By SMARTS Center
28 February 2025: Dr. Firuz Ahamed Nahid, a postdoctoral researcher at the SMARTS Center of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), and his team, comprising members from various institutes, won first place in the ADB Youth Capacity Workshop on Developing Youth Solutions for Urban Climate Resilience. The event was held on February 27–28, 2025, at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Thailand Resident Mission.
The workshop brought together young professionals and researchers from multiple institutions in Thailand to develop innovative solutions addressing climate resilience in urban environments, with a strong focus on tackling real-world challenges in Bangkok City.
Over the two-day event, participants engaged in expert-led sessions covering climate-resilient water management, sponge cities, gender-responsive climate solutions, and sustainable finance. The hands-on segment focused on practical interventions, where participants developed targeted solutions for Bangkok’s climate vulnerabilities. Representing AIT, Dr. Nahid and his team developed “Eco-Cooler,” a sustainable, low-cost cooling system utilizing nature-based solutions and upcycled materials to help adapt outdoor workers to heat stress. The proposed solution not only aids in adaptation but is also designed to reduce carbon footprint and energy demand for cooling while promoting better health, well-being, and increased productivity among outdoor workers.
The innovative design and scalability of the Eco-Cooler set it apart from six competing teams, winning the pitching competition and securing an opportunity to collaborate with ADB on future climate resilience initiatives. This achievement reflects the SMARTS Center’s commitment to advancing climate-resilience solutions.
Dr. Nahid stated, “Workshops like these are crucial for fostering innovation and collaboration to tackle pressing climate challenges. The Eco-Cooler project reflects our commitment to sustainable solutions that are both scalable and impactful. By leveraging nature-based designs and upcycled materials, we aim to enhance urban resilience while promoting environmental sustainability. Recognition from ADB further motivates us to push the boundaries of climate adaptation research and implementation.”
ADB will be in touch with the team to further nurture this initiative, and the team aims to refine the prototype through pilot testing in high-heat urban zones.
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