More smart cities expected to follow Amsterdam's lead

A growing number of cities around the world are expected to follow the lead of places like Amsterdam and utilise technology in order to boost air quality.

Analysts at ABI Research have predicted that more built-up areas will become "smart cities" in the near future, with 102 conurbations across the globe already adopting new developments in order to meet changing environmental legislation.

The group has said the amount spent on wireless advancements will reach $39.5 billion (£25 billion) by 2016 - up from just $8.1 billion in 2010.

Many places have already set up smart grids, which help consumers cut down on their energy consumption and Amsterdam's environment project has been highlighted in particular.

The Dutch capital's transformation into a smart city in 2009 has led to targets of a 40 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions by 2025 being brought forward by ten years.

However, recent research conducted by a group of non-government organisations showed Berlin to be the most effective European city in terms of taking measures to make significant cuts to pollution levels.

Posted by Joseph Hutton