Resilient Smart Cities for Everyone: Overcoming Inequalities in Emergency Solutions

Abstract

Resilient smart cities, largely driven by developments in the Internet-of-Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data science (DS) technologies, have been promoted as a prominent way to mitigate emergencies and improve the perceived quality of life. However, despite the increasing affordability and effectiveness of these technologies, an unequal distribution of smart city services has been noted, usually resulting from spatial and socioeconomic disparities. Therefore, as cities prepare themselves to better face the negative impacts of climate change and increasing urbanization challenges, it is crucial to address inherent urban inequalities when planning and deploying technological solutions to detect and mitigate urban emergencies. This article discusses key aspects that should be considered when promoting resilient smart cities that benefit all urban residents.