8-14. EHS Challenges and New Solutions in Smart Cities

While the promotion of smart cities aims to improve urban sustainability and quality of life, it also creates new challenges in the EHS (environment, health, and safety) field. The increasing use of technologies such as IoT, AI, and big data is changing the nature of risks in urban environments, increasingly making traditional EHS management inadequate.

First, on the environmental front, smart cities raise concerns about increased energy demand, greenhouse gas emissions due to the development of ICT infrastructure, and increased e-waste. Furthermore, the installation of large-scale data centers and sensor networks will drive up electricity consumption, making the introduction of renewable energy and reducing carbon footprints essential.

On the health front, the impact of new technologies being introduced into cities on residents' lives is attracting attention. Examples include exposure to electromagnetic waves from 5G base stations and sensors, changes in the mobility environment due to smart transportation systems, and the digital divide in an aging society. Addressing these issues requires standardizing risk assessments, disclosing information to residents, and promoting digital inclusion.

On the safety front, the highly advanced interconnectedness between systems characteristic of smart cities creates new vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity risks, in particular, could lead to the shutdown of entire city functions or serious accidents, calling for "hybrid risk management" that integrates physical safety measures with digital security. Furthermore, the introduction of new technologies such as autonomous driving and drone delivery brings with it new EHS risks, such as traffic accidents and crashes, making the development of regulations and guidelines urgently necessary.

Effective new solutions include risk simulations using digital twin technology and the introduction of real-time monitoring systems using AI. Furthermore, strengthening citizen-participation in EHS governance and encouraging residents to share and utilize data can increase transparency and build trust.

Overall, EHS issues in smart cities are closely linked to technological advances. To realize sustainable and safe cities, it is essential to utilize innovative technology while promoting human-centered risk management.