Tech Solutions for Water Crisis: The Week in Infrastructure

In this week's roundup, Ericsson offered innovative solutions to Mexico's water crisis, proposing the integration of 5G, AI, IoT, and big data to revolutionize water resource management. Meanwhile, the CIRCLE Alliance, backed by Unilever, EY, and USAID, launched an initiative to fight plastic pollution in Asia, with a focus on empowering women entrepreneurs. 

In other news, the World Meteorological Organization issued a dire warning if temperature increases surpass 1.5°C within five years, underscoring the urgent need for climate action. In Mexico City, Clara Brugada spearheaded a campaign to clean up electoral propaganda. 

Ready to dive in? Your weekly dose of Infrastructure is here!

Ericsson Proposes 5G, AI, IoT Solutions for Mexico's Water Crisis

Amid Mexico's escalating water crisis, Ericsson proposed using 5G networks, IoT, AI, and big data to optimize water resource management. Francisco Rey, Key Account Manager, Ericsson, highlighted that these technologies can collect and analyze real-time data on water pressure, temperature, and quality, and detect pipe leaks. 

USAID, Unilever, and EY to Combat Plastic Pollution

Unilever, EY, and USAID have launched the CIRCLE Alliance, which aims to support entrepreneurs and small businesses in Asia's plastics value chain. With an initial investment of US$21 million, the alliance aims to reduce plastic use, combat waste, and promote circular economies. The initiative, focused on India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, emphasizes empowering women, who play a significant role in waste collection in the global south. 

Temperature Increase Could Exceed 1.5°C in the Next Five Years

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a stark warning, indicating an 80% likelihood that the planet will surpass the 1.5°C warming threshold within the next five years. Specialists emphasize the need to remove between 7 billion and 9 billion tons of CO2 annually by mid-century to meet the Paris Agreement target. The WMO's Annual Report on the State of the Global Climate reveals a 47% probability of temperatures exceeding 1.5°C between 2024-2028, rising to 80% for at least one of these years. 

Clara Brugada Leads Mexico City Electoral Propaganda Cleanup

Clara Brugada, elected mayor of Mexico City, has issued a call to political actors to swiftly remove electoral propaganda and banners used during campaigns. Stressing the importance of adhering to electoral regulations, Brugada aims to have the city cleared of these materials by week's end. 

Mexico City Designates Six New Urban Forest Areas

Martí Batres, Mayor of Mexico City, marked World Environment Day by designating six new Urban Forest Areas (UFAs) across the capital. Covering a total of 178 hectares, these areas include iconic green spaces like Vicente Guerrero Linear Park and Cuitlahuac Park in Iztapalapa, as well as Grand Canal-Ave Fenix Linear Park in Venustiano Carranza. 

Thor Equities Group Advances Cross-Border Logistics Strategy

Global real estate leader Thor Equities Group acquired a premier 23,225m2 industrial facility in Laredo, Texas. This acquisition aims to leverage Laredo's position as the top US international trade port and capitalize on global trade trends and support tenants in both Mexico and the United States. The facility includes office space, 48 docks, 233 trailer stalls, and 272 parking spaces.