Search Results (328)

Urban green spaces are increasingly recognized as important habitats for pollinators, and wildflower seed mixes marketed as pollinator-friendly are gaining popularity, though their actual conservation value remains poorly understood. This study provides the first systematic screening of commercially available seed mixes in Portugal, evaluating their taxonomic composition, origin, life cycle traits, and potential to support pollinator communities. A total of 229 seed mixes were identified. Although these have a predominance of native species (median 86%), the taxonomic diversity was limited, with 91% of mixes comprising species from only one or two families, predominantly Poaceae and Fabaceae, potentially restricting the range of floral resources available to pollinators. Only 21 seed mixes met the criteria for being pollinator-friendly, based on a three-step decision tree prioritizing native species, extended flowering periods, and visual diversity. These showed the highest percentage of native species (median 87%) and a greater representation of flowering plants. However, 76% of all mixes still included at least one non-native species, although none is considered invasive. Perennial species dominated all seed mix types, indicating the potential for the long-term persistence of wildflower meadows in urban spaces. Despite their promise, the ecological quality and transparency of the seed mix composition remain inconsistent, with limited certification or information on species origin. This highlights the need for clearer labeling, regulatory guidance, and ecologically informed formulations. Seed mixes, if properly designed and implemented, represent a largely untapped yet cost-effective tool for enhancing the pollinator habitats and biodiversity within urban landscapes. Full article

Extreme rainfall events driven by climate change are increasing flood risks. Addressing flood mitigation solely from either a hydraulic engineering or urban planning perspective may overlook both feasibility and effectiveness. This study focuses on Tainan City and the Tainan Science Park in Taiwan, applying the NbS framework to assess flood mitigation strategies. From an urban planning perspective, Agricultural Development Zone Type II (Agri-DZII), parks, green spaces, and Taiwan Sugar Corporation (TSC) land were selected as flood detention sites. Hydraulic modeling was used to evaluate their effectiveness under both current and climate-change-induced rainfall conditions. Simulation results show that under current rainfall conditions, flood mitigation measures reduced inundated areas with depths exceeding 2.0 m by up to 7.8% citywide and 20.8% within the Tainan Science Park Special District Plan Area. However, under climate change scenarios, the reduction effects declined significantly, with maximum reductions of only 1.6% and 17.8%, respectively. Results indicate that, even when utilizing all available detention areas, the overall flood reduction in Tainan City remains limited. However, TSC agri-land within the Tainan Science Park overlaps with high-flood-risk zones, demonstrating significant local flood mitigation potential. This study recommends integrating hydrological analysis into urban planning to prevent high-density residential and economic zones from being designated in flood-prone areas. Additionally, policymakers should consider reserving appropriate land for flood detention to enhance climate resilience. By combining urban planning and hydraulic engineering perspectives, this study highlights the flexibility of NbS in disaster management, advocating for the integration of Natural Water Detention Measures into flood adaptation strategies to improve urban water management and climate adaptability. Full article

Urban green spaces (UGS) supply a wide range of ecosystem services (ESs), which are key to mitigation and adaptation to climate changes. In this study, we focus on two ESs, i.e., greenhouse gas sequestration by terrestrial ecosystems and mitigating the heat island effect through vegetation, as defined by the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services. The purpose is to support municipalities with characteristics similar to those of the municipality investigated in this study with a rough assessment of ESs through freely available data. The ES delivery capacity assessment relies on the adoption of two indicators: (i) increased carbon storage in forests and (ii) the Heat Island Mitigation Index (HIMI). We applied the method to the UGS of the municipality of Sassari (Italy) and found that the potential amount of carbon storage is 42,052.7 t, while the value of HIMI provided by the green spaces in the homogeneous territorial areas is 67.73%. The methodological approach adopted in this study is potentially applicable in Italian as well as Mediterranean small to medium municipalities to integrate the quantitative assessment of ESs in local planning tools. The novelty of this study lies in the applied practical approach, which is implementable by public bodies lacking data and resources, to assessing prima facie the need for operational climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Full article

The Urban Green Space Index (UGSI) is an indicator that measures the quantity, quality, accessibility, and distribution of green spaces in urban environments. This study focused on analyzing the UGSI in Ecuadorian cities through a multiple linear regression model, analyzing the UGSI from both territorial and public management perspectives. Ecuador was selected as a case study due to the limited availability of research on urban green spaces in the country, despite its high ecological diversity and increasing urbanization. The model was used to explore relationships among various factors influencing urban green spaces. Government variables and key factors, such as budget allocations, were analyzed. The model revealed an inverse relationship between urban population size and per capita green space availability. In cities with 50,000 inhabitants, the average is 60 m² per person, which decreases significantly to just 5 m² per person in cities with 300,000 residents. This trend highlights the pressure of urbanization on green spaces and emphasizes the need for evidence-based urban planning to ensure equitable access and to improve quality of life. However, challenges such as the lack of updated data and opportunities for improvement in territorial planning were also identified. Full article

The article presents an innovative methodology supporting sustainable urban development through the strategic expansion of green infrastructure in Warsaw, based on the 3-30-300 concept. The proposed approach integrates a multi-criteria Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (F-AHP) with Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, enabling objective and precise identification of suitable locations for new parks of at least 1 hectare in size. The analysis considers five key factors: distance from populated areas, land cover and use, surface temperature, proximity to nuisance facilities, and an NDVI index value. The study results demonstrated a significant increase in green space accessibility across the city. In all districts of Warsaw, the number of residential buildings meeting the criterion of a maximum 300 m distance to a park or forest increased—from 2% in Rembertów to 32% in Wilanów. The districts of Ursynów and Wilanów exceeded the 30% green space coverage threshold, while Białołęka reached 29%. These results indicate the real potential to achieve the goals of the 3-30-300 concept, contributing simultaneously to sustainable urban development, improved quality of life, mitigation of the urban heat island effect, increased biodiversity, and enhanced climate change adaptation. Spatial limitations related to high-density development were also identified—many districts lack available space for large parks. A viable solution supporting balanced development may lie in implementing smaller green forms, such as green squares or micro-parks, particularly in areas of planned development. The proposed methodology serves as a practical tool to support land-use management and sustainable spatial planning, addressing contemporary environmental, social, and urban challenges. Full article

Urban green spaces are integral components of city ecosystems, supporting essential belowground microbial communities such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Understanding how green space types influence AMF communities is key to promoting urban ecological function. This study examines AMF diversity, community assembly, and co-occurrence network structures in two urban green space types—park and roadside—in Kaifeng, Henan Province, China. Soil samples were collected from both sites, and AMF community composition was assessed using high-throughput sequencing. Environmental variables, including total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), water content, and pH, were measured to evaluate their influence on AMF communities. The results indicate marked differences between the two green space types. Park soils support significantly greater AMF species richness and more complex co-occurrence networks than roadside soils. These differences are correlated with higher nutrient levels in park soils. By contrast, AMF communities in roadside soils are more strongly associated with soil water content and pH, resulting in reduced diversity and more homogeneous community structures. Stochastic processes predominantly govern community assembly in both green space types, with roadside green spaces being more influenced by stochastic processes than park green spaces. These findings highlight the influence of urban landscape type on AMF communities and provide guidance for enhancing urban biodiversity through targeted landscape planning and soil management. In future work, we will implement long-term AMF monitoring across different green-space types and evaluate specific management practices to optimize soil health and ecosystem resilience. Full article

Studies show that Nature-Based Solutions can mitigate Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects by implementing green spaces. Green roofs (GRs) may minimize land surface temperature (LST) by modifying albedo. This research predicts, assesses, and measures the impact of reducing the LST by applying green roofs in buildings by using a Random Forest algorithm and different remote sensing methods. To this aim, the city of Granada, Spain, was used as a case study. The city is classified into different Local Climate Zones (LCZs) to determine the area available for retrofitting GRs in built-up areas. A total of 14 Surface Temperature Collection 2 Level-2 images were acquired through Landsat 8–9, while 14 images for spectral indices such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the Normalized Difference Building Index (NDBI), and Proportion Vegetation (PV) were calculated from Sentinel-2 in dates coinciding or close to LST images. Additional factors were considered including the sky view factor (SVF) and water distance (WD). The results suggest that Granada has limited suitable areas for retrofitting GRs, and available areas can reduce LST with a moderate impact, at an average of 1.45 °C; however, vegetation plays an important role in decreasing LST. This study provides a methodological example to identify the benefits of implementing GRs in reducing LST in semi-arid cities and recommends a combination of strategies for LST mitigation. Full article

Springs located in urban historic areas are important for groundwater management, the protection of green spaces, and the preservation of park functions and urban structure. This article presents the results of a study of selected Warsaw springs in the city center under conservation protection, focusing on their hydrogeological characteristics, hydrogeochemical analysis, and pressures associated with urban development. Field and laboratory analyses, as well as hydrodynamic modeling, made it possible to assess the quantity and quality of water from the springs. Hydrodynamic studies showed that the area of the spring recharge zone of 13.77 ha is characterized by an average time of water exchange of approx. 26 years and a low infiltration recharge, an average of 18 mm/year. Hydrogeochemical analyses showed that spring water has a complex, multi-ion hydrogeochemical type: Cl-SO₄-HCO₃-Ca-Na, Cl-HCO₃-SO₄-Ca-Na, Cl-HCO₃-Na-Ca, and NO₃-Cl-HCO₃-Ca-Na, including the occurrence of hazardous substances such as PAH and BTEX, PCBs, non-ionic detergents, and heavy metals. The results indicate that urbanization significantly affects groundwater levels and spring recharge areas, which can limit the availability of water in green and recreational areas. The results of the study indicate the need for action to increase groundwater resources through managed aquifer recharge for rainwater management in densely built-up areas. In terms of water quality measures, due to the unsatisfactory chemical water status, the use of spring water for irrigation of urban vegetation or its incorporation into the active recreational infrastructure of the park currently appears to be fraught with considerable risk, hence the need to take protective action in the spring recharge zone through the regular monitoring of groundwater quality, the legal designation of protection zones, and the implementation of policies that support urban water retention. It is necessary to implement pre-treatment solutions (aeration, desalination) or introduce appropriately resistant vegetation. Any type of activity that allows the use of water after treatment will certainly contribute to making the park more attractive as a place of recreation and leisure for residents. Findings from the research can support decisions on protecting green spaces and adapting cities to climate change. Full article

It is essential to emphasize the significant impacts of climate change, which are evident in the form of severe and prolonged droughts, hurricanes, snowstorms, and other climatic disturbances. These challenges are particularly pronounced in urban environments and among human populations. The situation is further aggravated by the increasing utilization of available open spaces for residential and industrial development, leading to heightened energy consumption, elevated pollution levels, and increased carbon emissions, all of which negatively affect public health. The primary objective of this review article is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of current research, with a particular focus on the innovative use of residual biomass from urban vegetation for biochar production in the United States. This research entails an exhaustive review of existing literature to assess the implementation of a carbon-negative wood biomass biochar system as a strategic approach to sustainable urban management. By transforming urban wood waste—including tree trimmings, construction debris, and storm-damaged timber—into biochar through pyrolysis, a thermochemical process that sequesters carbon while generating renewable energy, we can leverage this valuable resource. The resulting biochar offers a range of co-benefits: it enhances soil health, improves water retention, reduces stormwater runoff, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions when applied in urban green spaces, agriculture, and land restoration projects. This review highlights the advantages and potential of converting urban wood waste into biochar while exploring how municipalities can strengthen their green ecosystems. Furthermore, it aims to provide a thorough understanding of how the utilization of woody biomass biochar can contribute to mitigating urban carbon emissions across the United States. Full article

Geosystem services are increasingly recognized as critical for the sustainable development of rapidly growing cities in the Global South, because of their association with improved public health, reduction in environmental pollution, microclimate effects, and the ecological goods and services that provide benefits to local people. However, maintaining urban green spaces is a particular issue in cities in the Global South, such as São Paulo (Brazil) and Johannesburg (South Africa), where rapid inward migration and poor urban planning result in low environmental quality and the deterioration of geosystem services. This study explores the geosystem (including environmental and ecosystem) services provided in protected green spaces in these two cities, using the specific examples of Parque Estadual da Cantareira (São Paulo) and Melville Koppies (Johannesburg). This study uses an inventory-based approach to list and critically explore the availability and properties of different geosystem services found in these sites, and their wider implications for environmental planning and sustainable urban development. The results show that, although superficially similar, these sites have very different geosystem services, and that a simple inventorizing approach for geodiversity and geosystem service provision as used in many previous studies is highly problematic and over-simplifies site-scale geological and environmental properties, and how these are used and valued by local people. A more integrated approach dealing with the interplay of geosystem, environmental, and ecosystem services can provide a much firmer basis for urban planning and management in the Global South, suitable for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

Urban densification threatens vacant lots in cities, potentially affecting biodiversity and the ecosystem services (ES) they provide. Policymakers require evidence-based tools to balance densification policies and initiatives with the preservation of green spaces. This research proposes a method to assess ecosystem conditions (EC) of vacant lots and combine it with ES demand in order to identify lots that need to be prioritised for preservation and restoration. This method is applied to the Northern Milan intermunicipal area (Italy). By using open-access satellite imagery, indicators for abiotic, biotic, and landscape characteristics were determined for each lot regarding four regulating ES (air purification, runoff mitigation, microclimate regulation, and pollination). The EC assessment provides planners with information on the ecosystems’ qualities and their ability to deliver ecosystem services. Our findings indicate that vacant lots differ in their contribution to ES provision due to variation in abiotic, biotic, and landscape connectivity conditions, underlining the need for a more detailed assessment of the differences between each individual area that composes the green infrastructure. However, challenges related to defining reference levels and the availability of detailed local data need to be addressed to guide planning decisions effectively. Full article

Urban green space (GS) equity is crucial to achieving environmental justice. From the environmental justice perspective, this study focuses on the equity of GS in residential areas of urban disadvantaged groups, quantitatively assessing and comparing the fairness of GS usage between urban villages (UVs) and formal residential quarters (RQs). Using data on green space area, NDVI, and FVC, this study analyzes GS conditions across different buffer distances within the central urban area of Beijing. Statistical methods, including the Theil index, were employed to evaluate the equity of per capita green space, vegetation coverage, and vegetation conditions. Our findings reveal distinct spatial distribution patterns of internal and external GS characteristics between UVs and RQs. Additionally, while the internal GS equity in UVs is generally lower than in RQs, FVC equity demonstrates the opposite trend. Finally, intra-group inequity in both UVs and RQs is the dominant factor contributing to overall GS disparities in residential areas. This study establishes a comprehensive evaluation framework for analyzing GS availability, NDVI, and FVC equity in two types of residential communities. It provides a valuable reference for subsequent GS equity assessments and offers actionable recommendations for policymakers to prioritize improving GS equity in certain residential areas. By addressing gaps in environmental justice theory regarding urban GS, this study proposes a pragmatic and effective approach to enhancing GS equity in large, rapidly developing cities. Full article

With its profound impact, climate change has emerged as the most significant challenge for economic development. The primary cause of this global crisis is “fossil” capitalism, which denotes the pollution caused by greenhouse gas emissions. As the main contributors, cars significantly add to this pollution, making traffic one of the largest polluters responsible for the ecological and economic crisis. At the European Union (EU) level, countries have formulated environmental policies within the framework of the Green Deal. The Green Deal recognises sustainable mobility as a promising solution for reducing greenhouse gases and managing the consequences of climate change. The research background highlights the promising effects of the sustainable mobility strategy in the Austrian city of Graz. The research methodology is based on a case study analysis of the “eco-transformation” of Graz, focusing on developing a local sustainable mobility strategy and implementing the “soft mobility” concept. Soft mobility refers to non-motorised forms of transportation, such as walking, cycling, and public transit, which are environmentally friendly and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research examines three key components—space, culture, and ambition—as fundamental elements of sustainable mobility. All available online data were collected through desk analysis and a literature review to assess the effectiveness of sustainable policies in Graz. In addition, a quantitative analysis using daily cyclist counts and weather data from 2022–2024 was conducted, confirming the impact of environmental and temporal variables on cycling behaviour. The findings underscore Graz’s replicable value as a sustainable mobility model and highlight the broader implications for EU climate goals. Full article

Sustainability urgently needs to be achieved in urban green infrastructure. Maintaining and restoring biodiversity are critical for developing an urban ecosystem more resilient to abiotic and biotic stresses. The biodiversity of urban green spaces is vital as it reduces the risks associated with climate change (diseases and pests), improves the resilience of the urban ecosystem, and enhances citizens’ well-being. Urban green areas can provide important ecosystem services necessary for achieving prosperity, urban well-being, and the One Health paradigm at various scales. Urban green areas can serve as corridors and stepping stones between the rural environments surrounding cities, increasing their connections and reducing the risk of ecological traps. The conservation and restoration of biodiversity are strategies to increase ecosystem services. In this context, this review aims to analyze the possible contribution of ornamental plants to urban biodiversity, investigating the available knowledge and the gaps that need to be filled. Plants chosen for their esthetic functions are often allogamous species, characterized by showy flowers that attract fauna for pollination, thus helping insects and other fauna survive. If not invasive, these plants can actively contribute to biodiversity in the urban environment and to human well-being. Choosing suitable species and methods that favor plant communities and sustainable maintenance practices improves biodiversity and the ecosystem services that ornamental plants provide. Full article

Space heating consumption prediction is critical for energy management and efficiency, directly impacting sustainability and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Accurate models enable better demand forecasting, promote the use of green energy, and support decarbonization goals. However, existing models often lack precision due to limited feature sets, suboptimal algorithm choices, and limited access to weather data, which reduces generalizability. This study addresses these gaps by evaluating various Machine Learning and Deep Learning models, including K-Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector Regression, Decision Trees, Linear Regression, XGBoost, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, AdaBoost, Long Short-Term Memory, and Gated Recurrent Units. We utilized space heating consumption data from the European Central Bank Headquarters office as a case study. We employed a methodology that involved splitting the features into three categories based on the correlation and evaluating model performance using Mean Squared Error, Mean Absolute Error, Root Mean Squared Error, and R-squared metrics. Results indicate that XGBoost consistently outperformed other models, particularly when utilizing all available features, achieving an R² value of 0.966 using the weather data from the building weather station. This model’s superior performance underscores the importance of comprehensive feature sets for accurate predictions. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to sustainable energy management practices. By improving the accuracy of space heating consumption forecasts, our approach supports the efficient use of green energy resources, aiding in the global efforts towards decarbonization and reducing carbon footprints in urban environments. Full article