SMART CITIES

Look at the picture and make up a paragraph of 50 words describing the idea of a smart city.

READ AND CHOOSE THE BEST TITLE

1/ The pros and cons of smart cities

2/ The concept of smart cities
3/ Smart city lifestyle

FILL IN THE GAPS WITH THE WORDS BELOW:

citizens, environmental impact, surveillance, urban, waste, convenience, traffic management, congestion,
adjust, urban areas

A smart city is a modern _____(1) area that uses advanced technology to improve the quality of life for its
_____(2). In a smart city, different devices and systems are connected through the internet to collect data and
provide services more efficiently. This can include things like _____(3), waste management, energy
consumption, and public safety.

One of the main benefits of a smart city is that it can help to reduce the _____(4) of urban living. For example,
by using sensors to monitor air quality and traffic flow, city planners can identify areas where _____(5) is
causing high levels of pollution and take steps to reduce it. Similarly, by optimizing _____(6) collection routes
and using smart bins that alert authorities when they are full, cities can reduce the amount of waste sent to
landfill and increase recycling rates.

Smart cities also offer benefits to citizens in terms of _____(7) and quality of life. By using mobile apps and
other digital tools, residents can access information about public transport schedules, parking availability, and
local events. Smart street lighting can automatically _____(8) brightness levels depending on the time of day
and weather conditions, making streets safer and more pleasant to walk at night.

However, there are also concerns about the potential downsides of smart cities. Some people worry that the
collection of large amounts of data could compromise privacy and lead to _____(9) by authorities or private
companies. There are also concerns about the cost of implementing smart city technologies, which could be
prohibitively expensive for some cities.

Overall, while there are both advantages and disadvantages to the concept of smart cities, it is clear that
technology will continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping the way we live in _____(10). As
such, it is important for city planners, policymakers, and citizens to work together to ensure that the benefits
of smart city technology are maximized while minimizing any potential risks.

MATCH THE WORDS TO THEIR DEFINITIONS. PROVIDE RUSSIAN EQUIVALENTS

a. the uncontrolled expansion of cities into surrounding areas, often resulting 1. sustainability
in the destruction of natural habitats and farmland 2. realm
3. accommodate
b. being careful to avoid potential danger or problems; hesitant to take risks 4. siloed
5. piecemeal
c. the ability to maintain a certain level of activity or progress without 6. scarcity
depleting natural resources or causing harm to the environment 7. urban sprawl
8. cautious
d. relying on information and statistics to make decisions or draw conclusions 9. consumption
10. data-driven
e. the act of using up goods or services; the amount of something that is used
or eaten

f. a situation where there is not enough of something to meet demand; a

shortage

g. to provide space or lodging for someone or something; to adjust to new

circumstances or needs

h. an area or domain in which something exists or operates; a kingdom or

sphere of influence

i. done gradually or in stages; consisting of individual parts or pieces rather

than a whole

j. separated from others and working independently, often leading to a lack of

communication or collaboration

WATCH THE VIDEO https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vCzmxg9y7gA AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS

1. How have some scholars compared the significance of ICT in the 21st century to the impact of automobiles
in the previous century?
2. What are some unintended consequences of cars that can be compared to the potential negative impacts
of digital technology on cities?
3. How has the Smart Cities Council defined smart cities, and what are some other definitions used by scholars
and practitioners?
4. What are the core functions of a smart city, and how do they relate to data-driven decision-making?
5. What is a ubiquitous city, and how does it differ from a smart city?
6. Why do we need smart cities, and what are some drivers behind their development?
7. Who are the key actors involved in making smart cities happen, and what roles do they play?
8. What are wicked problems, and why do they require planning rather than quick technological fixes?
9. How can planners contribute to the development of smart cities, and what role can they play in engaging
citizens in the decision-making process?
10. What is the author's overall perspective on the development of smart cities?
PROVIDE A SUMMARY OF THE VIDEO IN NO MORE THAN 100 WORDS