Smart cities and the environment: opportunities and civil law issues

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a framework for Smart Cities, particularly through SDG 11, which seeks inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban environments. Smart Cities are essential for sustainable development, going beyond digitalization to redefine interactions among people, the environment, and artificial intelligence. A key element is the Smart Environment, which integrates circular economy principles and the End of Waste model, focusing on waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. IoT technologies support efficient waste management, though legal challenges arise regarding data privacy and reclassification of waste as economic assets. Smart People also play a crucial role in sustainability, with consumer choices influencing market trends. However, extensive data collection for behavioral incentives raises privacy concerns. Balancing technological progress with individual rights is essential for Smart Cities to successfully integrate digital and ecological transitions.