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Volume 40, Issue 1 (2025)                   GeoRes 2025, 40(1): 53-61 | Back to browse issues page
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Behzadfar M, Shirani Z. Conceptual Analysis of Climate-Smart Cities and Their Indicators; A Systematic Review. GeoRes 2025; 40 (1) :53-61
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1- Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
* Corresponding Author Address: Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Iran University of Science and Technology, Resalat Square, Hengam Street, Tehran, Iran. Postal Code: 13114-16846 (behzadfar@iust.ac.ir)
Abstract   (111 Views)

Aims: A comprehensive review of existing studies is essential to provide an accurate definition of a climate-smart city and its indicators. This research systematically analyzes qualitative studies on climate-smart city indicators in 2000-2024.
Methodology: Using a systemic approach and content analysis following PRISMA guidelines, this study systematically reviews the scientific literature on climate-smart cities. Articles were searched in reputable databases such as Google Scholar and ScienceDirect using relevant keywords, covering the period from 2000 to 2024. After an initial screening, 50 articles were selected from 250 for in-depth review, and ultimately, 11 articles were chosen for final analysis. Inclusion criteria focused on studies addressing climate-smart cities, the role of smart technologies in climate change mitigation, and sustainable models, while articles lacking clear research methodology or focusing on non-smart cities were excluded. Qualitative content analysis was conducted through three stages of coding (open, axial, and selective) to extract key components of climate-smart cities and present a final conceptual model.
Findings: A significant increase in research on climate-smart cities were detected since 2018, with peak scientific output in 2018-2023. About 35.71% of studies focus on carbon reduction, while 28.57% emphasize climate governance. Nine key components were identified, including resilience and sustainability, smart infrastructure, renewable energy, low-carbon transportation, smart governance and policymaking, social and digital participation, public awareness and education, technology and data-driven approaches, and monitoring and evaluation. Among these, smart infrastructure was the most frequently mentioned component, appearing 11 times.
Conclusion: The integration of key attributes highlighted in the reviewed studies transforms climate-smart cities into effective platforms for tackling climate change, paving the way for sustainable development for future generations.
 

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