Cities Climate Action Summit 2024 – meet the speaker: Mark-Emil Talivere, City of Tallinn

SmartCitiesWorld (SCW): What is the single most important action cities can take to address the climate crisis?

Mark-Emil Talivere (MET): Cities can make a real impact on the climate crisis by getting creative with how we move around. Embracing new tech like electric vehicles, smart traffic management, and even futuristic approaches like self-driving cars and drones can cut down on emissions and make our streets less polluted. 

Smart city planning, where we mix things up a bit and make it easier to walk or bike, adds a nice touch. Teaming up with tech companies for shared rides and other nifty ideas keeps us ahead of the game. It’s all about thinking outside the box and making our cities greener and more liveable. 

BE PART OF CITIES CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT 2024

Do you have an urban climate action story to tell at this year’s Cities Climate Action Summit? Find out how you can become a partner by contacting Carlota Da Veiga Pestana, or request an event information pack here.

SCW: Why are you part of the Cities Climate Action Summit on 26-27 June? What are you personally most excited to learn or discuss?

MET: I would like to learn from other cities and regions on how to the tackle climate crisis, collaborate and exchange thoughts. I am most excited to speak to innovators and help them test prototype-level solutions in urban areas, help them get valuable feedback from cities, and scale. 

SCW: Could you share a specific example of a successful climate initiative in your city or region that could inspire others?

MET: Tallinn birthed many new initiatives and programmes as the European Green Capital in 2023 – participatory budgeting, citizen’s assembly, co-planning app, and Test in Tallinn to name a few. These projects may not have a visible effect in the immediate future, but will certainly have a positive impact on life in Tallinn for decades to come. These flagship initiatives focus on biodiversity, climate change, and green innovation, as well as introducing an environmentally-friendly mindset in the community.