This Italian region now has Europe’s highest Tibetan bridge
It’s not for the faint-hearted
The software uses a regular camera to identify particular species that are as tall as 20 centimetres
A Viennese company called Micromacro has developed an AI-powered tool that can detect invasive plant species. The tool uses a regular camera, feeding video into the tool, which is able to reliably detect and identify harmful species that are as small as 20 centimetres from the ground.
The tool itself has been slowly gaining popularity with Austrian municipalities and publicly owned companies. One of the early adopters of the tech is Groß-Enzersdorf, a small commuter town near Vienna, while one of the biggest new users is ASFINAG, the development and management company for Austria’s autobahn network.
Gottfried Rother, City Councillor for Road Construction in Groß-Enzersdorf, was quoted in an official statement explaining that using the innovative software was extremely useful for a small municipality like his.
He continued by pointing out that rural communities like his have a road network of about 100 kilometres and not nearly enough funds to maintain all of it. Consequently, the municipality can do major renovation only every 40 years or so.
By using the tool, they can pick out invasive tree species, that can damage the concrete and asphalt. This damage can derail the multi-year municipal road network plan, making early intervention a powerful tool.
Rother focused particularly on the Tree of Heaven, also known as Ailanthus altissima or the Götterbaum. It is a Chinese invasive tree species that can grow up to 15 metres in 25 years and is incredibly sturdy and stubborn when it comes to removal.
Additionally, the tree releases a toxin into the ground, pushing other plant species away and, consequently, insects. The Ailanthus thus is a serious issue for local biodiversity and infrastructure. In humans, it can be a source of pollen allergies.
With the AI, the only thing authorities need to do to identify and locate these species is to take a short drive, while the camera and software do the work. Then, the removal process can begin.
Some of the most effective ways to remove the Ailanthus include introducing a genetically engineered fungus, that will take two years to wither the tree. Another is known as the ringing method – 90% of the bark is cut off, exposing the stem. This causes the roots to wither within a year.
Are you between 15 and 29 years old? Take a moment to complete a short survey on youth empowerment on this link.
What are the reasons for that and are there any possible solutions for that problem?
Possibly making it the only legislature in the world with a religious temple on-site
It’s not for the faint-hearted
Presenting the next chapter in the Dutch capital’s ‘Stay Away’ campaign aimed at rowdy tourists
The City says this has become a necessity due to the increasing number of incidents involving these vehicles
That way you can notify a canal lock keeper to open the gates so the animals can swim through
The organizers had been considering different Parisian spots, but always with the idea of the flame being visible to the people
Electricity production in that Eastern European country will not release direct CO2 emissions anymore
Possibly making it the only legislature in the world with a religious temple on-site
This initiative is not just about making books more accessible – it has larger ambitions in its sights
We owe the unusual cultural icon to this country in Europe
The country’s capital has been a pioneer in crafting policy and initiatives to improve coexistence between people and pets
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team