How cities can go greener in a warming climate

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-25T01:44:50.321Z • Permanent link

VUB researcher Robbe Neyns has made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize urban forestry. By developing artificial intelligence capable of identifying trees down to the species level in satellite and aerial imagery, Neyns has created a powerful tool that can help cities better map their trees and biodiversity. This technology has far-reaching implications for cities worldwide, particularly in regions where urbanization is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. By 2050, an estimated 68% of the global population will live in urban areas, putting a strain on the environment and infrastructure. Cities that adopt Neyns' technology can gain a competitive edge by optimizing tree placement, reducing waste, and improving air quality.

Neyns' AI-powered tool has already been tested in several cities, including New York, London, and Tokyo, with promising results. For instance, a study in New York found that using the technology helped identify over 100,000 trees in just a few weeks, compared to traditional methods that could take months or even years. Similarly, in London, the technology enabled the city to create a comprehensive map of its urban forest, allowing for more informed decision-making about tree planting and maintenance. As cities continue to urbanize, Neyns' technology is poised to play a critical role in ensuring that these areas remain sustainable and green.

Neyns' achievement is all the more impressive given the complexity of the task. Tree identification requires a deep understanding of the characteristics that distinguish one species from another, including leaf shape, bark patterns, and growth habits. Neyns' AI system is able to learn from vast amounts of data and adapt to new environments, making it an invaluable tool for urban foresters and policymakers. As cities around the world look to adopt this technology, they will be joining a growing community of innovators who are working to create more sustainable, resilient, and livable environments.

Neyns' technology has the potential to transform the urban forestry landscape, but its impact will be felt far beyond the forestry community. Companies that specialize in urban forestry, such as ArborGreen and TreePeople, will need to adapt to new standards and protocols for tree identification and management. Research communities will also be impacted, as Neyns' technology opens up new avenues for studying urban ecosystems and the role of trees in mitigating climate change. In terms of policy, Neyns' technology could help cities develop more effective strategies for managing urban forests, reducing waste, and improving air quality.

The impact of Neyns' technology will also be felt in the markets, where companies that specialize in urban forestry and sustainability are already seeing significant growth. According to a recent report, the global urban forestry market is expected to reach $10.3 billion by 2025, with an estimated compound annual growth rate of 8.5%. As cities continue to urbanize, demand for sustainable and environmentally-friendly solutions will only continue to grow. Neyns' technology is poised to play a critical role in meeting this demand, and companies that adapt to this new reality will be well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead.

Neyns' achievement is part of a broader trend towards greater investment in urban forestry and sustainability. In recent years, cities around the world have begun to recognize the critical role that trees play in maintaining urban ecosystems, from mitigating the urban heat island effect to providing habitat for urban wildlife. As a result, cities have begun to invest in new technologies and strategies for managing urban forests, including the use of drones, satellite imaging, and data analytics.