scholarly journals Review on Urban Forests and Trees as Nature-Based Solutions over 5 Years

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 1453
Author(s):  
Xiangqi Kong ◽  
Xinna Zhang ◽  
Chengyang Xu ◽  
Richard J. Hauer
Keyword(s):  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Urban Forest ◽  
Urban Forests ◽  
Urban Ecosystems ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Sustainable Living ◽  
Keyword Analysis ◽  
Research Pattern

As human living environments face increasing challenges with resilience, the concept of nature-based solutions (NBS) was proposed in recent years as a way to promote sustainable living in urban environments. Urban forests and trees play important roles in urban ecosystems, while their potential as an NBS is promising. A bibliometric analysis was first conducted to explore the research pattern of NBS in urban environments. Studies of urban forest and tree-based green infrastructure in NBS research were further investigated using a systematic literature review method. The initial studies on NBS have increased since 2015 with 493 documents published from 142 sources in over 70 countries and regions. Keyword analysis showed green infrastructure had a rather high frequency of utility and received considerable attention. As for urban forests as nature-based solutions (UF-NBS) research, the most prominent study approaches used at different scales and the main benefits and typologies of urban forest studied in the articles were identified. UF-NBS research is still relatively scarce at present. Despite the role of urban forest and trees in addressing environmental challenges being well recognized, UF-NBS studies still need to be conducted in a more comprehensive context, taking social and economic aspects into account.

scholarly journals Influence of Land Use on Avian Diversity in North African Urban Environments

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 434
Author(s):  
Hani Amir Aouissi ◽  
Alexandru-Ionuţ Petrişor ◽  
Mostefa Ababsa ◽  
Maria Boştenaru-Dan ◽  
Mahmoud Tourki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Ecological Group ◽  
Avian Diversity ◽  
North African ◽  
Index Method ◽  
Urban Green Spaces

Land cover and use changes are important to study for their impact on ecosystem services and ultimately on sustainability. In urban environments, a particularly important research question addresses the relationship between urbanization-related changes and biodiversity, subject to controversies in the literature. Birds are an important ecological group, and useful for answering this question. The present study builds upon the hypothesis according to which avian diversity decreases with urbanization. In order to answer it, a sample of 4245 observations from 650 sites in Annaba, Algeria, obtained through the point abundance index method, were investigated by computing Shannon-Wiener’s diversity index and the species richness, mapping them, and analyzing the results statistically. The findings confirm the study hypothesis and are relevant for planning, as they stress the role of urban green spaces as biodiversity hotspots, and plead for the need of connecting them. From a planning perspective, the results emphasize the need for interconnecting the green infrastructure through avian corridors. Moreover, the results fill in an important lack of data on the biodiversity of the region, and are relevant for other similar Mediterranean areas. Future studies could use the findings to compare with data from other countries and continents.

scholarly journals Effects of fragmentation on plant adaptation to urban environments

2017 ◽  
Vol 372 (1712) ◽  
pp. 20160038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Dubois ◽  
Pierre-Olivier Cheptou
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Urban Ecosystems ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Plant Size ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Trait Variation ◽  
Fragmented Habitats ◽  
Dispersal Traits ◽  
Neutral Markers

Urban ecosystems are relatively recent and heavily human-altered terrestrial ecosystems with a surprisingly high diversity of animals, plants and other organisms. Urban habitats are also strongly fragmented and subject to higher temperatures, providing a compelling model for studying adaptation to global change. Crepis sancta (Asteraceae), an annual Mediterranean wasteland weed, occupies fragmented urban environments as well as certain unfragmented landscapes in southern France. We tested for shifts in dispersal, reproductive traits and size across a rural–urban gradient to learn whether and how selection may be driving changes in life history in urban and fragmented habitats. We specifically compared the structure of quantitative genetic variation and of neutral markers (microsatellites) between urban and rural and between fragmented and unfragmented habitats. We showed that fragmentation provides a better descriptor of trait variation than urbanization per se for dispersal traits. Fragmentation also affected reproductive traits and plant size though one rural population did conform to this scheme. Our study shows the role of fragmentation for dispersal traits shift in urban environments and a more complex pattern for other traits. We discuss the role of pollinator scarcity and an inhospitable matrix as drivers of adaptation. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Human influences on evolution, and the ecological and societal consequences’.

scholarly journals Strong variations in urban allergenicity riskscapes due to poor knowledge of tree pollen allergenic potential

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita Sousa-Silva ◽  
Audrey Smargiassi ◽  
Daniel Kneeshaw ◽  
Jérôme Dupras ◽  
Kate Zinszer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Urban Forest ◽  
Pollen Allergy ◽  
Urban Forests ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Tree Pollen ◽  
Allergenic Potential ◽  
Common Tree ◽  
Pollen Allergenicity

AbstractExposure to allergenic tree pollen is an increasing environmental health issue in urban areas. However, reliable, well-documented, peer-reviewed data on the allergenicity of pollen from common tree species in urban environments are lacking. Using the concept of ‘riskscape’, we present and discuss evidence on how different tree pollen allergenicity datasets shape the risk for pollen-allergy sufferers in five cities with different urban forests and population densities: Barcelona, Montreal, New York City, Paris, and Vancouver. We also evaluate how tree diversity can modify the allergenic risk of urban forests. We show that estimates of pollen exposure risk range from 1 to 74% for trees considered to be highly allergenic in the same city. This variation results from differences in the pollen allergenicity datasets, which become more pronounced when a city’s canopy is dominated by only a few species and genera. In an increasingly urbanized world, diverse urban forests offer a potentially safer strategy aimed at diluting sources of allergenic pollen until better allergenicity data is developed. Our findings highlight an urgent need for a science-based approach to guide public health and urban forest planning.

scholarly journals Measuring Multi-Scale Urban Forest Carbon Flux Dynamics Using an Integrated Eddy Covariance Technique

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (16) ◽  
pp. 4335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaidi Zhang ◽  
Yuan Gong ◽  
Francisco J. Escobedo ◽  
Rosvel Bracho ◽  
Xinzhong Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eddy Covariance ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Urban Forest ◽  
Scale Effects ◽  
Atmospheric Stability ◽  
Urban Forests ◽  
Co2 Flux ◽  
Forest Patches ◽  
Multi Scale ◽  
Co2 Dynamics

The multi-scale carbon-carbon dioxide (C-CO2) dynamics of subtropical urban forests and other green and grey infrastructure types were explored in an urbanized campus near Shanghai, China. We integrated eddy covariance (EC) C-CO2 flux measurements and the Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon footprint tool to analyze C-CO2 dynamics at the landscape-scale as well as in local-scale urban forest patches during one year. The approach measured the C-CO2 flux from different contributing areas depending on wind directions and atmospheric stability. Although the study landscape was a net carbon source (2.98 Mg C ha−1 yr−1), we found the mean CO2 flux in urban forest patches was −1.32 μmol m−2s−1, indicating that these patches function as a carbon sink with an annual carbon balance of −5.00 Mg C ha−1. These results indicate that urban forest patches and vegetation (i.e., green infrastructure) composition can be designed to maximize the sequestration of CO2. This novel integrated modeling approach can be used to facilitate the study of the multi-scale effects of urban forests and green infrastructure on CO2 and to establish low-carbon emitting planning and planting designs in the subtropics.

scholarly journals Importance, Utilization and Health of Urban Forests: A Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-16
Author(s):  
Alexandra D. SOLOMOU ◽  
Eleni T. TOPALIDOU ◽  
Rafaelia GERMANI ◽  
Apostolia ARGIRI ◽  
George KARETSOS
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Urban Forest ◽  
Urban Forests ◽  
Visual Image ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Academic Resources

Urbanization and development of cities are rapidly increasing across the world and urban forests constitute important tools that maintain the basic environmental and ecological functions of cities on which plant, animal and human existence depend. This paper presents a literature review on importance, utilization and health of urban forests that are important in providing ecosystem services for the sustainability of cities. Analysis of the literature from the main academic resources databases indicates that urban forest is a dynamic system which includes trees, shrubs, green space, soil and water that supports them. Urban forests provide many functions, services and benefits which are needed for the sustainable development of urban areas. In addition, health and appearance of trees’ composition are the most important factors in determining a city’s visual image and quality of life. Thus, urban forests are an important component of an ecosystem in any community development. Furthermore, management of urban forests can increase their potentials and therefore their functions, services and benefits. Green infrastructure and ecosystem services are the most efficient tools that cities can utilise to remain healthy, robust and liveable. Hence, the planners, architects, engineers, foresters, agriculturists and all those involved in decision making should be utilized the present literature review and incorporate the concept of urban forest in their  plans and programs so as to achieve the sustainability of cities.

scholarly journals Emerging Urban Forests: Opportunities for Promoting the Wild Side of the Urban Green Infrastructure

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (22) ◽  
pp. 6318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingo Kowarik ◽  
Anne Hiller ◽  
Greg Planchuelo ◽  
Birgit Seitz ◽  
Moritz von der Lippe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Alien Species ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Urban Forest ◽  
Urban Forests ◽  
Tree Regeneration ◽  
Carabid Beetles ◽  
Alien Plant ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Urban Green Infrastructure

Many cities aim to increase urban forest cover to benefit residents through the provision of ecosystem services and to promote biodiversity. As a complement to traditional forest plantings, we address opportunities associated with “emerging urban forests” (i.e., spontaneously developing forests in cities) for urban biodiversity conservation. We quantified the area of successional forests and analyzed the species richness of native and alien plants and of invertebrates (carabid beetles, spiders) in emerging forests dominated by alien or native trees, including Robinia pseudoacacia, Acer platanoides, and Betula pendula. Emerging urban forests were revealed as shared habitats of native and alien species. Native species richness was not profoundly affected by the alien (co-)dominance of the canopy. Instead, native and alien plant species richnesses were positively related. Numbers of endangered plants and invertebrates did not differ between native- and alien-dominated forest patches. Patterns of tree regeneration indicate different successional trajectories for novel forest types. We conclude that these forests (i) provide habitats for native and alien species, including some endangered species, (ii) allow city dwellers to experience wild urban nature, and (iii) support arguments for adapting forests to dynamic urban environments. Integrating emerging urban forests into the urban green infrastructure is a promising pathway to sustainable cities and can complement traditional restoration or greening approaches.

scholarly journals Green infrastructure planning for cooling urban communities: Overview of the contemporary approaches with special reference to Serbian experiences

Spatium ◽  
2015 ◽  
pp. 55-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Maric ◽  
Tijana Crncevic ◽  
Jasminka Cvejic
Keyword(s):  
Special Reference ◽  
Urban Communities ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Special Importance ◽  
Policies And Programs ◽  
Guidelines And Standards

This paper investigates contemporary approaches defined by the policies, programs or standards that favor green infrastructure in urban planning for cooling urban environments with special reference to Serbian experiences. The research results reveal an increasing emphasis on the multifunctionality of green infrastructure as well the determination to the development of policies, guidelines and standards with the support of the overall community. Further, special importance is given to policies that promote ?cool communities? strategies resulting in the increase of vegetation-covered areas, what has contributed in adapting urban environments to the impacts of climate change. In addition, this research indicates the important role of local authorities and planners in Serbia in promoting planning policies and programs that take into consideration the role of green infrastructure in terms of improving climatic conditions, quality of life and reducing energy needed for cooling and heating.

Calculation-and-experimental estimation of the role of the frequency ratio in changing the endurance at two-frequency deformation modes

2019 ◽  
Vol 85 (1(I)) ◽  
pp. 64-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. M. Gadenin
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Reduction Factor ◽  
Single Frequency ◽  
Cyclic Loads ◽  
Small Ratio ◽  
Harmonic Components ◽  
Deformation Modes

The cycle configuration at two-frequency loading regimes depends on the number of parameters including the absolute values of the frequencies and amplitudes of the low-frequency and high-frequency loads added during this mode, the ratio of their frequencies and amplitudes, as well as the phase shift between these harmonic components, the latter having a significant effect only with a small ratio of frequencies. Presence of such two-frequency regimes or service loading conditions for parts of machines and structures schematized by them can significantly reduce their endurance. Using the results of experimental studies of changes in the endurance of a two-frequency loading of specimens of cyclically stable, cyclically softened and cyclically hardened steels under rigid conditions we have shown that decrease in the endurance under the aforementioned conditions depends on the ratio of frequencies and amplitudes of operation low-frequency low-cycle and high-frequency vibration stresses, and, moreover, the higher the level of the ratios of amplitudes and frequencies of those stacked harmonic processes of loading the greater the effect. It is shown that estimation of such a decrease in the endurance compared to a single frequency loading equal in the total stress (strains) amplitudes can be carried out using an exponential expression coupling those endurances through a parameter (reduction factor) containing the ratio of frequencies and amplitudes of operation cyclic loads and characteristic of the material. The reduction is illustrated by a set of calculation-experimental curves on the corresponding diagrams for each of the considered types of materials and compared with the experimental data.

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