The Impact of Local Transport Systems on Green Infrastructure – Policy Versus Reality. The Case of Poznan, Poland

The main purpose of this article was to determine the impact on the equilibrium of the local transport system from privileging EVs by permitting them to use bus lanes. The study used two sets of data: information on infrastructure and traffic management; and information on the recorded road network loads and traffic volumes generated by a given shopping centre—the E. Leclerc shopping centre (an important traffic generator within the city of Łódź, Poland). These sets were then used to develop a microsimulation traffic model for the shopping centre and the associated effects on the localised transport system. The model was constructed by means of the PTV Vissim software tool. An initial simulation was conducted that formed a basis for subsequent scenarios (in total, 17 simulations were performed). On the basis of the conducted analyses, it was established that—for the researched part of the transport system—privileging the still rather uncommon battery electric vehicles (BEVs) engendered a marginal deterioration of traffic conditions. At the same time, allowing BEVs to use bus lanes within the chosen research area had no negative impact on bus journey times.

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Climate Change, Weather, Housing Precarity, and Homelessness: A Systematic Review of Reviews

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18115812 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 5812

Author(s):

Mariya Bezgrebelna ◽

Kwame McKenzie ◽

Samantha Wells ◽

Arun Ravindran ◽

Michael Kral ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Natural Disasters ◽

Green Infrastructure ◽

Temperature Extremes ◽

Weather Extremes ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Review Of Reviews ◽

The Impact

This systematic review of reviews was conducted to examine housing precarity and homelessness in relation to climate change and weather extremes internationally. In a thematic analysis of 15 reviews (5 systematic and 10 non-systematic), the following themes emerged: risk factors for homelessness/housing precarity, temperature extremes, health concerns, structural factors, natural disasters, and housing. First, an increased risk of homelessness has been found for people who are vulnerably housed and populations in lower socio-economic positions due to energy insecurity and climate change-induced natural hazards. Second, homeless/vulnerably-housed populations are disproportionately exposed to climatic events (temperature extremes and natural disasters). Third, the physical and mental health of homeless/vulnerably-housed populations is projected to be impacted by weather extremes and climate change. Fourth, while green infrastructure may have positive effects for homeless/vulnerably-housed populations, housing remains a major concern in urban environments. Finally, structural changes must be implemented. Recommendations for addressing the impact of climate change on homelessness and housing precarity were generated, including interventions focusing on homelessness/housing precarity and reducing the effects of weather extremes, improved housing and urban planning, and further research on homelessness/housing precarity and climate change. To further enhance the impact of these initiatives, we suggest employing the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA).

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Assessing the impact of case mobility: issues and recommendations from Greece

Journal of Engineering and Applied Science ◽

10.1186/s44147-021-00003-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 68 (1) ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Athanasios Thanos Giannopoulos

Keyword(s):

Performance Indicators ◽

Evaluation Framework ◽

Transport Systems ◽

Intelligent Transport Systems ◽

Intelligent Transport ◽

Before And After ◽

Mobility Matrix ◽

Living Labs ◽

The Impact ◽

The City

AbstractThis paper is concerned with the assessment of future applications of CASE (Co-operative, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric) mobility—a term that is also taken to include the more traditionally known applications of ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems). It sets the objective of making such assessments more holistic and horizontal in nature because future CASE mobility applications will include many technologies and service concepts as an integrated whole serving specific mobility objective. Traditional evaluation methodologies will therefore have to be modified to account for this situation, and to this end, the paper focuses on assessing and adapting such “traditional” methodologies. It draws from the experience gained in Greece in the last decade when a substantial number of ITS applications were implemented and assessed, especially in the second largest urban area of the country, the city of Thessaloniki (part of the EU’s European Network of Living Labs). Four basic methodologies are selected: the use of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), focused interviews, the CMME (CASE Mobility Matrix Evaluation), and the use of safety audits before and after the CASE mobility application. For the first three, the paper suggests specific indicators and/or content. It also gives an example of the use of CMME based on a use case from Thessaloniki. The contents and recommendations of this paper provide a better understanding of the emerging situation as regards CASE mobility applications and point to the need for establishing a timely and comprehensive CASE mobility evaluation framework at both national and European levels, for future implementations.

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Nature-based cooling potential: a multi-type green infrastructure evaluation in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

International Journal of Biometeorology ◽

10.1007/s00484-021-02100-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Vidya Anderson ◽

William A. Gough

Keyword(s):

Urban Agriculture ◽

Air Temperature ◽

Green Infrastructure ◽

Urban Climate ◽

Surface Air Temperature ◽

Green Roofs ◽

Near Surface ◽

Green Walls ◽

The Impact ◽

Agriculture Systems

AbstractThe application of green infrastructure presents an opportunity to mitigate rising temperatures using a multi-faceted ecosystems-based approach. A controlled field study in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, evaluates the impact of nature-based solutions on near surface air temperature regulation focusing on different applications of green infrastructure. A field campaign was undertaken over the course of two summers to measure the impact of green roofs, green walls, urban vegetation and forestry systems, and urban agriculture systems on near surface air temperature. This study demonstrates that multiple types of green infrastructure applications are beneficial in regulating near surface air temperature and are not limited to specific treatments. Widespread usage of green infrastructure could be a viable strategy to cool cities and improve urban climate.

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Can management improve the lawn’s functioning in the conditions of multiple anthropogenic stressors?

10.5194/egusphere-egu21-13522 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Olga Gavrichkova ◽

Dario Liberati ◽

Viktoriya Varyushkina ◽

Kristina Ivashchenko ◽

Paolo De Angelis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Soil Respiration ◽

Green Infrastructure ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Ecosystem Respiration ◽

Heterotrophic Respiration ◽

Sand Mixture ◽

Anthropogenic Stressors ◽

Unplanted Soil ◽

The Impact

Release of heavy metals, salts and other toxic agents in the environment is of increasing concern in urban areas. Contaminants not solely decline the quality of the local environment and affect the health of human population and urban ecosystems but are also spread through runoff and leaching into non-contaminated areas. Urban lawns are the most distributed green infrastructure in the cities. Management of lawn system may either exacerbate the negative effects of contaminants on lawn functioning either help to withstand the toxic effects and maintain the lawn ecosystem health and the efficient release of ecosystem services. &#160;The aim of this study was to evaluate the interactions between the lawn management, the lawn functioning, and the release into the soil of typical urban contaminants. For this purpose, Festuca arundinacea grass was planted in a turf-sand mixture with and without amendment addition (zeolite + vermicompost). To reproduce the impact of traffic-related contaminants in proximity of the road, pots were treated with a solution containing de-icing salt (NaCl) and 6 heavy metals (Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni), imitating road runoff solution. After contamination, half of pots was maintained at optimum soil water content (Smart irrigation), another half was left to periodical drying in order to simulate conditions with discontinuous watering (Periodical irrigation). The same experimental scheme was reproduced for unplanted soil. CO2 net ecosystem exchange (NEE), soil and ecosystem respiration as well as flux from unplanted soil (heterotrophic respiration) were measured shortly after the treatment (short-term) and up 3 months since the treatment start (long-term).Soil amendment stimulated plant productivity and increased the efficiency of the system in C uptake (+56% NEE). A relevant reduction of NEE was observed from 14 to 40 days after the application of traffic-related contaminants in both amended and non amended pots. During this period the contaminants had the greatest impact on lawn NEE subjected to Periodic irrigation (-49% and -66% in amended and non amended pots, respectively), while lawn under Smart irrigation was less affected (-35% and -26% in amended and non amended pots, respectively). Different respiration sources (ecosystem respiration, soil respiration, heterotrophic respiration) were characterized by different sensitivity to management and contamination. Heterotrophic flux was not sensitive to soil amending but declined with contamination with enhanced negative effect under Smart irrigation. Response of ecosystem respiration to contamination was less pronounced in confront to soil respiration suggesting leaf-level buffering.&#160; &#160;&#160;Three months later,&#160; the effect of contaminants on lawn gas exchange ceased for all treated pots. Instead, the irrigation effect persisted depending on whether pots were amended or not. In non amended pots NEE was reduced by 18% under Periodic irrigation, while this effect was not present in amended pots. We conclude, that performance of such green infrastructure as lawns in terms of C sequestration under multiple anthropogenic stressors could be efficiently improved through soil amending and irrigation control.Current research was financially supported by RFBR No. 19-29-05187 and RSF No. 19-77-30012.

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The impact of globalization on transport investment

SHS Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/shsconf/202112911002 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 129 ◽

pp. 11002

Author(s):

Florin Dobre ◽

Valentin Pauna ◽

Alexandru Cristian Vasilescu ◽

Ovidiu Andrei Cristian Buzoianu

Keyword(s):

Economic Impact ◽

Public Funding ◽

Sufficient Conditions ◽

Value Added ◽

Transport Infrastructure ◽

Transport Systems ◽

Transport Sector ◽

European Level ◽

Gradual Development ◽

The Impact

Research background: The economic impact of investing in new transport capacity or improving existing ones is complex and often indirect. Loans for infrastructure are often needed, but they cannot create sufficient conditions for economic growth. Investments in transport infrastructure require public funding. An assessment of their cost-effectiveness is needed to ensure a reasonable and acceptable allocation. Relevant economic, environmental and social effects must be taken into account. There is a growing concern in the transport sector about decisions on the development of the transport system and the effects of scale and externalities they produce. Planners and decision-makers need to know more about the wider economic impact of individual infrastructure projects and transport policies in general. Purpose of the article: This paper aims to present the most important theoretical and practical aspects of the importance of transport investment worldwide, at European level and Romania. Investments in transport infrastructure will not improve the economic vitality of a region unless it has sufficient economic capacity and employment, land use and economic development policies. Methods: This article starts from the hypothesis of the influence of globalization on the development of transport systems in general and applies as a case study on Romania. The paper was based on the analysis of transport legislation, as well as data sets for the period 2011-2019, to observe the gradual development of all types of transport. Findings & Value added: Following these researches, the link between globalization and investments in transport systems was found by emphasizing accessibility to new infrastructures, new horizons and development plans for the main types of transport, which is a key element in economic activity. The main results were disseminated throughout the article and it adds value through the analysis created at global and regional level (at European level) and the interpretation of statistical data related to transport investments.

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Green Infrastructure Development in Sustainable Water Resources Management System

Applied Mechanics and Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.747.127 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 747 ◽

pp. 127-131

Author(s):

Quintarina Uniaty

Keyword(s):

Water Management ◽

Green Infrastructure ◽

Management System ◽

Urban Systems ◽

Difficult Situation ◽

Sustainable Water Resources Management ◽

Main Challenge ◽

The Impact ◽

Green City

The main challenge in the twenty-first century is to work towards a more resilient urban world and sustainable. In the context of a global urban strategy, endurance is the attention to the capacity of urban systems, including the natural environment, the built environment, social and economic elements; to be able to manage change, to learn from a difficult situation and be in a position to rise from urban problems. Globally, the townsfolk face a water crisis within the next ten years, as the impact of climate change in exhaust emissions will affect the quality of air, land and water; which will ultimately reduce the quality of the environment. Sustainability questioned whether certain aspects of the day-to-day activities, and the systems of community life, can be ongoing into the futureonce again from the standpoint of social, economic and environmental. Eco city is a phrase that is often used in ecological issues raised in the concept of sustainable urban planning and green city embodiment of the challenges ahead in sustainable economic development, and the future development of smart green city. The convergence of technology and environmental issues has changed the world economy that offers a green city promising future - a city that appreciates natural heritage and offer all parties involved. This paper will discuss green infrastructure as water management control system in urban development concepts that contribute to build a sustainable green city management.Key words : green infrastructure, water management system.

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Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis for natural risk and adaptation appraisal modeling with CLIMADA

10.5194/egusphere-egu21-1773 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Chahan M. Kropf ◽

Alessio Ciullo ◽

Simona Meiler ◽

Laura Otth ◽

Jamie W. McCaughey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sensitivity Analysis ◽

Green Infrastructure ◽

Climate Adaptation ◽

Damage Model ◽

Adaptation Measures ◽

Natural Risk ◽

Impact Function ◽

Uncertainty And Sensitivity Analysis ◽

Global Uncertainty ◽

The Impact

Modelling societal, ecological, and economic costs of natural hazards in the context of climate change is subject to both strong aleatoric and ethical uncertainty. Dealing with these is challenging on several levels &#8211; from the identification and the quantification of the sources of uncertainty to their proper inclusion in the modelling, and the communication of these in a tangible way to both experts and non-experts. One particularly useful approach is global uncertainty and sensitivity analysis, which can help to quantify the confidence in the output values and identify the main drivers of the uncertainty while considering potential correlations in the model. Here we present applications of global uncertainty analysis, robustness quantification, and sensitivity analysis in natural hazard modelling using the new uncertainty module of the CLIMADA (CLIMate ADAptation) platform.CLIMADA is a fully open-source Python program that implements a probabilistic multi-hazard global natural catastrophe damage model, which also calculates averted damage (benefit) thanks to adaptation measures of any kind (from grey to green infrastructure, behavioral, etc.). With the new uncertainty module, one can directly and comprehensively inspect the uncertainty and sensitivity to input variables of various output metrics, such as the spatial distribution of risk exceedance probabilities, or the benefit-cost ratios of different adaptation measures. This global approach does reveal interesting parameter interplays and might provide valuable input for decision-makers. For instance, a study of the geospatial distribution of sensitivity indices for tropical cyclones damage indicated that the main driver of uncertainty in dense regions (e.g. cities) is the impact function (vulnerability), whereas in sparse regions it is the exposure (asset) layer.&#160;CLIMADA: https://github.com/CLIMADA-project/climada_python&#160;(1) Aznar-Siguan, G. et al., GEOSCI MODEL DEV. 12, 7 (2019) 3085&#8211;97 (2) Bresch, D. N. and Aznar-Siguan., G., &#160;GEOSCI MODEL DEV. (2020), 1&#8211;20.

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Greening Urban Housing: The Impact of Green Infrastructure on Household Energy-Use Reductions for Cooling

Climate and Energy Protection in the EU and China ◽

10.1007/978-3-319-99837-4_7 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 95-101

Author(s):

Ali Cheshmehzangi ◽

Ayotunde Dawodu ◽

Chris Butters

Keyword(s):

Green Infrastructure ◽

Energy Use ◽

Urban Housing ◽

Household Energy ◽

Household Energy Use ◽

The Impact

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Link between Land Use and Flood Risk Assessment in Urban Areas

Proceedings ◽

10.3390/proceedings2019030062 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (1) ◽

pp. 62

Author(s):

Zahra Kalantari ◽

Johanna Sörensen

Keyword(s):

Land Use ◽

Land Use Change ◽

Green Infrastructure ◽

Flood Risk ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Land Use Changes ◽

Drainage System ◽

Property Owners ◽

Pluvial Flooding ◽

The Impact

The densification of urban areas has raised concerns over increased pluvial flooding. Flood risk in urban areas might increase under the impact of land use changes. Urbanisation involves the conversion of natural areas to impermeable areas, causing lower infiltration rates and increased runoff. When high-intensity rainfall exceeds the capacity of an urban drainage system, the runoff causes pluvial flooding in low-laying areas. In the present study, a long time series (i.e., 20 years) of geo-referenced flood claims from property owners has been collected and analysed in detail to assess flood risk as it relates to land use changes in urban areas. The flood claim data come from property owners with flood insurance that covers property loss from overland flooding, groundwater intrusion through basement walls, as well as flooding from drainage systems; these data serve as a proxy of flood severity. The spatial relationships between land use change and flood occurrences in different urban areas were analysed. Special emphasis was placed on examining how nature-based solutions and blue-green infrastructure relate to flood risk. The relationships are defined by a statistical method explaining the tendencies whereby land use change affects flood risk.

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