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Land
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Climate Adaptation Planning in Urban Areas
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Climate Adaptation Planning in Urban Areas

A special issue of Land (ISSN 2073-445X). This special issue belongs to the section "Land–Climate Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 July 2025) | Viewed by 9496

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jin-Oh Kim

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Guest Editor
Department of Landscape Architecture, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
Interests: urban and environmental planning
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Sangjun Kang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Urban Planning and Real Estate, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 25457, Kangwon-do, Korea
Interests: urban and regional planning; sustainable land use management; urban disaster management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Juchul Jung

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Urban Planning and Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
Interests: environmental planning and environment impact assessment; land use planning; hazard mitigation planning; growth management; smart growth; sustainable development; consensus building; conflict resolution
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Climate adaptation is crucial for urban areas as it ensures the resilience and sustainability of cities in the face of increasing climate-related challenges, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and shifting temperature patterns. By proactively addressing these risks, urban areas can protect their infrastructure, safeguard public health, and maintain economic stability, securing a livable and thriving environment for current and future generations.

This Special Issue of “Climate Adaptation Planning in Urban Areas” aims to collect papers to give insights about innovative strategies, policies, and practices that cities can adopt to enhance their resilience and adaptability in the face of climate-related impacts.

This Special Issue welcomes original research, case studies, and review articles that offer novel insights, empirical findings, and practical solutions to the pressing issue of climate adaptation in an urban context. Submissions may cover a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

  • Urban Infrastructure Resilience: Studies on the planning, implementation, and evaluation of resilient infrastructure that can be adapted to climate-related disasters and events;
  • Green and Blue Infrastructure: Studies on the role of natural and semi-natural systems in urban areas for climate adaptation, including urban forests, wetlands, green roofs, and sustainable drainage systems;
  • Integration of Climate Adaptation Strategies to Urban Planning: A variety of approaches for integrating climate adaptation strategies into urban planning and development processes;
  • Community-Based Adaptation: Research and case studies on community participation in planning that enhance social capital and urban resilience;
  • Policy and Governance: Critical analysis of policy frameworks and governance structures that facilitate or hinder climate adaptation planning and implementation in urban areas.

We look forward to receiving your original research articles and reviews.

Dr. Jin-Oh Kim
Dr. Sangjun Kang
Prof. Dr. Juchul Jung
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Land is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • climate adaptation planning
  • urban resilience
  • green infrastructure
  • community-based adaptation
  • climate policy and governance

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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26 pages, 4515 KB  
Article
Preserving Coastal Heritage: A Review of Climate Adaptation Strategies on Ilha de Moçambique (Mozambique)
by Cristiana Valente Monteiro, Francesca Dal Cin, Luís Lage and Sérgio Barreiros Proença
Land 2025, 14(9), 1917; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14091917 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2025
Abstract
Ilha de Moçambique is an island off the northern coast of Mozambique, covering an area of 1.5 km2. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, the island is currently under threat due to the increasing frequency and intensity of [...] Read more.
Ilha de Moçambique is an island off the northern coast of Mozambique, covering an area of 1.5 km2. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, the island is currently under threat due to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events caused by climate change. Cyclonic events and pluvial floods have led to the progressive degradation of buildings and are compromising the integrity of the site. Furthermore, the island’s economic and social vulnerability is also worsening. The article aims to critically review the strategic planning approaches adopted for climate adaptation on Ilha de Moçambique. The objective is to identify and assess the planning instruments implemented to protect coastal urban heritage in light of contemporary challenges. Methodologically, a literature review is conducted based on the analysis of a collection of plans dedicated to adapting to climate change and heritage preservation. The results reveal that current planning approaches remain fragmented and insufficient, reducing their practical impact. There is a notable absence of planning instruments specifically designed to integrate cultural heritage preservation with urban climate adaptation. In conclusion, although some initiatives are underway, significant gaps persist in the strategic planning framework, underscoring the urgent need for inclusive integrated and adaptive measures to safeguard the island’s urban heritage and community in the long term. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation Planning in Urban Areas)
22 pages, 13432 KB  
Article
The Importance of Undiscovered Green Islands in Urban Areas: The Example of Central-Eastern European Cemeteries (Berlin and Warsaw) in the Opinions of City Dwellers
by Andrzej Długoński, Justyna Marchewka, Joanna Nieczuja-Dwojacka and Kaja Makuch
Land 2025, 14(9), 1902; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14091902 - 18 Sep 2025
Viewed by 16
Abstract
The effects of climate change are facing extreme drought during the summer period in the cities of Central Europe due to insufficient and limited green infrastructure surfaces, especially in the centers of some built-up capitals (Berlin, Warsaw). As young people shape the future [...] Read more.
The effects of climate change are facing extreme drought during the summer period in the cities of Central Europe due to insufficient and limited green infrastructure surfaces, especially in the centers of some built-up capitals (Berlin, Warsaw). As young people shape the future of our planet, young students from Poland and Germany were asked to fill out a survey on how unused spaces of cemeteries as reservoirs of green (a forgotten and often overlooked element of green infrastructure) can serve as a recreation benefit in the age of climate change. The results indicated that the German (the tradition of the cemetery as a park garden) and Polish examples provide many valuable clues, such as biodiversity, passive recreation, and care for elderly people who need more peace and quiet rather than having it in the bustling spaces of cities. Reassessment guidelines for greenery managers balance the challenging city conditions during climate change, especially heat waves, due to cemeteries’ underutilized natural and recreational functions. The future directions may be valuable for other regions of Europe and the World, especially since various scientific spheres now consider the El Niño and La Niña phenomena as globally interdisciplinary research collaborations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation Planning in Urban Areas)
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21 pages, 3585 KB  
Article
Change and Continuity of Coastal Mangroves in Greater Mumbai, India: Towards the Sustainable Governance of Blue-Green Infrastructure
by Sujayita Bhattacharjee, Madhuri Sharma and Anjali Tiwari
Land 2025, 14(9), 1732; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14091732 - 27 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1002
Abstract
In the coastal megacities of the Global South, where urbanization is steeply accelerating, it is a complex undertaking to navigate and govern for ecological sustainability while working to address mounting pressures to develop the physical and natural environment. In this study, we closely [...] Read more.
In the coastal megacities of the Global South, where urbanization is steeply accelerating, it is a complex undertaking to navigate and govern for ecological sustainability while working to address mounting pressures to develop the physical and natural environment. In this study, we closely analyze the legality of coastal mangroves in Greater Mumbai through the lens of Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI), sustainable governance, and environmental policy processes. While there is the constitutional and legislative protection of mangroves, they continue to disappear from the Greater Mumbai landscape, raising legitimate concerns about governance failures writ large. Using a mixed-method approach, we employ geospatial analysis of mangrove cover change from 1994 through to 2024, along with a thematic review of policy and institutional perspectives. The geospatial analysis indicated a −3.91% reduction in mangrove cover because of land-use developments, infrastructure encroachments, and the weak enforcement of existing regulations. The policy review identified limited regulatory coherence, institutional fragmentation, and low levels of community engagement. We advocate for the conservation of mangrove ecosystems in Mumbai, not just as an environmental resource, but also as vital urban infrastructure. We argue for the need to identify opportunities for reform, such as enhanced community contribution and participation, policy harmonization, and uniform incorporation of BGI principles into spatial planning and climate adaptation planning in Greater Mumbai. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation Planning in Urban Areas)
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27 pages, 19737 KB  
Article
Effect of Landscape Architectural Characteristics on LST in Different Zones of Zhengzhou City, China
by Jiayue Xu, Le Xuan, Cong Li, Tianji Wu, Yajing Wang, Yutong Wang, Xuhui Wang and Yong Wang
Land 2025, 14(8), 1581; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081581 - 2 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 636
Abstract
The process of urbanization has intensified the urban heat environment, with the degradation of thermal conditions closely linked to the morphological characteristics of different functional zones. This study delineated urban functional areas using a multivariate dataset and investigated the seasonal and threshold effects [...] Read more.
The process of urbanization has intensified the urban heat environment, with the degradation of thermal conditions closely linked to the morphological characteristics of different functional zones. This study delineated urban functional areas using a multivariate dataset and investigated the seasonal and threshold effects of landscape and architectural features on land surface temperature (LST) through boosted regression tree (BRT) modeling and Spearman correlation analysis. The key findings are as follows: (1) LST exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the strongest urban heat island effect occurring in summer, particularly within industry, business, and public service zones; residence zones experience the greatest temperature fluctuations, with a seasonal difference of 24.71 °C between spring and summer and a peak temperature of 50.18 °C in summer. (2) Fractional vegetation cover (FVC) consistently demonstrates the most pronounced cooling effect across all zones and seasons. Landscape indicators generally dominate the regulation of LST, with their relative contribution exceeding 45% in green land zones. (3) Population density (PD) exerts a significant, seasonally dependent dual effect on LST, where strategic population distribution can effectively mitigate extreme heat events. (4) Mean building height (MBH) plays a vital role in temperature regulation, showing a marked cooling influence particularly in residence and business zones. Both the perimeter-to-area ratio (LSI) and frontal area index (FAI) exhibit distinct seasonal variations in their impacts on LST. (5) This study establishes specific indicator thresholds to optimize thermal comfort across five functional zones; for instance, FVC should exceed 13% in spring and 31.6% in summer in residence zones to enhance comfort, while maintaining MBH above 24 m further aids temperature regulation. These findings offer a scientific foundation for mitigating urban heat waves and advancing sustainable urban development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation Planning in Urban Areas)
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17 pages, 14890 KB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Heat-Related Health Risks of Elderly Citizens in Nanchang, China, Under Rapid Urbanization
by Jinijn Xuan, Shun Li, Chao Huang, Xueling Zhang and Rong Mao
Land 2025, 14(8), 1541; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081541 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 440
Abstract
Heatwaves intensified by climate change increasingly threaten urban populations, especially the elderly. However, most existing studies have concentrated on short-term or single-scale analyses, lacking a comprehensive understanding of how land cover changes and urbanization affect the vulnerability of the elderly to extreme heat. [...] Read more.
Heatwaves intensified by climate change increasingly threaten urban populations, especially the elderly. However, most existing studies have concentrated on short-term or single-scale analyses, lacking a comprehensive understanding of how land cover changes and urbanization affect the vulnerability of the elderly to extreme heat. This study aims to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of heat-related health risks among the elderly in Nanchang City and to identify their key driving factors within the context of rapid urbanization. This study employs Crichton’s risk triangle framework to the heat-related health risks for the elderly in Nanchang, China, from 2002 to 2020 by integrating meteorological records, land surface temperature, land cover data, and socioeconomic indicators. The model captures the spatiotemporal dynamics of heat hazards, exposure, and vulnerability and identifies the key drivers shaping these patterns. The results show that the heat health risk index has increased significantly over time, with notably higher levels in the urban core compared to those in suburban areas. A 1% rise in impervious surface area corresponds to a 0.31–1.19 increase in the risk index, while a 1% increase in green space leads to a 0.21–1.39 reduction. Vulnerability is particularly high in economically disadvantaged, medically under-served peripheral zones. These findings highlight the need to optimize the spatial distribution of urban green space and control the expansion of impervious surfaces to mitigate urban heat risks. In high-vulnerability areas, improving infrastructure, expanding medical resources, and establishing targeted heat health monitoring and early warning systems are essential to protecting elderly populations. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive framework for assessing urban heat health risks and offers actionable insights into enhancing climate resilience and health risk management in rapidly urbanizing regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation Planning in Urban Areas)
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26 pages, 9187 KB  
Article
A New Perspective on Blue–Green Infrastructure for Climate Adaptation in Urbanized Areas: A Soil-Pipe System as a Multifunctional Solution
by Henrike Walther, Christoph Bennerscheidt, Dirk Jan Boudeling, Markus Streckenbach, Felix Simon, Christoph Mudersbach, Saphira Schnaut, Mark Oelmann and Markus Quirmbach
Land 2025, 14(5), 1065; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051065 - 14 May 2025
Viewed by 1272
Abstract
The implementation of a decentralized blue–green infrastructure (BGI) is a key strategy in climate adaptation and stormwater management. However, the integration of urban trees into the multifunctional infrastructure remains insufficiently addressed, particularly regarding rooting space in dense urban environments. Addressing this gap, the [...] Read more.
The implementation of a decentralized blue–green infrastructure (BGI) is a key strategy in climate adaptation and stormwater management. However, the integration of urban trees into the multifunctional infrastructure remains insufficiently addressed, particularly regarding rooting space in dense urban environments. Addressing this gap, the BoRSiS project developed the soil-pipe system (SPS), which repurposes the existing underground pipe trenches and roadway space to provide trees with significantly larger root zones without competing for additional urban space. This enhances tree-related ecosystem services, such as cooling, air purification, and runoff reduction. The SPS serves as a stormwater retention system by capturing excess rainwater during heavy precipitation events of up to 180 min, reducing the pressure on drainage systems. System evaluations show that, on average, each SPS module (20 m trench length) can store 1028–1285 L of water, enabling a moisture supply to trees for 3.4 to 25.7 days depending on the species and site conditions. This capacity allows the system to buffer short-term drought periods, which, according to climate data, recur with frequencies of 9 (7-day) and 2 (14-day) events per year. Geotechnical and economic assessments confirm the system stability and cost-efficiency. These findings position the SPS as a scalable, multifunctional solution for urban climate adaptation, tree vitality, and a resilient infrastructure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation Planning in Urban Areas)
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27 pages, 7231 KB  
Article
From Landscape Architecture to Nature-Based Solutions: A Strategic Approach to Fine Dust Mitigation in Urban School Forests
by Youngsun Seok, Kihwan Song, Jinhyung Chon and Yun Eui Choi
Land 2025, 14(2), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020281 - 29 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1764
Abstract
Urban areas face increasing environmental challenges, including fine dust pollution and climate change, which significantly impact public health and urban resilience. To address these issues, this study explores the integration of Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) and landscape architecture processes to develop a systematic approach [...] Read more.
Urban areas face increasing environmental challenges, including fine dust pollution and climate change, which significantly impact public health and urban resilience. To address these issues, this study explores the integration of Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) and landscape architecture processes to develop a systematic approach for enhancing urban environmental outcomes. Through a comprehensive review of prior studies, the strengths and weaknesses of NbSs and landscape architecture processes were analyzed, leading to the development of the Nature-based Landscape Process (NLP), which synthesizes the key principles of both approaches. The Dongmyeong Elementary School Fine Dust Mitigation Forest Project was analyzed as a case study to evaluate the applicability of the NLP. This project, implemented using traditional landscape processes, was critically reviewed to identify areas where NbS principles could enhance ecological, social, and functional outcomes. The findings highlight how the integration of NbS principles into landscape architecture processes can address existing gaps and improve project sustainability and precision. This study provides practical insights into the application of the NLP in urban landscape projects, contributing to the development of strategies that align with long-term sustainability and climate adaptation goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation Planning in Urban Areas)
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24 pages, 9488 KB  
Article
Long-Term Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity and Influencing Factors of Remotely Sensed Regional Heat Island Effect in the Central Yunnan Urban Agglomeration
by Yunling He, Ning Pu, Xiaohua Zhang, Chunyan Wu and Wu Tang
Land 2025, 14(2), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020232 - 23 Jan 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1130
Abstract
The urban heat island effect (UHI) has become a major challenge for sustainable urban development. In recent decades, the significant development of urban agglomerations has intensified the complex interaction and comprehensive impact of the UHI effect, but the spatiotemporal pattern of regional heat [...] Read more.
The urban heat island effect (UHI) has become a major challenge for sustainable urban development. In recent decades, the significant development of urban agglomerations has intensified the complex interaction and comprehensive impact of the UHI effect, but the spatiotemporal pattern of regional heat islands has been poorly understood. Based on the land surface temperature (LST) from 2001 to 2020, this study uses the relative land surface temperature (RLST) method to quantify the regional heat island (RHI) of the Central Yunnan Urban Agglomeration (CYUA) beyond a single city, combines a variety of spatial analysis tools to identify the multi-scale spatiotemporal pattern, and explores the multidimensional driving factors of RHIs. The combined effects of indicators such as urbanization intensity, blue–green space intensity (2D), and building height characteristics (3D) on the mitigation or exacerbation of RHIs are included. The results are as follows: (1) The RHI was significantly enhanced, especially during 2011–2014, when the heat island intensity and influence range expanded rapidly, especially in the core areas such as Kunming and Qujing. (2) The main urban areas of prefecture-level cities have a greater contribution to the RHI, and the intercity heat interaction further intensifies the heat island effect on county-level regions. (3) Different land cover types have different effects on RHI. The human and social factors have a positive effect on the RHI, the blue–green intensity has a strong inhibitory effect, and the cooling effect of blue space is better than that of green space. Topographic and meteorological factors have little influence. To effectively address the challenge of UHI, the CYUA must strengthen the construction of green infrastructure, optimize urban planning, promote energy conservation and emission reduction, and improve climate adaptation planning. This paper discusses the spatiotemporal variation in the heat island effect and the influencing factors from a new regional perspective, which enriches the research content of urban agglomeration thermal environment and improves the research system of the heat island effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation Planning in Urban Areas)
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33 pages, 3508 KB  
Systematic Review
Green Infrastructure for Urban Flooding: Knowledge Domains and Research Evolution (2015–2024)
by Jin-Pyo Kim and Jin-Oh Kim
Land 2025, 14(5), 921; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14050921 - 23 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1950
Abstract
Urban flooding represents a critical socio-ecological challenge exacerbated by climate change and rapid urbanization, with green infrastructure (GI) emerging as a transformative approach to flood management. This study employs an innovative methodological framework integrating the Biblioshiny, CiteSpace, and Orange3 analytical tools to examine [...] Read more.
Urban flooding represents a critical socio-ecological challenge exacerbated by climate change and rapid urbanization, with green infrastructure (GI) emerging as a transformative approach to flood management. This study employs an innovative methodological framework integrating the Biblioshiny, CiteSpace, and Orange3 analytical tools to examine research trends and evolutions in GI for urban flooding from 2015 to 2024. The bibliometric analysis of 813 publications reveals a profound epistemological transition from technically oriented approaches toward integrated socio-ecological frameworks. The citation patterns demonstrate increasing scholarly attention on multifunctionality, climate resilience, and governance dimensions, with the United States and China emerging as dominant research hubs. The analysis identifies distinct thematic clusters reflecting the field’s intellectual progression from hydrological engineering paradigms toward systemic conceptualizations that recognize the complex interactions between technical, ecological, and social dimensions. Despite these advancements, persistent knowledge gaps remain regarding longitudinal performance evaluations, governance frameworks for maintenance, and scalar integration from site-specific interventions to watershed-level outcomes. These findings emphasize the need for methodological innovation addressing the temporal dimensions of GI performance and institutional arrangements for its implementation across diverse urban contexts, positioning GI as a critical component of sustainable urban water management amid increasing climatic uncertainty. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation Planning in Urban Areas)
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