Mainstream NBS in sustainable urban planning, strengthen the European Green Deal and EU recommendations

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Carmen Garcia Mateo
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Urban Planning ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Green Economy ◽  
World Population ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Economic Dimension ◽  
Research Activities

<p>It is expected that 80% of the world population will be living in urban areas by 2050, therefore more pressure on natural resources will be exacerbated if we continue with harmful human environmental practices, since pre-industrial era, intensifying the mayor environmental, social and economic challenges in cities. Scientific evidence shows the potential of Nature Based Solution to tackle environmental, societal and economic challenge related to urbanization, climate change, loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services in cities.</p><p>The research article analyses EU regulation and framework related to cities, environmental, economic, and aim to discuss the status quo of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) integration in urban planning Cities in H2020 Project, for better implementation policies on NBS at the city level, identifying gaps and potentials through a comprehensive mapping of the terrain on NBS policies in EU Cities, allowing for upscale and replication of those solutions in a form of a validated roadmap for sustainable cities across Europe and world-wide.</p><p>The main findings to shape the sustainability world of tomorrow of the research activities are as follow: to promote the inclusion of NBS in urban planning and decision making processes it was generally perceived that cities with more investment in research and innovation funding are more suitable for enabling cities to design and implement transition pathways to becoming inclusive, resilient, sustainable, low-carbon and resource efficient, to tackle most of the challenges Europe is facing today, such as climate change, health and well-being, loss of biodiversity of unsustainable urbanization.</p><p> Therefore, cities will contribute to improve the environmental, social and economic dimension, providing the way towards a more resource efficient, competitive and green economy with the implemention of the NBS, that might be tackled in an integrated, coherent and holistic approach to enhance sustainability, resilience and quality of life for dwellers.</p>

Prevention of Air Pollution for Sustainable Environment

2019 ◽  
pp. 264-283
Author(s):  
Md. Mahfuzar Rahman Chowdhury
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Atmospheric Transport ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Sustainable Environment ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

Air pollution is the natural processes caused by human activities through which certain substances enter the atmosphere at a sufficient concentration to cause environmental pollution. The World Health Organization reported that 80% of the world's cases of heart disease and stroke deaths were due to air pollution, and a total of 7 million people in the world died of air pollution in 2012. Unplanned urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural activities contribute to air pollution. Climate change affects air pollution in a number of factors including changes in temperature, solar radiation, humidity, precipitation, atmospheric transport, and biogenic emissions. Increasing scientific evidence shows that air pollution and climate change policies must be integrated to achieve sustainable development and a low carbon (LC) society. Combined efforts to deal with air pollution and climate issues at the urban level will be particularly important as most people are exposed to air pollution, and 75% of global GHG emissions are generated in urban areas.

scholarly journals Generational Portrait of Spanish Society in the Face of Climate Change. A Question to Consider for the Green Economy under the Well-Being Approach

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 807
Author(s):  
María-José Foncubierta-Rodríguez ◽  
Rafael Ravina-Ripoll ◽  
José Antonio López-Sánchez
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Human Action ◽  
European Social Survey ◽  
Green Economy ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Spanish Society ◽  
The Face ◽  
Two Phases

Climate change is emerging as an issue of progressive attention, and therefore awareness, in societies. In this work, the problem is addressed from a generational perspective in Spanish society and is carried out from the approaches of awareness, human action, and self-responsibility. All this from the search of the subjective well-being and the citizens’ happiness, as one of the bases of sustainable development initiatives. With data from the European Social Survey R8, from EUROSTAT, we work in two phases: (1) descriptive and inferential on possible associations of the items with the variable Age, and (2) calculation of probabilities between groups through logistic regression. The results confirm a general awareness, but with apparent statistical differences between age groups. In general, the youngest are the most aware, blame human activity most intensely, are the most concerned, and are the most willing to act. And it is the older people who are less aware of all these issues. Based on this finding, and from the approach mentioned above, it is recommended that leaders, both in the macroeconomic and microeconomic sectors, develop initiatives that sensitize and encourage older age groups.

scholarly journals Model Cities for Resilience: Climate-led Initiatives

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-58
Author(s):  
Didem Gunes Yilmaz ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Global Warming ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Climate Change Mitigation ◽  
Sustainable Cities ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Urban Water Management ◽  
Model Cities ◽  
Taking Action ◽  
Change Mitigation

Paris Agreement of December 2015 was the last official initiative led by the United Nations (UN) as the driver of climate change mitigation. Climate change was hence linked with an increase in the occurrence of natural hazards. A variety of initiatives were consequently adopted under different themes such as sustainable cities, climate-friendly development and low-carbon cities. However, most of the initiatives targeted by global cities with urban areas being the focus in terms of taking action against global warming issues. This is due to the structural and environmental features of cities characterized by being populated, as such, they not only generate a large number of carbon emissions but also happens to be the biggest consumer of natural resources. In turn, they create a microclimate, which contributes to climate change. Masdar City, for example, was designed as the first fully sustainable urban area, which replaced fuel-based energy with the electric-based energy. China, as another example, introduced the Sponge Cities action, a method of urban water management to mitigate against flooding. Consequently, architects and urban planners are urged to conform to the proposals that would mitigate global warming. This paper, as a result, examines some of the models that have been internationally adopted and thereafter provide the recommendations that can be implemented in large urban areas in Turkey, primarily in Istanbul.

scholarly journals Mudanças Climáticas no Semiárido Brasileiro: Experiências e Oportunidades para o Desenvolvimento (Climate Change in the Brazilian semiarid: Experiences and Opportunities for Development)

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francislene Angelotti ◽  
Diana Signor ◽  
Vanderlise Giongo
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Green Economy ◽  
Environmental Services ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Adaptation Measures ◽  
Mitigation And Adaptation ◽  
Brazilian Semiarid

A comunidade científica, ao longo dos últimos anos, tem buscado soluções para o desenvolvimento sustentável do Semiárido. Os estudos dos impactos das mudanças climáticas subsidiam medidas de mitigação e adaptação frente às futuras alterações no clima. Adicionalmente, o desenvolvimento e adoção de processos e tecnologias voltados para o desenvolvimento sustentável, tendo em vista a viabilidade econômica, social e ambiental são fundamentais, para aumentar a segurança alimentar, gerenciar os recursos hídricos e erradicar a pobreza. O avanço do conhecimento obtido nos últimos anos e a interação entre as instituições de ensino e pesquisa assumem um papel importante na proposição e adoção de políticas públicas que visam aumentar a capacidade adaptativa da sociedade e da economia regional frente às mudanças climáticas, criando espaços de oportunidades e caminhos para a resiliência climática. Nesse sentido, a busca de soluções e oportunidades para o desenvolvimento do Semiárido brasileiro é estratégico, razão pela qual mantem-se um fórum de discussão permanente traduzido no Simpósio de Mudanças Climáticas e Desertificação no Semiárido Brasileiro, realizado bianualmente. A adoção de ações voltadas para o desenvolvimento sustentável é estratégica. A economia verde e o pagamento por serviços ambientais se tornaram oportunidades, pois atualmente o desenvolvimento econômico não pode estar dissociado das preocupações com relação às mudanças no clima e a preservação do ambiente. Para o Semiárido brasileiro é necessário fortalecer as ações em andamento e buscar soluções inovadoras para reduzir os impactos e riscos inerentes às mudanças climáticas, criar oportunidades na economia de baixo carbono e promover a inclusão social. The scientific community over the last few years has been sought solutions for sustainable development of the semiarid. The research about impacts of climate change is subsidizing mitigation and adaptation measures facing future changes, in semi-arid region. In addition, the development and adoption of processes and technologies for sustainable development, in view of economic, social and environmental sustainability are essential to increasing food security, manage water resources and eradicate poverty. The knowledge progress achieved in recent years and the interaction between education and research institutions play an important role on proposition and adopting public policies that aimed to increase the adaptive capacity of society and the regional economy to climate change, creating opportunities spaces and directions for climate resilience. In this sense, the search for solutions and opportunities for the development of the Brazilian semiarid is strategic, which is why keeping a permanent discussion forum translated at the Symposium on Climate Change and Desertification in the Brazilian semiarid carried out every two years. The adoption of actions for sustainable development, in view of economic, social and environmental viability is strategic. The green economy and payment for environmental services have become opportunities because currently the economic development cannot be dissociated from concerns about climate change. For the Brazilian semiarid is necessary to strengthen actions in progress and seek innovative solutions to reduce the impacts and risks posed by climate change, creating opportunities in the low carbon economy and promoting social inclusion. Key-words: adaptation, mitigation, environmental services, research.   

The Biophilia Hypothesis and Mental Health

2022 ◽  
pp. 253-265
Author(s):  
Bonnie Carter King
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Urban Planning ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Underserved Populations ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Biophilic Design ◽  
Mental Health Benefits ◽  
Biophilia Hypothesis

The purpose of this chapter is to highlight literature related to the benefits of spending time in nature and the usefulness of biophilic design to boost mental health. Biophilic design can increase feelings of well-being of workers or inhabitants, increase connection to purpose and meaning-making, and inspire creativity. This chapter will outline (1) research connected to the mental health benefits of spending time in nature for both children and adults; (2) a description of the biophilia hypothesis; (3) an exploration of nature, spirituality, and meaning-making through the lens of the biophilia hypothesis; (4) biophilic design and equity regarding nature access in urban areas for underserved populations; and (5) a call for increased integration of biophilic design into architecture and urban planning.

scholarly journals Mental Health & Resiliency: Designing Participatory Nature Dependent Environments and Communities for a Sustainable Future

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Beam ◽  
Nawari O. Nawari ◽  
Bill Tilson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Urban Planning ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Community Planning ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Natural Environments

Sustainable design trends have historically wended down a road that supports the idea of densely populated urban planning as a strategy for mitigating sprawl. Creation of dense urban areas aims at the reduction of carbon emissions. However, studies show that densely populated areas often come with a panacea of mental health, resiliency, and quality of life ails for a community.The following research explores the possibility of combining densely populated design approaches with ancient community planning methods that encourage relationship building: close contact with natural environments and social interchange. Community planning that also creates a day to day contact with nature could be a crucial strategy for both sustaining healthy ecosystems and the development of sustainable communities. The potential for integrating dependence upon nature within built urban environments, as well as the possibility of positive place-making by harvesting nature dependent cultural and social assets in communities and neighborhoods, is, therefore, a wealthy area worthy of exploration.To explore these areas, mental health research on the effects of nature on the brain, as well as the three leading determinants of social, environmental and economic well-being, worldwide, and the founding cultures of these determinants were reviewed. Resilient indigenous groups and case studies of the happiest nation, of Norway and two leading environmentally sustainable and resilient countries, Costa Rica, Cuba, and New Mexico are examined. The paper provides recommendations for improving mental health and resilience by integrating strategies for nature and community needs in urban planning and built environments design.

scholarly journals Mobile Phone Data for Urban Climate Change Adaptation: Reviewing Applications, Opportunities and Key Challenges

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1501
Author(s):  
Sébastien Dujardin ◽  
Damien Jacques ◽  
Jessica Steele ◽  
Catherine Linard
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Urban Planning ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Urban Governance ◽  
Urban Climate ◽  
Spatial Modelling ◽  
Mobile Phone Data ◽  
Transformative Change ◽  
Digital Information

Climate change places cities at increasing risk and poses a serious challenge for adaptation. As a response, novel sources of data combined with data-driven logics and advanced spatial modelling techniques have the potential for transformative change in the role of information in urban planning. However, little practical guidance exists on the potential opportunities offered by mobile phone data for enhancing adaptive capacities in urban areas. Building upon a review of spatial studies mobilizing mobile phone data, this paper explores the opportunities offered by such digital information for providing spatially-explicit assessments of urban vulnerability, and shows the ways these can help developing more dynamic strategies and tools for urban planning and disaster risk management. Finally, building upon the limitations of mobile phone data analysis, it discusses the key urban governance challenges that need to be addressed for supporting the emergence of transformative change in current planning frameworks.

scholarly journals Green Economy for Sustainable Development in Nepal: Role of Forestry Sector

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 96-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madhav Karki
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Poor Country ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Green Economy ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Rural And Urban

Although there is no unified view among the policy makers and development experts on what represents and drives a Green Economy and there is also no clarity on what it means for the mountain countries like Nepal, the concept is however, very pertinent in the context of rapid climate change and unsustainable development. There is a general agreement that green economy provides opportunities for developing and forest rich country like Nepal as the fossil fuel-based and import oriented consumerism based economy cannot be successful today and in future. It is likely that green economy could be a good vehicle to reach sustainable mountain development (SMD). However, there is a need to develop specific and strategies and action plans to implement green and low-carbon economic activities. First and foremost, there is a need to develop a national policy and to use green economy to achieve poverty reduction and sustainable development. The economic growth rate has to be sustained while reducing poverty through sound development plans and programmes actively participated and managed by poor and enterprising rural and urban communities and supported by government, non-government and donor agencies. There are numerous challenges in adapting and adopting Green Economy policies in a poor country like Nepal. Capacity and skill development, technology adaptation, transfer, and retrofitting to suit Nepal’s hilly and mountainous terrains, need for huge investment in processing and value addition, and of course adapting to and mitigating against climate change are some of the major challenges. Notwithstanding these constraints, green economic policies and programmes can be means to achieve sustainable development in the mountainous region. There is need to document good case studies for drawing lessons so that future green growth pathway can be charted in a flawless manner and scaling up of the success to create bigger impacts can be achieved. Finally, effective and outcome oriented implementation will require multi-disciplinary planning, interdisciplinary implementation, and effective and participatory monitoring and evaluation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/init.v5i0.10259   The Initiation 2013 Vol.5; 96-109

scholarly journals Sustainable Development of Urban Spaces towards Climate Protection and Adaptation to its Changes

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 122-133
Author(s):  
Bogusław Wojtyszyn
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Urban Spaces ◽  
Urban Structure ◽  
Climate Protection ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
The World ◽  
Cities For Climate Protection

Abstract The article concerns urban spaces highly responsible for climate change in the country, Europe, and the world. This topic is now of major importance because it reflects on every citizen of Europe and the world in that we all confront the necessity of climate protection and adaptation also in law, to climate change in urban areas. It is associated with a radical change of lifestyle in the world’s cities, mainly in terms of energy consumption and its methods of production. The research results presented in the article indicate the need to adapt current methods for slowing down adverse climate change into functional and spatial systems of urban development and their economic, legal, and social conditions affecting the pace of implementation of new technologies for climate-friendly sources such as low-carbon, energy-saving, and renewable energy. Attention was also paid to the possibility of ecological revitalization of the existing urban structure of buildings, among other things, in order to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions adversely affecting the climate. On the other hand, modern ideas for an Eco-City and solutions for a Green-City and Solar-City, presented in the article, implemented through sustainable development in the field of planning activities and energy management methods, can be additional indicators of the direction of sustainable development for Polish cities for climate protection and adaptation to its changes.

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