Following increases in urban temperatures globally, some cities are looking into ways of cooling down their inhabitants by providing access to their rivers’ water. Whether it is by creating floating and filtrating pools (project in New York City (USA)) or directly accessing the river’s water as is the case in Copenhagen (Denmark) or Oslo (Norway), public authorities and civil organizations have more and more ideas. All the projects aim at improving the water quality and also the residents’ access to their natural environment. Some of these projects are also accompanied by a political will to reduce the disparities in access to swimming classes between the different parts of the population.

Following a new recycling initiative, all solid waste created by the Port of Itapoá (Brazil) is now recycled or co-processed. The organic waste is treated to be converted into fertilizer. The port’s circular economy strategy is also engaging local stakeholders. More than 13 tons of organic waste were already transformed and distributed to the local community of Itapoá for plantations and gardening. Other waste, such as civil construction trash, metals, etc., is also being treated with appropriate industrial destinations.

After 10 years of works, the port authority completed the new public square on the roof of the new fish market in July. The new space provides more than 16000 sqm for the enjoyment of the citizens, including sitting areas and playgrounds for children. In recent years, the port authority has given more than 26000 sqm of new public spaces to the city. These include a new area of 3000 sqm adjacent to the new fish market and public space with 7000 sqm placed on the roof of La Herrera port warehouses, including as well several amenities and play areas. These interventions have counted with the economic support of several stakeholders, including the port authority and the regional government.

Starting August 24^th, Japan will be releasing water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant over the course of the next 30 years to advance the facility’s decommissioning. Although this process has been deemed safe by international organisations, local fishers and other Asian countries have expressed worries about water quality as well as fish and aquaculture produce quality. A local citizen’s testing center is testing food, water, and soil that people bring to them. China has banned all aquatic products from Japan and will enforce stricter environmental measures in their own aquaculture. South Korea, where there are concerns over water quality, will conduct a 100-day intensive inspection of their seafood imports.