Author(s)

ALICE WANNER, ULRIKE PRÖBSTL-HAIDER, MAGDALENA FEILHAMMER

Abstract

The establishment and improvement of nature-based solutions (NBS) to reduce impacts by climate change and improve air quality are a challenging task for urban planning and management. Despite the great interest and willingness to improve the situation, many concerns and questions arise when planning details for the implementation of NBS and green infrastructure. For example, to what extent can improvements be achieved with regard to microdust? Which green infrastructure brings the greatest particulate reduction or greatest temperature reductions for hot summer days? This paper investigates which NBS can be applied in European cities for which purpose based on current scientific literature. Based on an extended literature review the paper gives an overview and illustrates to what extent implemented NBS currently may contribute to tackling challenges regarding climate change. Against this background the paper gives recommendations for urban planning and development under conditions of climate change.

Keywords

nature-based solutions, urban green infrastructure, climate change adaptation, sustainable urban development