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Reconciling Nature-Technology-Child Connections: Smart Cities and the Necessity of a New Paradigm of Nature-Sensitive Technologies for Today’s Children

Author

Listed:
  • Raisa Sultana

    (Department of Geography and Environment, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh)

  • Scott Hawken

    (Landscape Architecture Program, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia)

Abstract

There is a serious and problematic disconnection between children and the natural environment. This has been documented across various disciplines and fields of endeavour, including science, the creative arts, the social sciences, education, design, and the humanities. The nature–people disconnection is particularly concerning at this present juncture when understanding and advocating for the natural environment is necessary to address global environmental crises. Smart cities have, to date, focused on business and economic directions. In recent times, there has been an emerging awareness that such technologically advanced urban environments must link to and inspire an understanding and care for nature in more profound and meaningful ways. Therefore, this paper aims to identify opportunities and discuss how technology can improve this interaction through advancing and implementing nature-positive and nature-sensitive technologies through a critical review of the literature spanning smart cities, children, and nature-based technologies. Such linkages can serve as a driving force behind the transformation of cities as they adapt to support initiatives, such as the post-2020 biodiversity agenda.

Suggested Citation

  • Raisa Sultana & Scott Hawken, 2023. "Reconciling Nature-Technology-Child Connections: Smart Cities and the Necessity of a New Paradigm of Nature-Sensitive Technologies for Today’s Children," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-19, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:8:p:6453-:d:1120370
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kimiko Ryokai & Alice Agogino, 2013. "Off the Paved Paths: Exploring Nature with a Mobile Augmented Reality Learning Tool," International Journal of Mobile Human Computer Interaction (IJMHCI), IGI Global, vol. 5(2), pages 21-49, April.
    2. Seung-Yoon Shin & Dongwook Kim & Soon Ae Chun, 2021. "Digital Divide in Advanced Smart City Innovations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-22, April.
    3. Michele Masucci & Hamil Pearsall & Alan Wiig, 2020. "The Smart City Conundrum for Social Justice: Youth Perspectives on Digital Technologies and Urban Transformations," Annals of the American Association of Geographers, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 110(2), pages 476-484, March.
    4. Scott Hawken & Homa Rahmat & Samad M. E. Sepasgozar & Kefeng Zhang, 2021. "The SDGs, Ecosystem Services and Cities: A Network Analysis of Current Research Innovation for Implementing Urban Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-36, December.
    5. Yi-Ya Hsu & Scott Hawken & Samad Sepasgozar & Zih-Hong Lin, 2022. "Beyond the Backyard: GIS Analysis of Public Green Space Accessibility in Australian Metropolitan Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-25, April.
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