faster adoption.

2. Investorsshould back scalable, science-based startups tackling emissions head-on.

3. Communities can stay informed and advocate for cleaner industries in their regions.

If climate change is humanity’s greatest challenge, carbon capture technologies are among its boldest answers. But innovation only matters if it is matched by urgency and global cooperation.

What innovation in carbon capture gives you hope for the future? Share it in the comments and let’s spread the word about climate solutions.

Until next time,

Blessing Allen-Adebayo, PhD

Resources

The Paris Agreement– https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/paris-agreement

Questions and answers about the Longship project – https://www.regjeringen.no/en/topics/energy/landingssider/ny-side/sporsmal-og-svar-om-langskip-prosjektet/id2863902/

CarbonCure Technologies – https://www.carboncure.com

OpenAir Collective – https://openaircollective.cc

Climate

How Everyday Choices Impact Global Climate Goals

April 24, 2025 No Comments

April is International Earth Month, with Earth Day celebrated globally on April 22. It serves as a powerful reminder that climate change is a global challenge, but what we do as individuals matters.

And the truth is EVERYONEof us can be a changemaker.

The way we consume energy, food, and resources directly influences the planet’s future. While large-scale policies and corporate shifts are essential, everyday decisions, what we buy, how we travel, and the energy we use, shape climate outcomes in significant ways.

Small actions, when multiplied, create transformative change that will affect our future.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), household consumption accounts for nearly two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions. Simple choices, such as reducing food waste, adopting sustainable transportation, and conserving energy, can collectively contribute to meeting international climate goals. Behavioral shifts, when supported by strong policies and corporate responsibility, accelerate progress toward carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability.

A study by the European Commission found that if every household in the EU made sustainable choices in energy use, diet, and consumption patterns, emissions could be reduced by 25%—highlighting the power of individual contributions to systemic change.

25 Simple Everyday Actions You Can Take to Keep the Earth Safe: for Everyone Anywhere

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  1. Switch off lights, fans, and appliances when not in use
  2. Unplug chargers and electronics to save energy
  3. Use natural light whenever possible
  4. Carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bag
  5. Avoid plastic straws and utensils; opt for reusable ones
  6. Choose products with minimal or biodegradable packaging
  7. Try a ‘Meatless Monday’ or eat more vegetables and grains
  8. Reduce food waste by planning meals and using leftovers creatively
  9. Support local farmers and markets when buying food
  10. Take shorter showers and turn off taps while brushing teeth
  11. Walk, bike, or use public transport when possible
  12. Carpool with friends or family to reduce fuel consumption
  13. If driving, maintain your vehicle to improve fuel efficiency
  14. Sort waste into recyclables, compost, and trash
  15. Donate or repurpose clothes, furniture, and electronics
  16. Get creative with DIY upcycling projects
  17. Buy from companies that prioritize sustainability
  18. Choose second-hand or ethically produced clothing
  19. Look for energy-efficient labels on appliances
  20. Plant a tree in your yard or community
  21. Talk to friends and family about climate-friendly habits
  22. Share information on social media
  23. Participate in cleanups and other environmental projects
  24. Commit to one new eco-friendly habit each month
  25. Inspire others by leading by example

Bonus: Celebrate Earth Day Every Day

I already do some of these things, like using reusable bags, reducing food waste by planning meals, and supporting local markets.

How about you? Which of these do you already do? Let me know in the comment!

Each action counts. This Earth Day, let’s commit to choices that protect the planet not just for now but for generations to come.

Until next time,

Blessing Allen-Adebayo, PhD

Here are more resources on how to keep the planet safe:

https://www.un.org/en/actnow/ten-actions

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/ocean/earthday.html

https://economiacreativa.wordpress.com/2022/04/22/20-steps-you-can-take-to-protect-the-environment-today/

Sustainability Women

Financing Women-Led Green Enterprises: How to Close the Gender Gap in Sustainability

April 24, 2025 No Comments

Starting a business as a woman is tough; starting a green business as a woman is even tougher.

Imagine being a woman entrepreneur with a groundbreaking idea, one that could reduce carbon emissions, transform waste into reusable materials, or bring clean energy to underserved communities. You have done the research, built the business model, and proven that your solution works. But when it is time to secure funding, doors keep closing. Investors praise your passion but hesitate to commit. They go “We love your idea, but it is not the right fit for us.”

The truth, it is not the lack of expertise or effort that has held women back, but it is the fact that the system was not built with women-led, sustainability-driven businesses in mind.

The reality?

There’s a finance gap for women-led businesses, according to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), women entrepreneurs face a $1.7 trillion financing deficit globally. At the same time an even bigger one for those leading in sustainability, BloombergNEF estimates that sustainable finance needs to reach $7 trillion annually to meet global climate goals, yet many climate solutions, particularly those led by women, remain underfunded.

Women entrepreneurs are driving innovation in the green economy, yet they face disproportionate barriers to accessing capital. From venture funding to bank loans, the financial landscape remains skewed in favor of male-led enterprises, leaving many women with brilliant, impact-driven ideas struggling to secure the resources they need to scale. Without adequate financing, their impact remains limited , preventing them from scaling to their full potential.

Bridging these gaps and investing in women-led green enterprises is not just about fairness, it is about opening untapped potential for climate resilience, economic growth, and sustainable innovation. If more women-led green business get access to finance, this can lead the way to a net-zero future for people and the planet.

Why Is Funding for Women-Led Green Businesses So Hard to Access?

  1. Bias in Investment Decisions: Studies show that women-led businesses receive only a fraction of global venture capital funding. When sustainability is added to the mix, investors often perceive these businesses as “too risky” or “too niche.”
  2. Lack of Gender-Lens Investing: While impact investing is growing, many funds still don’t prioritize gender-inclusive financing models.
  3. Limited Access to Networks: Women often struggle to access the same financial and mentorship networks that help male-led businesses secure capital.

Women-Led Green Businesses Driving Sustainability

Women entrepreneurs are leading climate-smart businesses worldwide, proving that investing in them leads to both economic and environmental benefits.

Nzambi Matee (Gjenge Makers, Kenya)

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Frustrated by the plastic waste crisis in Nairobi, Nzambi developed a way to turn plastic waste into durable, low-cost bricks used for paving. Her company, Gjenge Makers, Gjenge pledges to uphold sustainable business practices while remaining faithful to its vision and goal. They have repurposed 200,000 Kgs of plastic garbage so far. By converting plastic waste into a readily available source of attractive building materials, they have also been able to create 600 jobs for women, youth organizations, and garbage collectors.

Ellen MacArthur (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, UK)

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Dame Ellen MacArthur (Chris Watt)

Ellen is a former record-breaking sailor, founded the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to accelerate the transition to a circular economy, promoting sustainability through closed-loop systems and waste reduction. The non-profit organisation creates evidence-based original research on the benefits of a circular economy, and how it can contribute to solving global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss.

Anushka Ratnayake (myAgro, West Africa)

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Anushka is the CEO and Founder of myAgro, an organization that helps small-scale women farmers access microfinance and agricultural resources. After spending years living and working closely with smallholder farmers, she strongly believes in solutions that support greater autonomy and agency. MyAgro enables women to buy seeds and fertilizer in small increments using digital financial tools, significantly increasing food security and economic stability. Since its inception, myAgro has helped thousands of female farmers improve their yields and financial independence.

To close the finance gap and empower more women-led green enterprises, targeted actions are needed:

Increase Access to Green Financing for Women Entrepreneurs:

– Expand climate funds that specifically target women-led businesses.

– Provide accessible microfinance and low-interest green loans.

Tools: Green Climate Fund (GCF), Women’s Livelihood Bond

Strengthen Investment in Women-Led Sustainability Ventures

– Encourage venture capital firms to support female founders in green industries.

– Develop gender-focused impact investment funds.

Key resources:Venture Capital for Her, SheEO Foundation

Enhance Capacity Building and Financial Literacy

– Train women entrepreneurs in sustainable business models and financial management.

– Provide mentorship programs linking female founders with investors.

Key programs: Women4Climate, Barefoot College Solar Training, AGRA (VALUE4HER)

Closing the financing gap for women-led green enterprises is essential for a sustainable future. Here are ways on how you can take action, no matter where you are in your career or life:

If you are an investor or decision-maker: Prioritize funding women-led businesses and incorporate a gender-lens approach in investment strategies. Seek out green enterprises that are driving real impact.

If you are a business leader or entrepreneur: Support and mentor women in the sustainability space. Share funding opportunities and collaborate with female-led businesses.

If you are an advocate: Vote with your wallet. Support women-led sustainable brands, spread the word about their work, and advocate for policies that promote financial inclusivity.

If you are just learning about this for the first time: Repost, share, and spark conversations. Awareness is the first step toward action. The more people understand the challenges women-led green enterprises face, the more momentum we build toward systemic change.

The truth is, green economycan not thrive if women are left behind. When we finance women-led sustainability ventures, we are not just closing the gender gap, we are accelerating solutions that will benefit everyone.

The question is: “What step will you take today to close the gap and invest in women-led green enterprises?”

Let’s continue advocating for equitable, sustainable solutions that empower all.

Until next time,

Blessing Allen-Adebayo, PhD

Waste Recycling

The Gender-Climate Nexus: Why Women Are Key to Climate Resilience

April 24, 2025 No Comments

Climate change is not gender-neutral. It affects everyone but not equally.

It impacts whether agriculture, health, or disaster recovery disproportionately affect women and girls more, especially those in vulnerable communities. Yet, women are not just victims of climate change; they are powerful agents of resilience and innovation.

Why Gender Matters in Climate Action

According to the International Labour Organization, women make up 41% of the world’s agricultural workforce and are often the primary stewards of natural resources. Despite this, they frequently have limited access to land rights, financial resources, and decision-making power. Strengthening women’s participation in climate solutions is not just about equity, it is about effectiveness.

Women are combating climate change and studies show that when women are included in climate leadership, policies tend to be more sustainable and socially inclusive. A report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) shows that countries with higher representation of women in parliament are more likely to adopt climate-friendly policies.

Women Driving Climate Resilience

Across the world, women are pioneering climate solutions:

Renewable Energy: Women-led enterprises are bringing off-grid solar solutions to rural areas, enhancing energy access while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Example: Ms. Nop Kolap’s Solar-Power Journey in Pursat Province, Cambodia

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Solar technology powering the irrigation system for Ms. Kolap’s vegetable farm. (© PIN Cambodia)

Ms. Nop Kolap, a farmer from the Veal Veng District in Pursat Province, transitioned from using diesel generators to a solar water pump through the SWITCH to Solar project, significantly improving her farm’s sustainability and profitability. Owning a 2-hectare farm where she cultivates cucumbers, tomatoes, green beans, and papayas, she initially relied on costly and environmentally damaging fuel-powered irrigation.

Since adopting solar technology in 2023, her farm has benefited from reliable energy, increased crop yields, and reduced operational costs, with profits averaging $1,000 per month. Ms. Kolap has become an advocate for solar energy in her community, demonstrating the economic and environmental advantages of clean energy. Inspired by her success, many neighbors have also transitioned to solar technology, strengthening local climate resilience.

This transformation was made possible through funding from the European Union’s SWITCH Asia Programme and the Czech Development Agency, in collaboration with People in Need Cambodia, EnergyLab, and Sevea.

Sustainable Agriculture: Female farmers are adopting climate-smart techniques, improving soil health, and preserving biodiversity.

Example: Tewabech Talo’s success with sustainable farming practices

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(© Tsion Girma Degu)

In the highlands of Sidama, Ethiopia, Tewabech Talo, a female model farmer, has transformed her community’s agricultural future through sustainable farming practices. Facing challenges like droughts and soil degradation, she embraced climate-smart techniques, including soil and water conservation, integrated watershed management, and vermicomposting.

Initially skeptical, she soon saw improvements in soil fertility and crop yields. Her success enabled her to invest in livestock and share her knowledge with neighbors, making her farm a model for others. Supported by the CZDA funding and People in Need, her journey highlights the power of sustainable agriculture in building resilience.

What Needs to Change?

To unlock the full potential of women in climate resilience, action is needed in key areas:

1. Expand Women’s Access to Green Financing & Climate Funding

  • Increase the share of climate adaptation funds dedicated to women-led initiatives.
  • Support microfinance programs that help women invest in sustainable businesses and climate-smart agriculture.

Key tools: Green Climate Fund (GCF), Women’s Livelihood Bond

2. Ensure Gender-Responsive Policies in Climate Governance

  • Require gender analysis in climate policy frameworks.
  • Promote female leadership in climate negotiations at local, national, and international levels.

Key resources: UN Women’s Gender-Climate Tracker, Gender Action Plan (UNFCCC)

3. Invest in Education & Skills Training for Women in Sustainability Sectors

  • Support programs that train women in STEM fields related to renewable energy, conservation, and climate science.
  • Strengthen initiatives that equip women with digital and financial literacy to access climate-related opportunities.

Key programs: Women4Climate (mentorship for women in climate leadership)

Taking Action

Businesses, policymakers, and investors must recognize the gender-climate connection and actively support women’s leadership in climate adaptation and mitigation. A more resilient future is only possible when we harness the talents, perspectives, and innovations of all.

Let’s keep pushing for climate solutions that are inclusive, practical, and built to last.

Until next time,

Blessing Allen-Adebayo, PhD