Impact of Smart Cities on Climate Change: A Case Study of Paris

Abstract 

The smart city is a concept without standard definitional boundaries in theoretical research and empirical projects. Different classifications and definitions have been made available for this term, each different from the other, yet all have found expression. Nevertheless, it seems to coincide in the various definitions that a smart city seeks to provide an urban space in which there is a continuous improvement of daily life among its citizens. Different improvements exist for different spheres of life, including economically, socially, politically and governmentally among others. This paper presents the impact of smart city approaches on climate change, basing its analysis on a case study of Paris. A brief analysis of this application in Nice is also considered. 

Chapter 1: Introduction 

Introduction 

Establishing smart cities is among some of the interventions developed to answer the question of devolving climate change mitigation strategies (Gill, et al., 2007; Rosenzweig, et al., 2010). A smart city is an urban area that deploys advanced forms of Information and Communication Technology, big data and data collection centers, for efficient management of assets and resources (Townsend, 2013). These urban centers deploy or intend to deploy in the future, neo-energy, neo-transport and neo-traffic management concepts that ascertain progressive and resource-efficient living (Song, et al., 2017). The overarching objective of such technological advancements in management of the municipalities includes preservation of the environment in mitigation of the prevailing global challenges attributed to climate change (Song, et al., 2017). The following study is an evaluation of the existing effects of smart cities and the prospective impact of the smart cities to climate change with respect to Paris. 

Overview 

This chapter highlights why it was necessary to conduct the case study and the reasoning behind the choice of Paris as the model city to prove the case. For justification and significance of the study, the contribution that this paper makes is explained as well as the benefits of such a study. This, therefore, explains the unique role this research plays in unearthing the impact of the smart city approach to devolve climate change objectives to cities. Lastly, the research objective brings out the questions that the research intends to address. Finally, the last section of this chapter outlines the overview of the structure of other chapters in this dissertation and brief insights of their content. 

Research Purpose 

With many scholars beginning to agree on the possibility of the smart city approach as the answer to the unanswered questions of climate change policy, this paper took opportunity to evaluate information on the ground regarding the suitability of this possibility. Examining the impact of smart cities to climate change is aimed at establishing whether the smart cities bear utility in the climate policy. This includes evaluation of whether integration of big data and technology in management of cities has effectively contributed diminishing toxic emissions to the atmosphere, use of clean energy and maintenance of clean air. In addition to questioning the utility of management of cities through technological advancements, the study also evaluates the role of clean cities in mitigating or preventing the occurrence of impending negative impacts of climate change by effectively meeting climate change policy as applicable at the city level. 

The goal of this research, therefore, is to assess the impact of smart cities on climate change. This is done by describing the operation of Paris as a smart city within its natural context, the impact of this operation to various aspects of the city’s daily administration and management as well as the positive and negative effects flowing from the implementation of the smart city model within this context. Moreover, the research will provide a comparative approach and introduce another French smart city, Nice, which will provide the study with a second case to consider when assessing the impacts of the smart city approach. 

Significance and Justification of the Study 

Research in this area is essential to the development of future smart city models. Evaluating, describing and assessing the operation of the smart city model in Paris and Nice will provide a possible theoretical framework to the operation of developing smart cities around the world. As a result, developers, leaders, and enablers of technology will have adequate information to redefine or reassess their strategies when implementing a smart city approach to reduce the effects of climate change at the city level. Again, this is beneficial to both the national and global climate change agenda. 

With regards to justification of this study, the smart city approach to dealing with climate change is a relatively new intervention. Limited information is present regarding the successes of these models as applied to the real-life scenarios. More so, there is even less information on comparative studies of different smart city models and the results of their applications. This study takes advantage of these loopholes in research and fills this gap. 

Research Objective 

This study seeks to find out the positive and negative impacts of the smart city approach in dealing with the global climate change challenges at the city level. By evaluating the impact of smart cities to climate change, the study will serve to clarify the position of smart cities as a strategy to combating effects of climate change. In that regard, study demonstrates the positive and the negative impacts of smart cities in relation to climate change. 

This study is therefore directed to weighing the positive against the negative impacts of smart cities to arrive at the aggregate contribution of smart cities; whether or not they are feasible in the quest to sustainably surviving the effects of climate change in the 21 st century as well as in the future. The objectives of this study, therefore, include: 

To analyze the positive impacts of smart cities to climate change 

To assess the negative impacts of smart cities to climate change 

To establish whether smart cities positively advance the global climate policy 

Structure of the Study 

This study shall be tendered in the following structure. Firstly, the second chapter of the study is dedicate to laying out the literature review and the conceptual framework relevant to smart cities vis-à-vis climate change. Among other things, the value of Paris as a smart city is considered at depth, thereby providing context to the issues of consideration during the case study chapter. The literature review, therefore, includes a comprehensive review of materials that bear essential research relevant to this study including authoritative texts produced by renowned scholars with vast experience in environmental matters and smart cities. 

Among the concepts considered in the literature review include the role of cities in climate change, the urban island heat effect, how climate change affects health in cities as well as a discussion of the intersection of health hazards and climate change within cities. Moreover, key sectors where sustainability is required are discussed – all this put in the context of the reality in Paris today. 

The third chapter of the study on the research strategy and design outlines the methods and strategies adopted for conducting the research. This chapter provides reasoning behind the choice to conduct a case study as opposed to other well-able strategies. Chief among the reasons for this choice include the need for the descriptive and naturalistic aspects of the application of the phenomenon in the choice cities of Paris and Nice. The study was not quite after the numeric results of the successes of smart city application in these cities. Rather, interest was focused on the successes and failures of the phenomenon based on its interaction with local variables in Paris and Nice. The chapter also considered the ethical concerns encountered when conducting the study. Moreover, this chapter presents how information was gathered qualitatively and the inclusion of contextual inquiry as a method of obtaining clarifications and asking questions on unclear information. 

The fourth chapter details the findings of the qualitative research, where a comparison of smart city models implemented in Paris and Nice is tabulated. Moreover, an in-depth discussion of eight variables present within the daily operations of the smart city approach in Paris are discussed, with specific examples of both improvements and laxities in the system being discussed. A discussion of these findings is offered, therein evaluating both the advantages and disadvantages of the smart city approach based on the example of both cities. 

A final fifth chapter is provided to sum up the main issues arising from the research. Aside from the conclusions from the cases being restated, a look into the future is offered while answering the research questions posed at the beginning of this research. In this chapter, the positive and negative impact of smart cities are put on the scale and a personal decision is provided based on the assertions made in chapter four. This is essential in answering the research question and putting to rest the question of feasibility of smart cities to mitigation of the prevailing and impending negative effects of climate change. Finally, recommendations shall be adduced regarding the practical steps and measures that may be taken to combat the negative effects of smart cities and those that can be reinforced to cement the positive contribution of smart cities to mitigation of the effects of climate change. 

Conclusion 

This study is therefore a comprehensive research that through the research methods adopted defines the role of smart cities in the global climate change policy. 

Chapter 2: Literature Review 

2.1. Introduction 

A smart city has so many characteristics and therefore lacks a standard definition. These characteristics include having a smart economy, smart environment, smart governance, smart mobility, smart living and smart management practices. Nevertheless, all these characteristics agree on the fact that smart cities are developed for the sake of improving livelihoods of those living within them (Arduin, et al., 2016). Due to the fact that large populations move to cities to find new jobs and settle there, the majority of climate change effects will affect people in cities compared to their counterparts in rural areas. Arising from this issue, it is extremely important to consider and understand the socio-economic and environmental impact that cities have (Mori & Christodoulou, 2012). 

This chapter samples the multi-faceted characteristics of a smart city and includes the connection of climate change to cities in general. The subsequent section answers why smart cities are necessary by outlining the problems that are experienced by cities that have not embrace the smart city approach. In contrast, the case of Paris is considered along with all the facets and examples of real applications of the smart city approach. Before concluding, the chapter describes major facets that the smart city approach seeks to address when making changes to city administration, thus qualifying the whole concept of the smart city approach on an ethical plane. 

2.2. Background 

With this in mind, several technology-based approaches have been developed to create the phenomenon now known as the smart city. As a result, the concept is not limited to a single idea or application; it is a conglomerate of different meanings depending on the audience. Washburn et al (2010), for instance, defined smart cities as using smart technologies to facilitate the critical infrastructure components of a city, including administration, public safety, healthcare, education and other utilities, achieving an efficient and more inter-connected system (Washburn, et al., 2009). This is after Washburn and his peers had investigated the ability of the inclusion of those components to improve the people’s living, working and sustenance standards in city contexts. 

Caragliu (2011) provided a set of standards for which a city must meet to be considered a smart city. In his definition, the smart city was considered as one which invested in people and social capital. It also builds conventional transport and ICT systems, provides sustainable economic growth and high standards of living for its residents while administrating natural resources through participative governance (Caragliu, et al., 2011). Attached to this was a six-step requirement to become a smart city which required smart transportation, smart society, smart life, smart governance, smart society and a smart economy (Caragliu, et al., 2011). 

Kompasina (2015) described the smart city in the form of a graphic which is modified below: 

Figure 1 : Smart City Graphic (adopted from Kompasina, 2015) 

From the above model, a consideration of the six factors is done below to elaborate the various interplays present within the smart city phenomenon. 

2.2.1. Smart Transportation 

Transportation is the simple idea embodying the movement of goods and people from one place to another. In the context of smart transportation then, the idea is to cause this movement to become as efficient, reliable and safe as possible (Batagan, 2011). This is because a large number of services within a city require for this service to be as smooth as possible, including ordering take-out, using a ferry, road transportation, logistical movements of goods and services among others – all of which make use of the various modes of transport available. 

2.2.2. Smart Economy 

This is considered as the bridge between a smart city and its economy. Therefore, such an economy seeks to improve business life, thereby facilitating the faster location of business services (Batagan, 2011). Moreover, this model seeks to participate in developing urban areas so as to increase GDP and lead to employment creation. 

2.2.3. Smart Environment 

Within a smart city, the environment is expected to provide sustainability, access to clean air, energy and water among other physical resources. Thus, a smart city approaches environmental issues such as air and water pollutions as well as carbon and greenhouse gas emissions with the objective to substantively reduce them and provide sustainable living therein (Batagan, 2011). A majority of these interventions dealing with the environment are largely dependent on technology. 

2.2.4. Smart People 

Nam and Pardo (2011) explained the need for a diverse, creative and educated people when focusing on the growth of a smart city. This is because people are the generators for all other factors discussed. Smart people create all the other factors discussed above, thus making many factors of a smart city dependent on the residents living therein (Nam & Pardo, 2011). Smart people can therefore be the result of their level of education, additional trainings as well as their communication skills in more than one language. 

2.2.5. Smart Living 

One of the major goals for smart cities is enhancing the quality of life for its residents. As a result, one of the definitions of a smart city is providing good living standards for its citizens through advanced healthcare, quality housing, social cohesion activities and safety among others (Batagan, 2011). 

2.2.6. Smart Government 

In governance, various stakeholders are involved in decision-making in the case of smart cities. E-governance is also employed as a technology-based mediation between government and the residence. Thus, citizens are able to consider and vet the decision-making and implementation processes as apparent, by being kept in the loop constantly (Batagan, 2011). Smart cities belief in the nature of governance being citizen-driven and focusing on the citizen. 

2.3. Climate Change Connection to Cities 

Climate change is apparent in almost every city in the world today. Risk of adverse weather, including flooding, earthquakes, cold storms and heat storms are just some of the risks that cities are exposed to, smart or not. Moreover, effects are piling up gradually with increasing rising sea levels, melting ice caps and coastal flooding being the experience for some cities. Despite this, not enough efforts are being put into providing lasting solutions to the crises that soon every city might face. 

In fact, most cities have been found to be the sources of over 70 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, which are said to be the most recognized provider of anthropogenic climate change (UN Funds, 2015). Cities also consume between 60 and 80 percent of the world’s natural resources. Due to this great rates of intake and most of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, cities therefore have a tremendous opportunity and responsibility for vindicating climate change by reducing their emissions and levels of intake (UN Funds, 2015). 

2.3.2. The problem 

Many cities lack the capacity to quickly develop measures that respond to climate change. This has left many residents especially those who are not well off socio-economically vulnerable to climate change and its negative effects. The city of Kolkata in India is an example of such a city. It is exposed particularly to high risk from climate change (Revi, 2008), including exposure to extreme weather, rising sea levels, and mass refugee migration from Bengal. Life-sustaining freshwater supply is in low supply due to rapidly increasing population, increased industrial activity, and changing monsoon patterns in Kolkata city (Revi, 2008). 

This is an example of a city that has yet to implement the full scale of a smart city. It yet remains under the mercies of nature and the ever-changing environmental trends. As a result, it becomes necessary to study the need for smart cities and their conceptual framework, in order to adequately understand their role as a response to climate change policies at the city level. 

2.4. Why Smart Cities 

To properly elaborate why smart cities are important, it is critical to understand the contribution of untamed city emissions on the environment. With such an understanding, it is possible to see the need to create cities which observe 

2.4.1. How Climate Change affects Health in Cities 

Climate change in cities is predicted to increase a number of existing health effects. Extreme weather events will increase risks to health directly from increased injuries and mortality (Asimakopoulou & Bessis, 2011). Illnesses include: water-borne diseases due to flooding; food-borne diseases as a result of food exposure to higher temperatures which cause bacterial growth; high mortality rates due to more intense and more frequent heat waves intensified by the urban heat island effect, as well as forced migrations (Asimakopoulou & Bessis, 2011). Overall, health concerns have become more numerous in such urban centers. 

2.4.2. The Intersection of Climate Change and Natural Hazards in Cities 

City infrastructure are normally adversely affected by extreme weather events (Asimakopoulou & Bessis, 2011). These extreme weather events include: storms, flooding, hurricanes, and high winds (Godschalk, 2003). The increased occurrence of these events have direct impacts on availability of food and water, human health, and facility operations (Asimakopoulou & Bessis, 2011). Drought conditions worsened by climate change has exert a lot of stress on cities. This is seen in cities that rely on inaccessible sources to meet their water demands (Asimakopoulou & Bessis, 2011). This events has led to increase in exposure to urban risks, including the lack of access to clean water, air and food. As a result, the burden lies on city planners to formulate disaster mitigation strategies in the face of increased frequency in hostile weather. 

As cities continue to develop and grow, difficult decisions in urban planning and development have been driven by resource availability and demand (Asimakopoulou & Bessis, 2011). Natural hazards arising from adverse weather conditions have brought about the need to consider more sustainable ways of living in cities so as to reduce the burden on the environment and thus reduce vulnerability. Where cities cannot control their environmental use, they run the risk of being built on quicksand – they will ultimately sink. Arising from this need, therefore, city planners have begun adopting smart city approaches to alleviate the environmental strain their cities are exerting, thus building more sustainable habitats for their citizens. 

The combination of larger and denser populations with increased infrastructure such as buildings and roads are more affected when disaster strikes in cities. This creates potential for more damage, putting essential facilities out of operation (Asimakopoulou & Bessis, 2011). This will be costly in both monetary value and human lives. It is crucial to human health and well-being that disaster reduction plans include the management of these negative consequences of climate change (Batagan, 2011). It is important to recognize these observed differences between less and more developed countries when talking of the needs of individual cities. As the world undergoes a major urban development boom due to rapid urbanization, taking place simultaneously with increased climate-related hazards, the hope is that cities everywhere will put a focus on safety. 

2.4.3. Climate Change and Socioeconomic Factors in Cities 

Cities are population centers. This has resulted to greater diversity. As a result, social and economic pressures has been a major issue in smart cities. Exposures of cities to poverty is more extreme and their developmental needs are often not met due to a lack of material resources and access to infrastructure (Bătăgan, 2011). Inequities has been seen among socioeconomic groups as climate change continues. For example, it is well researched and recognized that disaster events affect the urban poor and marginalized populations disproportionately (Bătăgan, 2011). The increase in frequency and severity of natural hazards is likely to increase in the future due to climate change. Smart cities must address these social inequities in order to account for the social support of sustainability. 

2.5. The City of Paris 

Paris is the most populous city of France and also its capital. This region alone has a GDP of 612 billion Euro in 2012, accounting for 30.1% of all the country’s GDP in that year (Arduin, et al., 2016). Because of these figures, it is ranked among the top five wealthiest regions in Europe. Additionally, it is the banking and finance capital in France (Arduin, et al., 2016). Its implementation of the smart city approach has been selected for modeling in this paper, as the city has recently chosen to move in this direction. Information regarding this process and subsequent moves is detailed in this section: 

2.5.1. Management and Organization 

The city of France has put in place a mission statement dubbed “Smart and Sustainable City” (Arduin, et al., 2016). The main objective of this mission is to identify different areas for which the smart city concept would have to effect its place in (Arduin, et al., 2016). The city has also put in place a strategic plan expected to expire in 2020, named “Paris: Smart and Sustainable City, Prospects for 2020” (Arduin, et al., 2016). This strategic plan provides the city with a platform to take account the citizen’s views to develop sustainability in the future of Paris. The city has also taken to creating the office of the Chief Data Officer (as of 2015), who will collect and achieve the best possible data in building the sustainability of the city (Arduin, et al., 2016). The country has also created an effective resilience plan and is ranked among the 100 most resilient cities (Arduin, et al., 2016). 

2.5.2. Technology 

In a technology point of view, different services exist within the French capital. These include: 

Applications which have dematerialized public services (Arduin, et al., 2016). For instance, the website www.paris.fr has been established to help citizens in doing their procedures, to find jobs, facilities, parks and aids among others. Additionally, the web extension .Paris has been made available for economic operators within the city and general lovers of the French capital. 

The city has provided for public numeric spaces containing internet access, thereby enabling the integration of technologies into daily life for Parisians (Arduin, et al., 2016). 

The open data portal has been established since 2011 to integrate city data onto the online platform. 

2.5.3. Governance 

The innovation of a smart city in the French capital is based on the participation of citizens in daily governance activities and coproduction (Arduin, et al., 2016). As a result, the Open City concept is critical to this initiative, thereby encouraging human interaction on various platforms of governance (Arduin, et al., 2016). Different occasions have been put up to achieve this, including: 

The Paris Petitions, wherein citizens launch a petition which is signed on by various other parties within the town hall and submitted as a view of the citizens (Arduin, et al., 2016). 

“ Madam Mayor, I have an Idea” is another platform where citizens within the city can propose ideas which could be discussed for implementation of community-based solutions (Arduin, et al., 2016). These could involve problems with traffic management or urban development. 

The “In My Street” Initiative is launched by the city to report suspicious activity, dirt, clutter or any other anomalies that citizens would notice in the course of their normal activities (Arduin, et al., 2016). 

2.5.4. Policy Context 

Paris envisioned itself as a smart city in the project dubbed “Grand Paris” rolled out by former president Nicolas Sarkozy, but was formally presented as an active vision for the city in 2012 by then president Francois Hollande in the “Grand Paris Numerique” document (Arduin, et al., 2016). Therein, an innovative and progressive plan aiming to fast-track the city to modernity and technology is outlined. This was underlined by the election of a new mayor to the city in 2014, where the mission statement was rolled out to complement the executive plan. The mission organized the Parisian speech around the concept of the smart city in specific public action, including sustainable development (Arduin, et al., 2016). Among other things, the majority of communication centered on sustainability which kept stakeholders informed regarding city actions and opening up innovative discussions regarding issues that affected citizens (Arduin, et al., 2016). 

2.5.5. Peoples and Communities 

At the core of the smart and sustainable city vision are the citizens in the French capital (Arduin, et al., 2016). On different topics of discussions, citizens are called upon to propose, vote and make decisions on major projects within the city. Citizens are integrated in decision-making processes and action to achieve the co-production that brings about collective intelligence and innovative creations (Arduin, et al., 2016). As a result, the smart city initiative has largely sought to improve the citizens’ quality of life for daily life in the city. Working together with economic partners, the city has provided information exchange and communication platforms for its inhabitants, visitors and companies (Arduin, et al., 2016). For example, the smart city concept now provides real-time traffic updates, neighborhood maps, air quality control and optimized paths among others. 

2.5.6. Economy 

Approaching the smart city seeks to make Paris a top destination for start-ups by putting in place various mechanisms aimed at rewarding innovation and creation (Arduin, et al., 2016). These mechanisms include aids in the following areas: 

Financing through “Paris Finance Plus” and “Scientipole Initiative”, among others. 

Installing foreign entrepreneurs within the city through the Paris French Tech Ticket. 

Installing an incubator called the Paris Landing Pack. 

Awarding innovation. 

2.5.7. Infrastructure 

The city has also invested itself in technology infrastructure such as free Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity throughout the city, renting self-service bicycles, minimum housing construction of 70,000 units annually, the establishment of the Grand Paris Express, aimed at adding 4 subway lines to the existing two and improving the two by 2030 and establishing a green bus network within the next decade (Arduin, et al., 2016). 

2.5.8. Natural Environment 

Paris has undertaken research, experimentation and implementation of innovative practices in energy consumption that have seen higher resource conservation in its commitment to reduce greenhouse gases emissions by 75 percent by the turn of 2050 (Arduin, et al., 2016). As part of this commitment, the city has now began the widespread use of electric vehicles and bicycles, a circular economy where there is the redistribution of unsold and compositing resources, as well as the use of renewable energy including the smart grid and eco-district (Arduin, et al., 2016). 

2.6. Possible Solutions 

The smart city model has been hailed as the solution to many of the problems highlighted above. From the model developed by Kompasina (2015), it is evident that a smart city approach adequately deals with the people’s factor, thereby empowering the development of people in a social, economic and political approach. The smart city sets up answers to the question of poverty, inequalities, participation in leadership and other important factors for improved living standards for citizens. Moreover, the smart city approach seeks to improve the general infrastructure of the citizens within a city, including housing, healthcare, education, economic opportunities and access to the provision of jobs and services through e-governance platforms. In this study, these aspects have been highlighted when considering the contribution of Paris towards the needs of its residents in these areas. 

The Centre for Low Carbon Futures are working together with the Global Change Program of Jadvapur University in order to carry out Climate Smart Cities planning for Kolkata (Sengupta, 2010). Cities authorities are accumulating their case through analysis of current trends, reviews and menus of possible efficiency measures, arguments for the social and economic benefits of implementation, and a plan to finance them (Song, et al., 2017). They are trying to improve on the climate changes to avoid negative impacts. A series of public workshops allows the government, private sector, and civil society organizations to formulate broader implications of potential measures to be adopted (Sengupta, 2010). The aim is to reframe the threat of climate change as an opportunity for green growth that protects natural resources and supports development for the cities’ poorest. 

2.7. Key City Sectors for Urban Sustainability 

Climate change and increased climate variability is seen to have many negative effects towards the urban environment, many of which are already occurring. City management play a major role in determining its capacity to respond to climate change (Bătăgan, 2011). Efficient and effective processes at the city level allow for more sustainable practices than their rural counterparts. There has never been an era whereby two cities are completely alike. Common city sectors must be managed successfully in order to produce a sustainable city (Caragliu, et al., 2011). This sectors include: urban energy, water/wastewater, transportation, waste management and green infrastructure (Gill, et al., 2007). 

These sectors have been adversely associated with high risks from climate change. However many cities have developed solutions on how to overcome them through sustainable urban practices. In fact, these sectors are seen to overlap each other. The key to addressing these concerns in the urban energy sector lies on further Implementation of sustainable urban practices (Kim, 2017). The urban energy sector is made more sustainable by utilizing cleaner, less carbon intensive energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and decreasing energy demand and consumption (Negre & Rosenthal-Sabroux, 2015). 

Many cities around the world have already begun setting emissions and consumption reductions goals and employing renewable energy resources. Unregulated urban development when combined with climate variability it can have disastrous outcomes (Godschalk, 2003). According to the UN Integrated Strategy for Disaster Reduction global assessment report, it is expected that future annual losses in the built environment resulting from disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones and flooding are expected to rise from roughly USD 300 billion (Thomalla, et al., 2006). Huge steps have been taken in legislation for building codes, development and maintenance in recent decades in more developed areas. It is important to note that many areas in less developed regions are still relying on unregulated building structures and will likely experience greater disaster-related fatalities because of it. 

2.7.1. Urban Water/Wastewater and Climate Change 

Water is the most important resource on this planet. Water being an essential in all environments it is still seen to be a major challenge in cities. Increased flooding, storms, and sea level rise has severely increase vulnerability to urban water systems (Birkmann & von Teichman, 2010). This has contributed to the Degradation of materials important to urban water infrastructure. More strong rainfall events has overwhelmed the current infrastructure used to transport Water and waste water in cities (Asimakopoulou & Bessis, 2011). For example, if sewer systems are affected by rainfall they risk backing up and leaking sewage into the streets. Natural disasters such as flooding have led to high risks of unsanitary conditions and water-borne diseases. Unavailable fresh water in the cities has many forced many to fetch their water from far away, increasing their carbon footprint. Hence, treatment facilities are needed (Asimakopoulou & Bessis, 2011). Many cities have been forced to rely on unsanitary water to meet their city’s water demands because they lack resources or capital for treatment facilities. 

2.7.2. Green Infrastructure 

Green infrastructure is a modern sector in cities. This has gained a lot of attention in recent years for its integration of creative thinking, art and design. Urban areas often lack horizontal space for vegetation so they have to be innovative to incorporate green spaces (Bătăgan, 2011). Green infrastructure allows a city to address this issue with sustainable urban landscape and other resourceful green practices (Caragliu, et al., 2011). In the context of climate change, green infrastructure has helped to improve community resiliency, reduce pollution and runoff, and cut back on energy and water supply, all while maintaining the original functionality of the walls, buildings, roofs, this are often corroded by the acidic rain. Green roofs, has provided new innovative uses and functionality to spaces (Oberndorfer, et al., 2007). They have also increase biodiversity in urban systems by creating habitats for different animals especially birds and insects. They have proved to be an excellent way to apply technologies in growing food in cities; creating a sustainable source of food. 

Climate change affects urban energy production and delivery. Rising sea level and storm surges associated with climate change has increased the vulnerability of power plants along coastlines (Birkmann & von Teichman, 2010). Variations in climate patterns may also reduce the reliability of power generation in cities, especially those relying on available precipitation for hydropower systems. Even cities that do not directly rely on hydropower for their supply of electricity will feel some effects of declining hydropower availability in their region. Because hydropower is generally a lower-cost power source, replacing it with another form of power will drive up prices at the regional level. 

2.7.3. Helping people 

Cities need to Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure in order to reduce the negative impacts of extreme weather and nurture development (Asimakopoulou & Bessis, 2011). Things such as less pollution, better waste management, and more green spaces improve the quality of life for all city residents (Bătăgan, 2011). The investment in public transport and better access to energy specifically aid the urban poor. Sub-national climate action has never been important. National commitment declines in some parts of the world, cities stand out as a critical opportunity to increase the ambition of the global climate change response. Climate Change in Cities offers an interestingly view of how complicated city processes really are. 

2.8. Conclusion 

Evaluating the practical experiences of cities around the world, the real and often still unharnessed climate innovation in cities, and further analyzed the wicked mix of challenges and opportunities that continue to be experienced in the face of rising expectations, it becomes increasingly apparent that any intervention that will reduce city damage due unsustainability very attractive. Cities emerge, not as a silver bullet or stand-alone solution, but as a progressively critical element in a much bigger, multileveled governance climate change jigsaw puzzle (Batagan, 2011). Cities embrace a great deal of ability in our response to climate change. Exploring how innovative responses to climate change are taking place under conditions of multi-level governance, it provides new insights into how cities can put their rhetoric into action on the ground. This, thus, provides the platform upon which Paris is evaluated as a smart city dealing with climate change issues. 

Chapter 3: Research Strategy and Design 

3.1. Introduction 

While conducting this study, upon understanding the nature of the study, this research saw it fit to consider the best possible design that would capture the gist of the study. As a result, the study followed the case study design for the simple reason that interviews and other data primary data collection methods would not bring out the required outcomes. First, a primary data collection method, such as interviews, would fail to capture the intricate governance processes involved in smart cities. Additionally, it would fail to capture the administrative conversation which is ongoing during smart city approaches, as it would put focus on the citizen’s ability to reproduce information for the researcher. As a result, such a method would be effective when evaluating citizen knowledge on the impact of smart city approaches. 

On the other hand, however, the qualitative methods shift focus to the actual smart city approach by collecting large amounts of data derived from the results and approaches used therein. Again, this data can be analyzed from multiple perspectives, thereby offering a balanced view of the issue from multiple perspectives. Again, this study aims to develop a detailed description of the application of the smart city approach to counter climate change in Paris and methods how the French cities, Nice and Paris, have used this approach to counter carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. Focus is on how the smart city approach has been utilized to achieve the desired climate change objectives within these settings. For these reasons, the qualitative research tradition with particular focus on these fixed environmental issues (case study) was used. 

3.2. Qualities of Qualitative Research 

Qualitative research methods bear certain characteristics, all of which were considered in choosing them for this particular study to obtain best results: 

It is naturalistic – this research methods focuses on the natural environment in which a phenomenon occurs as opposed to recreating these environments (Bogdan & Bilken, 1998 ). Therefore, this study takes advantage of this method as it focuses on the actual setting in which the phenomenon occurs (Paris). Context, therefore, lets the researcher understand the full complexity of the phenomenon as it occurs in its natural environment. Again, the participant’s behavior is also affected by the natural environment where the phenomenon occurs, thereby providing an accurate picture of the natural behavior which is intended to be studied (Bogdan & Bilken, 1998 ) . 

It is descriptive – meaning that the descriptions provided within the reports are rich in information regarding the situation or phenomenon in question. The fact that the whole situation is under study, including the context, means that qualitative approaches will often have rich descriptions of the situation. It provides a good description of the big picture, thereby providing important information about the context. 

Processes matter as much as results do – the qualitative method describes the process within which a process occurs and does not just satisfy itself with the results. Therefore, time is taken to describe the natural environment of its occurrence while outcomes are only parts of the data rather than the main purpose behind the study. 

They are inductive – researchers conducting qualitative research are not puzzling pictures to which they already know; instead, they are making the picture as they go based on the pieces of data they examine. The purpose of this kind of research, therefore, is to set a possible theoretical basis of operation for the phenomenon in question (Bogdan & Bilken, 1998 ). 

Finally, it is concerned with finding meaning – qualitative research is interested in how people make sense of their own lives (Bogdan & Bilken, 1998 ) and how they experience the phenomenon under study during their normal lives. As a result, the study analyzes how the people living within the situation under study to notice developments and interests in the processes. Focus, therefore, is put on developing adequate descriptions of these phenomena and their interaction with the people when subjected to the phenomena’s environmental constraints. 

3.3 The Case Study Tradition 

This study followed the case study tradition. A case study evaluates a phenomenon concentrating on as many variables affecting it as possible (Creswell, 1988). This method seeks to be as holistic as possible. Thus, it provides adequate detail so that a clear big picture is provided. 

This research type requires an identification of the issue under study, thus enabling this method to focus on the bound system. These include boundaries of time and place, where the phenomenon in study is described within particular time frames and places (Creswell, 1988). Focus on the phenomenon is done wholesomely as opposed to a linear model of inquiry. Thus, complex interactions between the phenomenon and other variables are taken apart to understand them. As a result, case studies seek to answer the questions to “how” and “why” the phenomenon occurs as it is (Creswell, 1988). A detailed description of the phenomenon as it occurs is sought after. 

Additionally, a case study is equally considered naturalistic as it studies a phenomenon within its physical occurrence. In this case, for instance, the application of smart cities approach is being studied within its contextual application of both Paris and Nice. The application of the bounded system is apparent, as this study is done within a particular time frame and physical location. The advantage of case study approaches to study contemporary phenomenon in their real-life context has been taken to good use when studying the use of the smart city approach in its diverse French application. 

Overall, this study is an interpretive one investigating the impact of the smart city approach in dealing with climate change. Therefore, it involves the study of conceptual categories such as smart city governance, citizen participation as well as theoretical assumptions regarding the fact that smart cities also naturally seek to accommodate green practices. As a result, the theoretical framework largely places the context of smart cities within an environmental-friendly approach to city development. An in-depth description of the relationship between these two phenomena is provided. These provide a rich context for the interaction between these two issues to bring out the required study for their interaction within the physical environment of Paris. 

My intention in conducting this case study is to contribute to the knowledge on the effect of the application of smart city approaches in developing climate change strategies in a much smaller scale. Devolving the global emission objectives to city-wide approaches can be the key to revolutionizing the climate change discussion. Specifically, I wanted to investigate the current models of smart city applications in Paris and Nice and consider possible models that could be put in place for future developments in this area. As a result, one of my goals is to present detailed descriptions of the successes and failures in the smart city approaches in these two cities, thereby empowering the development of hybrid models that could overcome these failures and record successes – all these in the interests of climate change. 

3.4. Setting 

3.4.1. Site of investigation 

This study was conducted on Paris, France. After collecting relevant information from the school online resources regarding the progress of the French capital’s move towards becoming a smart city, the relevant information for this topic was gathered. This included information on Parisian policy, government bulletins, and environmental group releases among others. I contacted the Paris local government office expressing my interest in the study and requesting links to the required information that would facilitate the completion of my research. The office responded with interest in the study and thereafter provided all relevant material on the progress of the smart city approach and its results so far. Additional contact to the Nice local government office was met with similar interest and links to relevant documents showing the smart city approach development were provided to facilitate the data collection. A prima facie comparison between the two cities’ application of the smart city approach was also obtained and facilitated the actual case study section in the paper. 

Due to the nature of the study and my personal goals, the case study sampled two cities to evaluate the differences in applications of the smart city approach, both of which have experienced relative successes and failures in their application. In fact, Nice was selected as a city that had started earlier and made significant investments in technological infrastructure compared to Paris to provide both a comparison and a roadmap to advanced smart city approach applications. 

3.4.2. Study participants 

Due to the unique nature of this study, study participation was limited, with only consultations being made on issues of limited understanding on the documentation provided. Reports obtained from the two cities were representative of the current progress of the application of the smart city approach in each city, focusing on the common tenets addressed in each official document. The choice to add Nice as a comparative city was made after I realized in the course of research, that Nice had applied the smart city approach for a longer time within the same environment, applying only slight differences in its application. As such, it was intriguing to understand the different applications between the two cities, thus opening up new horizons in determining how the smart city approach can be applied distinctly even within one country. 

Officials from the French authorities provided a day every week for interactions on queries and clarifications on the application of the smart city approach in both cities, thereby providing ample opportunity to gather questions and receive feedback on unclear issues within their reports. This provided a full picture of the situation on the ground, as is. 

3.4.3. Purpose of the Study 

The central question being asked on this research was to find out the impact of the smart city approach in Paris. To meet this objective, subsidiary goals were created: investigating the impact of the smart city approach on aspects of city governance and development by describing its application in governance, management & organization, and technology among others; to investigate the impact of the smart city approach on citizen engagement by observing and describing participation and citizen input; and finally, to provide descriptions of the smart city approach frameworks as applied to different French cities, thus describing the situation in Nice. 

3.5 Data Collection Methods 

Data collection refers to the process of gathering and preparing various pieces of data from different sources objectively to proof, analyze or evaluate various hypotheses and theories (Pawar, 2004). For this research, data observed and recorded from various state sources shall be collected to obtain information on the impact of smart cities to climate change, specifically in Paris and Nice. This study shall rely largely on secondary sources of data to gather the relevant information to make findings. 

Collection of secondary data involves gathering data that had been initially gathered and recorded in another source for a particular purpose other than the one it is currently intended (Pawar, 2004). This involves gathering data from internal sources such as an institution’s sales records, marketing activity and customers’ feedback in addition to other relevant reports (Pawar, 2004). Secondary data may be obtained from external sources as well. These include data recorded in journals, books, magazines, newspapers, libraries or the internet (Pawar, 2004). 

In this case, as described above, contact was made with the French authorities in both cities of Paris and Nice, where coordinators of the smart city approaches in both cities provided relevant information and links to such information, thus facilitating the majority of the data used for this research. This, apart from being a very detailed resources, provided large literature review bases for the paper. Pawar (2004) found that secondary data sources are the most preferable while conducting case studies as they are easily accessible and can be acquired at low costs (Pawar, 2004). Further, secondary data would appropriately clarify the three research objectives outlined in the introductory chapter of this study. 

The case study sought to investigate and document the effects of applying the smart city approach to climate change objectives in cities, focusing on Paris and comparing with Nice. For the purpose of this study, the two cities were treated as separate cases, providing insight into the individual application of the phenomenon in both cities. The findings were considered and categorized into five categories from which the differences and similarities in the approaches would be analyzed. These categories were considered as the variables in which the phenomenon naturally operated. A comparison of the findings from the two cases was done and tabulated for the purpose of quick presentation of the results. A contextual inquiry was garnered to gain a better understanding of the normal occurrence of the phenomenon in conjunction with the other variables in play. A brief description of the application of contextual analysis for this case is given below. 

3.5.1. Contextual Analysis 

A modified version of the contextual inquiry method developed by Druin (1999) was used for this section. Originally, this method collects and analyzes data for children’s activities and conversations when working with technology. Adults will normally be part of the group working with children (Druin, et al., 2003). In this model, there are no children; instead, as the single adult participant, I became the facilitator. I was asking questions and clarifications from local government officials on their work so as to receive any help required to complete the study. 

Instead of focusing on students in their macro-context when using media and computer technology in the classroom, as is the norm for contextual inquiry (Druin, et al., 2003), this study observed the implementation of the smart city approach, largely based on technological integration for city management, within the larger context of management and leadership, citizen participation and waste management. The contextual inquiry enabled the focus on the people’s activities as it related to the larger smart city approach (Druin, et al., 2003), thereby enabling to evaluate issues such as citizen participation and engagement within the phenomenon. As a result, the study was able to tie up the interactions between these heavily-engaging variables to the larger phenomenon on the smart city approach within the two cities. 

3.6. Access and Ethical Issues 

3.6.1 Access 

Regarding access of data to advance the objectives of the study, various challenges were experienced pursuant to accessing secondary data sources. For instance, some reports on the progress of the implementation of the smart city approach in the two cities were still in their formative presentation stages and were not completed. Requests channeled towards gaining such access may be futile due to restricted or merely fettered access by officials not willing to present incomplete reporting to the study, thus becoming uncooperative (Miller, et al., 2012). 

In the course of the study, such hurdles were overcome by use of existing contacts and development of new contacts with individuals attached to locations with restricted access of personal entry (Miller, et al., 2012). During the study, appropriate language was deployed to deploy a proper account of the objective of the access while pointing out the advantages of the study to the relevant organization from which access was sort (Miller, et al., 2012). 

3.6.2 Ethical Issues 

Conducting a research requires adherence to set principles and procedures depending on institutional requirements and other universal codes (Miller, et al., 2012). During this study, the ethical issues that affected the process of the research included concerns pertaining to my double role as a facilitator and a researcher. As a facilitator, my role included speaking to and consulting with various stakeholders on the phenomenon, while pushing it in the direction I wanted it to go. On the other hand, the researcher role required my attention in observing and making descriptions regarding the case in question. At times, these roles were confused as it was not possible to determine that whether by directing the study as a facilitator would provide bias in my role as a researcher. This is because I would be providing the flow of the research in specific areas of interest, as opposed to others. As a result, during analysis and presentation of the data, there were concerns pertaining to consistently remaining objective to the purpose of the study as a precautious measure to avoid misinterpretation of the collected data (Miller, et al., 2012). 

3.7 Approach to Data Analysis 

Data relied on in advancing the objective of this study is mainly qualitative data obtained from secondary sources bearing records and analysis of data relevant to the purpose of the study. Data obtained from the study shall therefore be subjected to qualitative analysis. Further, qualitative analysis shall only be implemented to interpret non-quantifiable data that would require subjective judgment in relation to objectives of the study (Punch, 2005). 

3.8 Conclusion 

The discussion above gives the gist of the case study design which has been used for this study. As a qualitative method, a proper and in-depth reasoning behind this choice is provided, where among other things, the realistic and inductive nature of the case study is taken as strong arguments for analyzing the phenomenon in this manner. Detail regarding the application of the case study design in analyzing the impact of the smart city approach in Paris is provided, alongside various ethical and information access concerns. 

Chapter 4: A Case Study of Paris as a Smart City 

4.1. Introduction 

The development of communication technologies such as the internet in the 1990s has facilitated the development of opportunity-creating initiatives in communication and information sharing with local authorities (Negre & Rosenthal-Sabroux, 2015). There is a daily invasion by data and information in our daily living. These large sums of data and information have led to the development of an increasingly digital world. As a result, the world faces two game-changing developments: the growth in information technology (by extension digital infrastructure) and urbanization (Negre & Rosenthal-Sabroux, 2015). Complex interconnectivity in modern times has necessitated the development of new analysis and exploration tools alongside different modes of thinking. This has invited the pluralism that is present today in looking at the world as is (Negre & Rosenthal-Sabroux, 2015). Inevitably, this has given rise to the concept of smart cities as a method of understanding, interpreting and sustainably developing urban centers while incorporating the full powers of innovative information technology (Lima, 2013). 

In this section, we look at Paris as a smart city, making light comparison with Nice, to determine the impact of smart city development on climate change. The following chapter presents findings obtained in the course of the qualitative study as well as an evaluation and discussion of the findings. 

4.2. Comparison with Nice 

Table 1 : Tabular Comparison of Paris and Nice (Arduin, et al., 2016). 

	Paris	Nice
Management and Organization	Citizens are at the base of smart city operations	There is no direct requirement to involve citizens in smart city operations and decision-making.
Technology	Technologies are largely used to decentralize services.	Several technological experiments are ongoing in different fields, not just services.
Governance	Citizen participation is a large part of governance, thereby contributing largely to the smart city initiative.	Actors in teaching, research, business and ICT are the main contributors.
Policy context	Paris began in 2012	Nice began in 2008.
People and community	People are at the center of the smart city project.	Technology is the main actor in providing benefit to the citizen.
Economy	Both cities have taken steps to attract investment and encourage start-ups, thereby encouraging holders of ideas to remain settled in the cities.
Infrastructure	Paris still has a long way to go in developing technologies.	Well-developed technologies and infrastructure.
Natural environment	Energy consumption and resource conservation.	Environmentalist

4.3 Findings and Discussion 

Different findings can be deduced from the analysis above for both positive and negative impacts of the smart city approach on climate change, as implemented in Paris and Nice. In an overall perspective, there is wide citizen participation in smart city contexts, whether this is the participation of professionals (as is the case in Nice) or wholesome citizen participation (as is the case in Paris). This section generally looks at the impact of smart city development on climate change based on the comparison obtained above. 

4.3.1 The Positive Impacts of Smart Cities on Climate Change 

With regard to positives arising from smart city development, a clear and definite advantage is the ability to incorporate citizens and their representation in determining climate change concerns, and addressing them wholesomely (Arduin, et al., 2016). The Parisian example is a clear-cut example of this application, where various stakeholders are brought on board to discuss serious community issues. The incorporation of the citizen into discussions regarding the sustainability of development in the city ultimately means that citizens will be directly involved in decision-making and sensitization on climate change concerns, and how the smart city approach will avert disasters in this area. 

Moreover, it is clear that the city has already set targets regarding greenhouse gases emissions, seeking to scale them down 75 percent by 2050 (Arduin, et al., 2016). With the widespread citizen participation encouraged in the Parisian context, there is a higher likelihood of reaching this emissions goal by the projected year. Additionally, the city has already started encouraging the use of alternative methods of energy consumption and resource conservation. For instance, the use of electric bicycles and cars is already going a long way to reducing the carbon emissions – a move that is affords climate change direct benefits. 

In another positive effect that would be derived from Nice, developing smart cities encourages innovation and research into the area of sustainable development – a large part of which is to look into climate change concerns (Batagan, 2011). Innovation in green technologies are encouraged for both contexts, meaning that smart cities have a tendency to move towards environmentally sustainable technologies in addition to the above-mentioned benefits. It is possible to see that there are multiple benefits accruing from the development of smart cities 

4.3.2 The Negative Impacts of Smart Cities on Climate Change 

Be it as it may, there are some serious negative impacts that come with smart cities and their fight on climate change. While there are projections in reaching almost-zero emission levels, the cities are lagging well behind their targeted emissions that would ensure ozone layer safety (Asimakopoulou & Bessis, 2011). Most cities, including Paris and Nice, are struggling with the proverbial “low hanging fruit” which are emissions from municipal facilities such as street lighting, municipal buildings and vehicle fleets. Instead, they focus on these and fail to realize the larger context for emissions such as businesses, industry, transport and residential emissions. Therefore, this makes the smart city approach fairly challenging with regards to climate change, as not much is being done to address the challenges being faced in dealing with the larger issues of climate change. 

4.3.3 The Role of Smart Cities in Advancing the Global Climate Policy 

Smart cities see the development of cities through the inclusion of other parties for the benefits of inhabitants (Bătăgan, 2011). Nice, for example, acts in the best interests of its citizens although citizens are not directly included in decision-making processes. Paris includes its stakeholders to make decisions that would be in all parties’ best interests. Increasing action of non-state actors in climate change discussions have led to widely developed public-private partnerships. These partnerships have overcome gaps in capacity, thereby translating to real impacts in climate change and increasing response options. These responses have provided benefit to different groups and individuals, thereby bringing about accelerated development of solutions to counter climate change. Public-private partnerships have concretely led to emissions reductions, and it would appear that stronger partnerships are able to provide concrete reductions for areas outside of municipalities. 

4.4. Conclusion 

Seeing the facts above, it becomes increasingly clear that smart cities provide a clear-cut way out of climate change and its negative effects by implementing differentiated models with the same objectives. Paris and Nice have successfully implemented the smart city approach to reduce emissions, improve efficiency and devolve climate change policy to the city level. With proper adherence to emission goals, the environmental aspect of the smart city approach could set these cities well within the global climate change policy goals. 

Chapter 5: Conclusion 

5.1. Concluding Thoughts on the Contribution of this Research, its Limitations and Suggestions for Further Research 

Looking at the review above, several issues of interest have been raised. Indeed, a critical contribution of the smart city approach is present in climate change efforts. This development has been seen as one of the major ways governments are interacting with citizens to bring about innovation in climate change efforts. Paris has provided this example, where citizens are brought on board to tackle climate change in creative and innovative methods – some of which could not be conceptualized by governments on their own. 

As a result, it is critical to note that a smart city requires investment and specific governance obligations for municipalities and cities. This is simply because of the dependence on digital networks and social networking platforms. A literature review on the uses of knowledge and decision-making to develop smart cities has been analyzed and the case study of Paris was used in explaining an existing approach to the smart city initiative. Its comparison with Nice produced stark differences in the application of the initiative in the same country for different outcomes. 

While some of these differences were clearly brought out, the limited literature on the successes of smart cities in achieving climate change objectives has largely hindered the full examination of this topic at an in-depth perspective. As a result, information already present on this topic can only highlight largely visionary objectives of the smart city approach to climate change. As a result, this can be an area of future research – where detailed information on the results of smart cities on climate change are documented in the various areas highlighted herein, including industry, business, economics and quality of living. Notwithstanding, the already significant contribution of smart city development on aspects of social living such as participative governance and socially-driven change provide potential avenues of bringing the climate change argument closer home. 

5.2. Implications of Findings for the Research Questions 

One of the major findings for this research is that indeed, there are effects to having smart cities in relation to their impact on climate change. Indeed, both positive and negative effects have been found to occur where climate change is concerned within the context of smart cities. Hyper-connected citizens in smart cities require adapted systems operating within municipalities to have actual effects on the environment. Formal quantitative conclusions comparing Nice and Paris have been reached, as one could see in table 2. More so, Paris has a long way to go with regards to incorporating technology in facing the climate change concern. 

Nevertheless, substantive data on how smart city approaches impact climate change both negatively and positively have been availed. Chief among the positive impacts is the citizen participation made available when dealing with climate change in a hyper-connected social space. Where people are largely involved in climate change efforts, there is both higher awareness and effectiveness in countering climate change challenges, as seen in the case of Paris. Moreover, Parisians have displayed their commitment to having a sustainably developing business hub by providing alternative modes of energy consumption and resource conservation mechanisms, creatively geared towards achieving the foundational sustainability concept. By incorporating citizens in moving to greener technologies, the city has led by example in achieving meaningful positive impact to climate change concerns. In any case, the chief concern to implementing the smart city approach is the constant reference to foundational aspects of greenhouse gas emissions and by extension ignoring the larger contribution of players such as industry, business and other corporate actors. Smart city approaches are yet to address these concerns, leaving the larger part of climate change lagging behind because cities are unable to achieve desired cuts in carbon emissions. This still remains to be the single most challenging factor to achieving one hundred percent success on smart city concepts and their relation to climate change. 

5.3. Contributions and Limitations of the Research 

Among other things, this research has contributed to the little-known relationship between climate change and the smart city approach. Due to the limited information, this comparison between Paris and Nice has created the need to research divergent applications and mechanisms of smart city approaches and perhaps evaluate the more successful approaches in addressing climate change concerns, including greenhouse gas emissions. 

On the other hand, this study was limited by the fact that there was no first-hand information from residents of either city to determine perceptions on the smart city concept and their perceived impact on climate change. As a result, the case study focused on existing literature mapping the smart city concept from governmental sources. Although the governmental sources track milestones, it was not possible to obtain a balanced view from the citizenry. 

5.4. Recommendations for Practice 

Looking back at the applications in both Nice and Paris, it was clear that the implementation of smart city approaches in both cases was done to the benefit of the citizen and sustainable growth for both cities. In light of this, it is possible to deduce that current smart city models consider the needs of the city inhabitants as paramount. For instance, Paris has created multiple platforms from which citizens can operate in collaboration with the local governments for their own benefit. Nice, as well, has brought on board professionals who formulate smart city solutions for the benefit of citizens in their domain. In essence, therefore, the importance of the citizen in the smart city approach cannot be underestimated, as both cities have undertaken innovation mechanisms to ensure that there is environmental conservation and the creation of an ideal environment for sustainable business practice. The backbone, therefore, of any smart city approach, is the people for whom the model is working for. 

5.5. Recommendations for Future Research 

As seen, however, Nice and Paris utilized differentiated methods to apply the smart city approach. While Paris has made use of the entire community in coming up with smart city solutions, the Nice municipality has chosen to go with professionals who could come up with solutions on behalf of the community. Future research would thus be geared towards looking at the efficacy of both models and their levels of effectiveness in dealing with climate change concerns. In this manner, literature will be available with regards to different methods of smart city approach implementation and their effects on climate change. 

Final Conclusion and Reflections 

In final reflection of the information shared above, it has become clear that there is indeed impact to climate change with the development of smart cities. In different approaches, smart cities have achieved their desired sustainability goals while moving towards rejuvenating safe environments for their citizens. In Paris, for instance, smart city connectivity has been used to produce solutions to problems such as dirt and waste in the environment, while providing platforms for circular economies. Although there is still a long way to go, significant steps have been made towards achieving global targets of carbon emissions and improving the environment. In this regard, there has certainly been progressive movement towards positive climatic impact with the conceptualization of the smart city approach and its application in Paris. Future developments look promising to the city as it embarks on green transportation in the next decade, thereby beginning to tackle some of the corporate emissions, which are large challenges for smart cities around the world. 

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