As part of the PULCHRA project, a 2nd annual online opening event for City Challenges took place on December 9, with school teams and experts inspiring science teams to launch new research projects.
Seven experts from different fields took part. Inta Dimante-Deimantoviča and her colleagues Astra Labuce, Māris Skudra and Atis Labucis from the Latvian Institute of Hydroecology (LHEI) talked about the relationship between curiosity and the research idea. Experts mentioned research on microplastics pollution on the Latvian coastline and public involvement in the study, thus promoting a better understanding of science. LHEI experts emphasised the importance of using different methods, both on-site measurements and comparing them with satellite imagery. Intelligent technologies help to do all this, allowing you to combine various tasks and observe from a distance. LHEI uses smart-buoys for measurements and navigation located in three different places in the Baltic sea. We also found that the institute’s researchers use remote sensing to determine the chlorophyll concentration in the Baltic Sea.
Rūta Liepniece from Elektrum Energy Efficiency Center shared valuable tips on becoming energy efficient and why it is vital. Rūta drew attention to the fact that our impact on the environment increases every day. We can reduce it by 10% by slightly changing our daily habits. Even at the city level, we can reduce CO2 emissions by reducing electricity consumption, for example, choosing to travel by bicycle instead of a car or on foot.
Uģis Ozols from AS Latvijas Finieris talked about the diverse use of birch plywood as a material in the urban environment and emphasised its importance. If you choose a wood material, this product stores carbon.
Justīne Panteļējeva (Vividly Urban) spoke about how digitalisation and democracy can be great tools for building a healthy and inclusive city. Justīne also outlined the potential of 3D and virtual reality visualisations in the future.
