Search

Urban green spaces (UGSs) can provide important ecosystem services for citizens and their well-being. To make use of these services according to UGS user demands, urban residents, tourists, and city administrations should know where UGSs are located, what qualities they have and how to reach them on convenient routes. This paper presents a novel digital infrastructure which combines and fuses different data to map UGSs and their qualities, and makes this information available in a web app. The interactive information service of the app aims to support citizens to explore and search for suitable UGSs and to provide routing options to reach them based on their preferences. Via implicit and explicit feedback functions included in the app, further information on UGS users' preferences can be collected to enhance the overall knowledge basis, while respecting data privacy issues. The underlying data base consists primarily of open and volunteered geographic data, which allows for transferability to other cities. This paper describes the system design, its back-end and front-end components, as well as the process of development and deployment of the system in two pilot cities. Preliminary results of the piloting in the two cities are presented, focusing on user preferences for UGSs searches. The added value of the web app for city residents and the role of the newly gained knowledge for urban planning is discussed and reflected upon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What are the market priorities driving public funding for innovation? Do they reflect the priorities/interests of wider society or the sustainable development agenda? The market's failure to deliver desirable innovation outcomes aligned with sustainable development must be addressed by public policy in the scope of responsible (and research) innovation principles. Public funding for innovation must support sustainable development to the benefit of society as a whole. Given the urgent need for action, the article proposes some innovative instruments with a view to achieving sound sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Tongguling National Nature Reserve in Hainan highlights the ecological significance of marine and coastal ecosystems. However, their sensitivities are often overlooked, emphasising the need for improved evaluation methods to ensure sustainable management. Aims: This study aims to develop an advanced evaluation framework that accurately assesses landscape sensitivity in marine and coastal regions, thereby supporting targeted conservation and management strategies in fragile ecosystems. Methods: The study employed fuzzy mathematics and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to introduce a fuzzy co-ordination evaluation method tailored for marine and coastal environments, utilising fuzzy comprehensive evaluation values and co-ordination degrees as key indicators. Key results: When applied to the Tongguling National Nature Reserve in Hainan, the method effectively identified critical areas with heightened ecological sensitivity, including zones vital for maintaining water quality and protecting habitats. The fuzzy co-ordination evaluation indicated moderate to high sensitivity levels, highlighting areas where conservation efforts should be prioritised to mitigate negative effects. Conclusions: The marine and coastal landscape evaluation model proposed in this study is robust, providing critical insights for immediate conservation and long-term ecosystem management. Implications: The findings establish a basis for future conservation strategies and decision-making within marine reserves, potentially guiding similar evaluations in other coastal regions. This study presents a new method for assessing the ecological health of Tongguling National Nature Reserve on Hainan Island. By evaluating the interaction of ecological and structural elements, the research showed areas sensitive to environmental change, highlighting the link between water quality and coastal ecosystem health. These insights support better conservation strategies to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services. This article belongs to the collection: Ecological monitoring and assessment of freshwater ecosystems: new trends and future challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The life cycle climate impacts of urban parks are poorly known. Whereas vegetation and soils can be carbon sinks, building products, energy use, and processes cause emissions. Several studies acknowledge the need for further assessment of urban parks, especially regarding vegetation, soil organic carbon, management and design, together with the development of supportive tools for climate-wise planning. To deepen our understanding of carbon flows of urban parks, we applied life cycle assessment (LCA) and studied the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and removals of five urban parks in Helsinki, Finland. The components of the parks were divided into four categories: site preparation, covering and surface structures, vegetation and growing media, and systems and installations. According to our findings, CO2 emissions ranged from 27.08 to 61.45 kgCO2e/m2 and CO2 removals from 11.35 to 16.23 kgCO2e/m2 with uncertainty. Planted woody vegetation and existing forested areas had the highest CO2 uptake among the vegetation types. Moreover, growing media caused on average 35% of total CO2 emissions. As significant volumes of growing media remain necessary to support the growth and establishment of plantings, finding less emission intensive alternatives to peat-based growing medium becomes essential. Other main emissions sources included transportation, and replacements of surface materials, but their dominance is highly dependent on the design, use and maintenance of the park. LCA offers a robust assessment framework for the quantification of greenhouse gas emissions and is evolving towards the including of greenhouse gas removals and storages. However, the inclusion of living organisms would require changes in the mindset of LCA. The level of maturity in the assessment methods differs significantly between the park components. Data and methods are especially lacking for nursery production, maintenance and end-of-life phases of vegetation, soils, and mulches. We also identified uncertainties regarding the estimations of CO2 uptake by woody vegetation, lawns, and meadows due to software limitations and lack of data for local context. Simulating dynamic plantings raises additional questions, together with the forecast of accurate meteorological conditions of a changing climate. This research highlights the need for more holistic life cycle assessment of urban parks to inform low-carbon landscape industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of excessive urban growth, urban green spaces face the challenge of efficiently providing ecosystem and environmental services benefits. While public green spaces (PGS) stand out for their different environmental and social benefits, their efficiency depends on the vegetated cover, which can be evaluated in relation to the area, type of polygon, and degree of equipment. In this study, the effective green cover (EGC) assessed from a geographic information system, and the level of equipment–infrastructure were evaluated in different green spaces in the metropolitan area of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. The PGS categories included park with hydrological potential, urban park, linear park, neighborhood park, local garden, residual green space, and sports area. In our results, the urban park and the park with hydrological potential indicated 69.5 and 79.5% of EGC, respectively, and a value of 0.3 of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Specifically, only in urban park, the land surface temperature (LST) decreased with the increase in the NDVI. The total green coverage of PGS was 6.7 m2 and the EGC was 5.8 m2, which is largely due to the large-sized parks. Furthermore, the provision of parks is insufficient compared to other metropolitan areas on national and international scales. In the spaces with the highest score of equipment, the outstanding elements were urban furniture, children's playgrounds, and exercise areas, which varied according to the type of green space, indicating a differentiated social use. This study suggests that EGC can be a parameter to assess the green proportion of PGS in cities. Integrating this variable in PGS planning and design can enhance ecosystem services provision in metropolitan areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until now, the contribution of soils in urban spaces has been underestimated and, as a result, the services they provide have been severely undervalued in urban planning. This article aims to address this issue through a study of Chapultepec Park in Mexico City. We provide two methodological proposals for the analysis of soil ecosystem services characterized by the interaction of natural and anthropic processes: the morpho-pedological landscapes (MpL), in which we quantify soil carbon sequestration (SOC Mg ha−1) and the comparison of two methods for the analysis of hydraulic conductivity: Pedotransfer functions (PTF) and direct measurement with a double ring infiltrometer. Among the 12 MpL, we found the highest SOC content in slopes with mixed tree vegetation and Phaeozem soils. However, SOC retention decreased by 40%–50% due to sealing surfaces. For infiltration measures, despite the diversity of soils and vegetation, direct measurements values are highly homogeneous, while values calculated using PTFs better reflect the morphopedological landscape heterogeneity. In all the MpLs, the hydraulic conductivity was higher than the maximum rainfall intensity report, indicating that the soils in Chapultepec Park, despite the differences in soils and intensity of use, provide the ecosystem service of infiltration. These results would allow the establishment of a baseline for monitoring these services and provide information to decision makers and urban planners seeking to reduce the construction of gray infrastructure that seals soils and reduces their capacity to provide these ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walking is a sustainable, safe, and active mode of transportation. The benefits that the elderly in particular gain from outdoor walking are manifold, be it free and independent access to stores and services of all kinds or the opportunity to socialize, enjoy parks, et cetera. This article depicts one particular factor that affects outdoor walkability, namely the gradient of walking paths. Steep slopes can be a serious obstacle to walkability, primarily for older people. The evaluation of available geospatial data sources formed the basis for a geospatial analysis of walkability in the larger city of Kaiserslautern, located in southwest Germany. The concept of Walk Score was used to quantify the results obtained. The results demonstrate that the Walk Score can be refined to better address the mobility needs of older adults. The methodology was implemented for the German city of Kaiserslautern by integrating volunteered geographic information with high-quality official datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid increase in urbanization has led to a concentration of population and buildings, resulting in reduced green spaces and disrupted ecological balance. This trend negatively affects the well-being and quality of life in cities. Designing green spaces according to planning standards and protecting these areas is crucial for the sustainability of urban environments and the preservation of livable spaces for future generations. In light of these challenges, it is vital to preserve and expand green spaces for both environmental and social reasons. This study aims to evaluate the spatial distribution, size, and adequacy of existing green spaces in 16 neighborhoods of Atakum, a district in Samsun that has recently undergone intense urbanization. It also assesses the accessibility of these spaces using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The analysis of urban green spaces in Atakum was conducted through spatial and buffer zone analyses using the Spatial Analyst tool in ARCGIS 10.7, revealing the current situation of these vital areas. The findings highlight the significance of green spaces in ensuring livable and sustainable urban development, especially in rapidly urbanizing areas. The research identifies substantial disparities in the distribution and accessibility of open and green spaces in Atakum, indicating an urgent need for improved urban planning. Using GIS analysis, the study compares the availability of green spaces against the World Health Organization’s recommended standard of 10 m² per person. Results show that many neighborhoods fall short of this benchmark, a situation exacerbated by rapid urbanization and population growth. This deficit adversely impacts residents' physical and mental well-being, as adequate green space is essential for public health, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, the analysis reveals that existing green spaces primarily serve recreational purposes and lack multifunctionality, limiting their usability for diverse community needs. To address these deficiencies, the study recommends a multi-faceted urban planning approach, emphasizing the equitable distribution of green spaces, the design of multifunctional areas, and robust community engagement in the planning process. It also stresses the need for stronger legal frameworks to preserve and create green spaces, advocating for the integration of research and data analysis to inform evidence-based policies. In conclusion, this research contributes to understanding how urban green spaces can enhance livability, particularly in the context of climate resilience. The findings underscore the importance of strategic planning in fostering sustainable and inclusive urban environments in Atakum, offering valuable insights for future urban studies in similar contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores sustainable housing solutions for urban areas in the Galapagos Islands, aiming to balance human needs with ecosystem preservation by fostering co-habitation between local communities and native species. Recognising the ecological importance of the Galapagos and the challenges posed by human-driven urban expansion, the research focuses on Puerto Ayora as a case study. It addresses material and spatial configurations that support key species such as giant tortoises, land iguanas, and sea lions. Computational strategies and simulations are employed to guide architectural, structural, and material decisions, including the use of evolutionary algorithms and selection strategies based on environmental performance metrics such as temperature, humidity, and solar radiation. These algorithms enhance architectural performance, facilitating co-habitation between humans and animals, with an emphasis on modularity and adaptability in architectural morphology. The results indicate that current configurations meet the habitat requirements for giant tortoises year-round. However, adjustments are needed for other species during specific months. The study also highlights bioceramic as a novel material for environmentally aligned construction in restricted environments. Limitations include focusing only on keystone species, with recommendations for future research to address the multispecies impact and integrate desalination and waste management systems for extracting the primary chemical component of bioceramic. This work advances the understanding of multispecies architectural design in ecologically sensitive regions, positioning the Galapagos as a model for sustainable co-habitation in conservation-focused development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities worldwide are experiencing substantial urban expansion, leading to environmental degradation. Riyadh is a good example of this, growing at a rapid pace resulting in the urban sprawl becoming environmentally, socially, and economically unsustainable. Urban densification and sustainable revitalization are approaches to limit land usage, accommodate a growing population, and maintain high-quality urban areas, particularly, in the inner city. This process is complex and dynamic and necessitates the involvement of private developers whose engagement plays a critical role in facilitating property redevelopment. This research examines the barriers and drivers that impact developer participation in rejuvenating inner city neighborhoods in Riyadh. The mixed methods of a survey and focus group discussions are used to examine the perspectives of private developers. Three key themes evolved focusing on investment potential, the regulatory environment, and key enablers of urban regeneration. The findings reveal a cautiously optimistic view of these themes, with several challenges and opportunities identified. This research highlights the need for a holistic approach to urban planning for regeneration and land use management, especially in inner-city residential areas. This study adds to the scarce research on urban regeneration in the Middle East context and establishes a foundation for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study underlines the critical function of efficient urban land use planning, recommending mixed land use for improved city sustainability. The research, which is rooted in the historical context of urban renewal, attempts to harmonize theoretical frameworks with actual implementation, giving critical insights for policymakers and urban planners in constructing sustainable urban areas. The study identifies a deficit in empirical research on the spatial distribution of urban mixed land use, as well as a gap between theory and real application. Using a mixed-methods approach, it explores mixed land use planning concerns by including stakeholder input and temporal dynamics. Using theoretical frameworks, the study explores land use trends in four Addis Ababa sub-cities. When the null hypothesis of Complete Spatial Randomness is rejected, there is a significant relationship between location and land use functions (statistical chi-square value of 47.763). Finally, the study makes crucial recommendations for purposeful land use distribution in a dynamic urban setting, shedding light on the constraints of mixed land use planning in African urban growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lower reaches of the Jinsha River, serving as a vital ecological barrier in southwestern China and playing a crucial role in advancing targeted poverty alleviation efforts, remain underexplored in terms of the coupling between ecological and economic development, creating a gap in understanding the region's sustainable development potential. This study combines the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) derived from MODIS data and the biodiversity richness index (BRI) based on land use data to create the ecological environment index (EEI) using a weighted approach. It also develops the economic development index (EDI) from economic data using the entropy weight method. By integrating the EEI and EDI, the study calculates key metrics, including the ecological–economic coupling degree (EECD), coupling coordination degree (EECCD), and relative development degree (EERDD), and examines their spatiotemporal changes from 2000 to 2020. Additionally, the study applies a geographic detector model to identify the spatial drivers of the EEI, an obstacle factor diagnosis model to pinpoint the main barriers to EDI, and a neural network model to uncover the underlying forces shaping EECCD. The results indicate that: (I) From 2000 to 2020, the overall improvement rate of the ecological and economic subsystems was greater than that of the ecological–economic coupling system. The entire region is still in the Running-In Stage, and the coordination level has been upgraded from near imbalance to marginal coordination. About 85% of the counties' EERDDs are still in the EDI Behind EEI Stage. (II) The structural composition of the EEI shows a pattern of low Dry Hot Valley Area and high in other areas, mainly driven by natural factors, although human activities had a notable impact on these interactions. (III) Originating from an impact model primarily driven by economic factors and supplemented by ecological factors, both EDI and EECCD exhibit a pattern of high in the south and low in the north, with improvements spreading northward from the urban area of Kunming. The development gradient differences between 24 poverty-stricken counties and 16 non-poverty-stricken counties have been reduced. (IV) For the six types of ecological–economic coupling development zones, it is essential to adopt localized approaches tailored to the differences in resource and environmental characteristics and development stages. Key efforts should focus on enhancing ecological protection and restoration, increasing financial support, implementing ecological compensation mechanisms, and promoting innovative models for sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has increased the frequency of extreme weather events, challenging traditional flood risk assessments. New methods, like InVEST's urban flood risk mitigation model (UFRM), are crucial for assessing flood-prone areas, especially those vulnerable to pluvial flooding. This systematic review examines the utilization and limitations of the UFRM model for identifying flood-prone areas and designing adaptation plans in response to climate change, based on research articles published between 2019 and 2024. The articles were identified through Scinapse and Google Scholar using predefined criteria, including relevance to UFRM applications and publication within the specified timeframe. An analysis of the 21 selected papers using bibliometric techniques reveals geographic concentrations of the case studies that utilized the UFRM model primarily in Italy, Turkey, China, and the United States, with notable research gaps in Central Europe. The journal publication trends highlight the prominence of certain journals, such as the Journal of Land. A network analysis using VOSviewer identifies thematic clusters aligned with the UFRM research areas, including Urban Planning and Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs), Urbanization and Sustainable Development, the Economic and Social Effects of Flood Mitigation, Adaptation and Risk Management, and Resilience and Vulnerability. This review contributes to gaining a deeper understanding of the research landscape regarding the utilization of the UFRM model and provides recommendations for advancing sustainable and resilient urban development practices. The review was not preregistered in a formal registry. The finding reveals that integrating automation and optimization tools to suggest different solutions for problematic nodes in urban areas is crucial for addressing multiple issues simultaneously and optimizing adaptation plans effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing high-speed railways (HSRs) is critical for developing countries to stimulate economic growth and urbanization. This study focuses on the Lao section of the China–Laos Railway (CLR) and employs explicitly spatial remote sensing images to investigate the urban development surrounding HSR stations. Data-driven machine learning and causal inference approaches are integrated to quantify the spatial–temporal evolution and discover its driving factors. The results suggest that the CLR has had positive spatial spillover effects on the development of the surrounding urban space. These spillover effects have exhibited a distance attenuation pattern, reflecting obvious development in 2D rather than in 3D urban space. Meanwhile, the distance to stations and adjacent city centers as well as functional urban characteristics, such as land use patterns and industrialization level, have significantly influences the surrounding spatial development. Specifically, in industrial-dominated cities, the surrounding spatial changes have been most significant under the influence of the HSR. Change related to industrial and residential land use has shown significant land expansion patterns and increased utilization efficiency, reflecting that industrialization and urbanization have been the primary drivers of land demand surrounding the HSR. The findings offer valuable insights and references for developing nations to formulate and implement spatial management policies and initiatives related to HSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing urban ecological resilience (UER) is important in promoting sustainable urban development, and developing new quality productivity (NQP) is an intrinsic requirement to promote industrial change and high-quality development. The coordinated development of UER and NQP can help realize the green transformation and upgrading of various industries. This study considered 30 provinces in China as research objects, quantified their UER from nature, economy, and society, and explored the essential connotation of NQP under the guidance of Marx's productivity theory. The entropy weight-CRITIC method and TOPSIS model were used to comprehensively measure the development levels of the UER and NQP from 2011 to 2022, and their coupling coordination degree (CCD) of UER and NQP was measured by combining the coupling coordination degree model. Consequently, the Global Moran's I index and Geographical and Temporal Weighted Regression (GTWR) model were used to explore the effects of different influencing factors on the CCD from the spatiotemporal variability perspective. The results indicated the following: (1) UER and NQP improved during the study period but with large differences between the regions. (2) The overall CCD evolved from a mild imbalance to primary coordination. The average CCD values ranged from low to high in the northeastern, western, central, and eastern regions. (3) The GTWR results showed that the levels of economic development, urbanization rate, and technological innovation contributed positively to the CCD, with the urbanization rate having the strongest positive effect. Foreign investment, environmental regulations, and industrial structure generally negatively inhibit the CCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Umm Al-Qura University Journal of Engineering & Architecture (Springer Nature) is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This review discusses the challenges of integrating emerging transportation technologies into existing urban environments, considering their impact on equity, sustainability, and urban design. The aim is to provide readers with strategic insights and policy recommendations for incorporating aerospace innovations into transportation systems. This narrative review draws on a wide range of publications, including books, journal articles, and industry reports, to examine the multifaceted aspects of urban aviation. The review explores the scales of aerospace transport, detailing the technologies enabling urban aviation, the necessary urban adaptations to support such a system, and the social and regulatory challenges of integrating urban air mobility into existing transportation networks. The research suggests that for urban air mobility to be successfully integrated into existing transportation systems, further research is needed on the social and regulatory implications, particularly regarding equitable access, sustainable practices, and community engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population growth in the last 30 years has generated an energy shortage and excessive consumption of products, generating a large percentage of solid waste. Urban expansion has led to a significant impact on the biodiversity of both flora and fauna. In this context, the objective of this research is to develop a design for a green corridor that optimizes ecological energy efficiency and contributes to the revaluation of the Huatanay River in Cuzco. The methodology used in this study is articulated in four stages: literature analysis; analysis of the environment through supporting data such as Climate consultant, SIGRID, and GEO Peru; results where the proposed project is carried out; and finally, the conclusions and discussions where they are contrasted with a similar bibliography. The design of the green corridor efficiently takes advantage of the natural resources available in the area, which has 70% green areas and 30% public spaces, where 13 kWh/day of energy is generated, according to the calculations made in sector 2 of the botanical garden that will later be replicated in the other sectors, derived from biodigesters for the lighting of spaces of the botanical garden. The corridor, in turn, aims to recover the ecological function of the river through the restoration of its course, the reforestation of its banks, and the creation of recreational areas. In conclusion, the green corridor aims to revitalize the Huatanay River through different elements, among which the botanical garden stands out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating biodiversity crisis, coupled with the increasing frequency of droughts and anticipated water shortages due to climate change, necessitates a shift towards biodiversity-led landscape architecture, including domestic gardens. Traditionally viewed as high-maintenance spaces emphasising tidiness, domestic gardens can significantly impact urban green infrastructure and species richness. This paper explores the concept of 'savage gardens'—untamed and natural spaces representing a fourth nature approach, incorporating wild gardens and neglected areas. Despite potential challenges in public appreciation, it is argued that savage gardens offer substantial benefits, such as reduced maintenance, increased biodiversity, and enhanced resilience to climate change. By reframing the perception of 'savage' from biophobic to a reconnection with nature, savage gardens are proposed as a viable solution for balancing aesthetics, maintenance, ecosystem services, and biodiversity in domestic landscapes, promoting a more sustainable future in the face of the biodiversity emergency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study fills a significant research gap by examining the factors influencing the circular economy in Thailand, particularly within the context of developing countries. Utilizing regression and correlation analysis, we investigate key environmental and socioeconomic variables: greenhouse gas emissions, forest area percentage, income levels among the poorest 20% of the population, access to electricity, and income inequality. The novelty of this work lies in its comprehensive integration of these dimensions to identify barriers and sustainable circular economy. Key findings reveal that higher greenhouse gas emissions correlate with increased recycling, underscoring the need for stricter emission controls and cleaner technologies. Conversely, greater forest coverage is associated with reduced recycled waste, highlighting the importance of forest conservation and sustainable land use. Economic disparities significantly impact recycling efforts, necessitating supportive policies for lower-income groups. Increased access to electricity correlates with higher waste generation, emphasizing the need for sustainable consumption practices. Although income inequality correlates with recycling rates, it is not a significant predictor, indicating the necessity for broader economic and environmental policies. This study offers novel, comprehensive recommendations for advancing Thailand's circular economy. Strategies include implementing emission controls, enhancing forest conservation, promoting economic empowerment, encouraging sustainable consumption, and developing integrated policies. These recommendations aim to address identified challenges and support sustainable growth in alignment with circular economy goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition from fossil fuels to clean energy is a pivotal challenge in global climate efforts. China's strategy emphasizes an orderly phase-out of fossil fuels, advocating for renewable energy as a sustainable alternative. This shift is integral to China's "common prosperity" agenda, which seeks to harmonize economic growth with social equity and environmental sustainability. However, achieving this balance presents complex challenges, particularly in decoupling economic progress from traditional energy consumption patterns. This study addresses the critical need to evaluate how renewable energy contributes to common prosperity by developing a comprehensive indicator framework. By analyzing the dynamic evolution of prosperity levels across 30 Chinese provinces from 2008 to 2020, the research highlights regional disparities and identifies key areas for policy intervention. The findings underscore the importance of integrating renewable energy initiatives with social policies to enhance living standards and promote equitable economic growth. This paper provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to advance sustainable development and achieve common prosperity in China, offering a foundation for more informed and effective energy and economic policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing attention to the concept of nature-based solutions (NBS) requests a reflection on the role of young people for just urban development. This study explores how upper secondary school students (age from 16 to 19) relationally learn about environmental justice issues through role-play. Ten workshops were conducted in May 2022, involving 197 students from two upper secondary schools in Helsinki, Finland. We used role-play as a learning activity to actively involve students in working with justice perceptions which emerged from discussions about the implementation of NBS in their school district. The findings are based on both participant observation and two surveys conducted before and after the activity. The study shows how the role-play positively impacted the students' understanding of environmental justice issues related to NBS, complementing it with a higher recognition of different values for green spaces and trade-offs concerning their management. Finally, the role-play enabled students to explore new perceptions of recognition justice, expanding their sense of community to new cultures and non-human entities. Key policy highlights: Integrate role-play in climate change education: Relational activities like role-playenhance students' understanding of complex interdisciplinary issues, such as nature-based solutions and environmental justice, promoting collaboration and a deeper comprehension of diverse values associated with green spaces. Guiding principles for an NBS role-play: The role-play incorporates perspectives from different disciplines, justice elements, human and non-human actors, and it is tailored to a specific context. This ensures relevance and effectiveness of thelearning experience, sparking new perspectives on justice. Multispecies and multicultural perspectives: The role-play highlights theimportance of multispecies settings and cultural diversity for a just urban development, broadening the students' sense of community to include both human and non-human entities. Support longitudinal research: We advocate for comprehensive longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impact of integrating relational learning and diverse environmental justice perspectives in climate change education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature is increasingly recognized for its potential to address societal challenges in cities, through the delivery of ecosystem services (ES). However, large-scale assessments quantifying this potential are rare. In this study, we modelled five ES (local temperature regulation, flood control, global climate regulation, habitat maintenance, and human interaction with nature) across 708 European urban areas. Using a supply-demand approach, we assessed ES delivery: the extent to which ES supply was sufficient to meet the corresponding societal demands. We found that ES delivery varied both spatially and between ES. On average, nearly 50% of the demand was fulfilled, with the highest values for habitat maintenance (81 ± 15%; mean ± SD), flood control (65 ± 13%), and human interaction with nature (59 ± 15%) and much lower values for local temperature regulation (23 ± 28%) and global climate regulation (16 ± 28%). We further found positive pairwise correlations between all ES (Spearman's ρ from 0.15 to 0.65), with the strongest correlation between habitat maintenance and global climate regulation. Variation in ES delivery across the urban areas was mainly related to differences in the share of green space and the size of the urban areas, whereby ES delivery was positively related to both. Our broad-scale comparative assessment can serve as a starting point for more sophisticated model-based assessments quantifying the full potential of urban nature to meet societal demands across large areas, for example by including a broader set of ES and accounting for city-specific demands. Key policy highlights: Using a supply-demand approach, we modelled five ecosystem services across 708 European urban areas. On average, across ecosystem services and cities, nearly 50% of the ecosystem service demand is fulfilled. We found the highest fulfilled demand for habitat maintenance, flood control and human interaction with nature, and the lowest for local temperature regulation and global climate regulation. Ecosystem service delivery was positively related to the share of green space and the size of the urban areas, and negatively to the share of impervious surface. Our findings underline nature's potential to deliver multiple services simultaneously, while revealing which urban areas may benefit the most from an increase in green space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization is a driving factor for biodiversity loss and potential climate change by reducing carbon stocks. Understanding how urban development, as mitigated by socio-economic factors alters urban biodiversity is crucial for effective urban planning that maintains or improves environmental resilience. The luxury effect hypothesis predicts that wealthier parts of a city will have higher levels of biodiversity. This effect has been tested widely but we still have limited understanding of how wealth influences urban biodiversity in tropical regions of developing countries where plant species play profound sociocultural roles beyond aesthetics. This study investigates links between household income and the diversity of cultivated plants distribution within neighborhoods of two growing cities in Benin. We conducted a survey of 936 randomly selected households to record their socioeconomic characteristics and survey the cultivated plant species found in household gardens'. This enabled us to estimate household-level diversity metrics including taxonomic diversity and phylogenetic diversity. We found no global support for the luxury effect on phylogenetic diversity but rented properties had lower plant taxonomic diversity along with less phylogenetic diversity than privately owned houses. Taxonomic diversity is higher in the less urbanized areas while phylogenetic diversity is weakened. Household's cultural connection to plants has a negative effect on both diversity indices. Our results highlight the complex relationships between socioeconomic traits and urban plant diversity distribution in two tropical African cities, which only partly confirmed the luxury effect hypothesis. Disentangling these complex relationships can help city planners and policymakers to take informed decisions to promote sustainable cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we extend the use of a relational approach to simulation modelling, a widely used knowledge practice in sustainability science. Among modellers, there is awareness that model results can only be interpreted in view of the assumptions that inform model construction and analysis, but less systematic questioning of those assumptions. Moreover, current methodological discussions tend to focus on integrating social and ecological dynamics or diverse knowledges and data within a model. Yet choices regarding types of modelling, model structure, data handling, interpretation of results and model validation are not purely epistemic. They are entangled with values, contexts of production and use, power relations, and pragmatic considerations. Situated Modelling extends a relational understanding of the world to scientific knowledge production and with that to modelling itself in order to enable a systematic interrogation of these choices and to research social-ecological transformations relationally. To make tangible the situatedness of simulation modelling, we build on existing practices and describe the situatedness of three distinct modelling approaches. We then suggest four guiding principles for Situated Modelling: 1. attending to the apparatus of knowledge production that is socially and materially embedded and produced by e.g. research infrastructures, power relations, and ways of thinking; 2. considering how agency is distributed between model, world, data, modeller in model construction; 3. creating heterogenous collectives which together occupy the formerly individualised subject position; and 4. using agonism as an epistemic virtue to retain and work with significant differentiations of social-ecological dynamics throughout the modelling process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of psychedelic substances is increasingly associated with nature-relatedness. We explore whether entheogenic uses of ayahuasca in settings co-produced between Indigenous and Western knowledges may also foster relationality and sustainability transformations across ontology, praxis, and epistemology. A survey with 74 English-speaking individuals who attended Amazonian healing ceremonies at the Takiwasi Center in Peru, along with 11 semi-structured interviews and a discussion circle revealed unexpected personal shifts towards relationality. Beyond the expected increase in nature-relatedness, participants also reported boundary dissolution and changes in their perceptions of self, leading them to experience nature and non-human beings as having spiritual or human-like agency. The blurring of perceived boundaries between themselves and nature also challenged the materialist ontologies in which they had been educated and socialized. In terms of both epistemologies and praxis, co-produced ayahuasca ceremonies enhanced relational thinking and embodiment of relationality. Inner-outer transformations ensued from the post-ceremonial integration of the 'plant's teachings' into participants' daily lives. We discuss our findings' contributions to the emerging field of inner transformations and the relational turn in sustainability. Potential sustainability benefits of scaling plant-based ceremonies need to be measured against their impacts on the Amazon rainforest and its biocultures. Key policy highlights: Relational Thinking: Ceremonial use of ayahuasca, when combining Indigenous and Western knowledge, fosters a shift in thinking that emphasizes connections between people and ecosystems, challenges rigid beliefs, and privileges more intuitive, relational ways of being in the world. This shift supports inner-outer transformations towards sustainability. Inner Transformations Leading to Sustainable Actions: Ayahuasca ceremonies were linked to shifts in lifestyle choices, decreased consumption of environmentally harmful substances, and a stronger inclination towards nature and community living. Indigenous Relationality: Ayahuasca ceremonies co-produced with Indigenous knowledge holders offer insights into reciprocity with non-humans, balanced living, and nurturing relationships, all of which are fundamental for sustainable futures. Ethical Considerations: Responsible and respectful usage of ayahuasca includes considering the sustainability of the plant, the ecosystems it grows in, and the Indigenous cultures sharing their knowledge. Supportive practices and trained guidance should accompany ayahuasca use, ensuring safety and ethical engagement. Knowledge co-production: Sustainability science can inform the design and implementation of co-produced ceremonial spaces and practices to ensure the sustainable inner-outer transformations reported in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities are described as urban heat islands (UHI) due to the intensity of the heat generated by urban activities. Buildings, for example, absorb and emit heat, which contributes to urban heat. Cities contribute to global warming, which, over time, influences climate change. Cities contend with these challenges concurrently through mitigation and adaptation strategies. Through their unintended conflicts and trade-offs, the strategies may impact each other adversely. What are typologies of these trade-offs and conflicts, and how do they influence the effectiveness of UHI management by governments? To answer this research question, this paper used the desktop, case-study and evidence-based research techniques. The paper found and discussed specific conflicts and trade-offs between UHI mitigation and adaptation strategies, as well as effective integration, innovation and evaluation management mechanisms. The findings should provide actionable insights for urban policymakers and planners, on UHI management and long-term climate resilience in cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cities, a mosaic of different types of urban agriculture can be found. However, knowledge about advantages and disadvantages of the different types is still fragmented. This paper introduces an integrative evaluation framework for assessing the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of urban agriculture by applying a multi-criteria analysis based on an Analytic Hierarchy Process and a participatory approach. Based on a German case study and on the examples of vertical farming and community-supported agriculture, the results suggest that sustainable urban agriculture is a multi-dimensional approach informed by strong sustainability that places nature in the focus. Thus, the environmental dimension received the highest weight, followed by the social and, lastly, the economic dimension. Regarding the sub-criteria, species diversity achieved the highest total weight and food quality and safety the lowest. Conceptually, this paper provides scientific fundamentals for a systematic comparative evaluation of different types of agriculture for sustainable urban development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban agriculture is often associated with sustainable agricultural practices. However, the variety of systems qualifying as urban agriculture and the limited information available about their sustainability question this direct relationship. To better understand differences in intra-urban agriculture systems and their sustainability, this paper proposed an holistic classification of urban agricultural systems and collected knowledge about the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of these systems. Such a classification is important to evaluate sustainability claims on urban agricultural systems, anticipate potential sustainability trade-offs between urban agricultural systems and propose preventive measures to address these, and ultimately guide the sustainable deployment of these systems. Compared with existing classifications, the novel classification scheme proposed here accounts for technological, social and economic characteristics of urban agriculture systems to better distinguish between all systems. It was built on 91 scientific papers. The economic intensity of production was, for example, an important characteristic to coherently group urban agriculture systems. The intensity of cooperation between all actors was another characteristic emphasized for certain urban agriculture systems. One end of the classification scheme describes ground-based open, socially motivated urban agriculture systems with high cooperation intensity and low production intensity. The other end of the classification scheme describes building-integrated quasi-closed systems with high production intensity. In between, we find: building-integrated conditioned systems, ground-based conditioned systems, and building-integrated open systems. Mapping sustainability claims from literature in the classification scheme supported its definition along the three characteristics. For example, urban farming was associated with job creation, food safety, water savings, and higher yields while urban gardening with educational potentials, biodiversity improvements, and lower yields. Their display in the classification scheme was therefore supported. To further support the use of the proposed scheme, additional quantitative research to better understand and quantify the sustainability of urban agriculture systems is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews, compares, and critically evaluates two broad groups of sustainable agriculture models: "sustainable agriculture" and "sustainable agrifood systems". The "sustainable agriculture" models—comprising organic farming, regenerative agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, carbon-capture agriculture, and nature-based solutions—focus primarily on improving ecological sustainability through farm-level practices. These models emphasize reducing external, industrial inputs, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting climate resilience, relying on technological and market-based solutions to address environmental concerns. On the other hand, the "sustainable agrifood systems" models—agroecology, alternative food networks, and permaculture—offer more ambitious visions of systemic transformation. These approaches not only seek to implement environmentally sound practices but also aim to reconfigure the broader food system by challenging corporate power, promoting local governance, fostering food sovereignty, and prioritizing social justice. Grounded in grassroots movements, these models emphasize social justice and economic viability in addition to ecological sustainability. This paper's contribution lies in its comparative analysis of the wide array of sustainable alternatives, highlighting both their strengths and limitations. Adopting an agrarian political economy perspective, it critiques the former camp for limited engagement with structural issues inherent in capitalist agriculture and the latter camp for underplaying the importance of industrial agriculture for national development in the Global South. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid waste management poses a significant challenge globally, especially in developing economies, where increasing waste generation and ineffective management measures are common. Municipalities, responsible for managing waste, often struggle to provide efficient services. To address this, local governments implement policy tools like the Integrated Waste Management Plans (IWMPs), which aim to improve waste management. Despite the existence of such policies, waste pollution continues to rise in countries like South Africa. The purpose of this study is to explore the barriers to the effective implementation of IWMPs, focusing on the Makhado Local Municipality (MLM) in South Africa. Using a qualitative approach, interviews, document reviews, and observations were conducted with stakeholders, targeting 23 participants, of which 15 contributed. Our findings highlight several key barriers, including lack of monitoring, political interference, corruption, insufficient budgeting, poor infrastructure maintenance, lack of skilled personnel, and inadequate community education. These challenges hinder the successful implementation of IWMPs in the MLM. Our study further identified several opportunities at the MLM and general strengths and threats using a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study investigates the complex relationship between economic growth, remittances (REM), export earnings (EEs), infrastructural development (IFD), and environmental sustainability (ES) in Bangladesh over the period from 1990 to 2020. Framed within the context of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis, the research explores how these factors influence environmental outcomes and contributes to ongoing discussions on sustainable development. Methods: Utilizing advanced time-series modeling techniques, including autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and nonlinear ARDL (NARDL), this study applies unit root tests and co-integration analysis to examine the data. These methods allow for a detailed assessment of both short- and long-term relationships between the variables in question. Results: The findings confirm the EKC hypothesis, showing that economic growth initially leads to increased carbon emissions and environmental degradation, but further development contributes to environmental improvements. Remittances, however, significantly exacerbate carbon emissions and ecological degradation. On the other hand, technological innovation (TI) demonstrates a negative association with carbon emissions and ecological footprint (EF), highlighting its potential in supporting sustainable development. The impacts of export earnings and infrastructural development on environmental sustainability are mixed, with infrastructural growth in particular linked to environmental degradation. Discussion: The study's results underscore the importance of targeted policy interventions to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. Policymakers should focus on mitigating the environmental impacts of remittance inflows and fostering technological innovation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While export earnings and infrastructural development play critical roles in economic progress, their environmental implications require careful management to ensure long-term sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urban growth makes green space management crucial to improve citizens' well-being. Urban olive trees characterize the Italian landscapes and their culture. This study explores different methodologies for urban tree assessment in this context, using an iPhone 14 Pro Max. These included: 1) its integrated Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor using the Recon3D app, 2) its camera with Structure from Motion (SfM) techniques, and 3) its camera for generating 3D models using Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF). Additionally, a professional Mobile Laser Scanner (MLS), was used for comparison. Total height (H), canopy base height (CBH) and canopy volume (CV) measurements were extracted using both CloudCompare and allometric formulas. The main aim of this paper is to compare the 3D models of olive trees obtained from low-cost sensors with those generated from the MLS, which is a more accurate device but comes with significantly higher costs. The results, in terms of RMSE (iPhone LiDAR - H: 0.46 m, CBH: 0.12 m, CV: 15.66 m3; iPhone-SfM - H: 0.95 m, CBH: 0.19 m, CV: 25.85 m3; iPhone-NeRF - H: 1.26 m, CBH: 0.31 m, CV: 33.79 m3), bias and volume differences, reveal that the smartphone, in all the methodologies, tends to underestimate measurements as the size of the trees increases. This is due to the higher MLS range of acquisition. Despite these limitations, low-cost solutions like smartphone-based methods can be a viable alternative given their economic accessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper maps the supply, demand, and budget of five ecosystem services (ESs) based on land use/cover data classified for the Little Akaki River catchment in central Ethiopia, which include urban and peri-urban areas. For land use characterization, we used a recently introduced method of mapping urban morphology types (UMTs), followed by land cover analysis (within the identified UMTs) for 2006 and 2016 by distributing sample points randomly over the extent of each UMT. Additionally, ecosystem service supply and demand data were collected using expert assessment. The UMT maps revealed 14 primary and 38 sub-UMTs for 2006 and 14 primary and 41 sub-UMTs for 2016. From primary UMTs, agriculture UMT (37%) in 2006 and residential UMT (32%) in 2016 are dominant, revealing a recently increasing transformation of UMTs into residential UMTs. The land cover change analysis shows a decrease in evapotranspiring surfaces (from 46% in 2006 to 32% in 2016) and an increase in built surfaces (from 24% in 2006 to 32% in 2016), indicating rapid urbanization within the catchment that will possibly lead to degradation of ESs. The ESs capacity map shows that agriculture UMTs deliver very high relevant food and high relevant capacity for flood regulation. Vegetation UMT shows very high relevant capacity for temperature regulation, recreation UMT for recreation service, and waterbodies for water supply. Overall, this paper demonstrated that rapid urbanization at the expense of ecologically essential land covers most likely degrade ESs in the Little Akaki River catchment, contributing to the global ecosystem service degradation and climate change. Hence, we highly recommend the application of green infrastructure planning that protects evapotranspiring surfaces that supply multiple ESs in the catchment. This in addition contributes to the global effort to protect green spaces that supplies multiple ecosystem service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Living close to green infrastructure (GI) components might be the dream of many people who are often exposed to cities' pollution, congestion, or lack of green amenities. Due to its multiple benefits, green infrastructure plays a significant role in driving people's decisions to leave inner-city areas and move to suburban locations. However, how GI components are used once people move into the suburbs must be better understood. Thus, this study explores residents' rationales for leaving the inner city and moving to the suburbs and how they use suburban GI components. A survey was undertaken in six suburbs from three European cities: Poznań (Poland), Salzburg (Austria), and Bucharest (Romania). We found that people self-reported that green amenities were the main reason for choosing a suburban residence. Furthermore, those residents who moved to the suburbs were more interested in using their private gardens than larger parks and prefer natural green areas with high potential for recreation to agricultural landscapes for leisure. This study advocates for investment in private green spaces in suburban developments due to their deep interweaving with residents' leisure preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid urbanization witnessed in recent years has led to the deterioration of urban ecosystems, resulting in various environmental and socioeconomic challenges. In response to these concerns, the implementation of Green and Blue Infrastructures (GBI) has gained prominence as a sustainable urban planning approach. GBI is a planned network system of natural and semi-natural spaces, along with other environmental elements, managed and designed to provide a wide range of ecosystem services and improve ecological conditions, thereby contributing to citizens' wellbeing and quality of life. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the costs, benefits (ecosystem services), and impacts (ecosystem dis-services) associated with the incorporation of GBI in urban environments using the technique of emergy accounting. To achieve this, the research paper introduces a novel integrated valuation framework. This framework encompasses key components such as constructing/maintenance costs, ecosystem services, needed costs to human health and biodiversity damage, as well as ecosystem dis-services. Furthermore, the study conducts a comparative analysis of the costs, benefits, and impacts associated with different urban GBIs via ternary phase diagram, shedding light on their varying contributions to the urban ecosystem. The findings reveal that green roofs offer more ecosystem benefits as compared to other GBIs, but this study also highlights that green roof entail higher initial construction costs and produce a greater number of dis-services. Conversely, street trees have lower initial costs and impacts yet generate higher benefits. Furthermore, green walls, despite having a lower input emergy value and fewer benefits, result in higher impacts compared to other green-blue ecosystems. These findings provide valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and stakeholders, enabling them to make informed decisions in developing sustainable cities for the wellbeing of present and future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, mixed methods research is presented and discussed in the context of research on reflective writing for the professional development of pre-service teachers. First, we present prominent theoretical frameworks to analyze reflective writings. Second, we review relevant methodological approaches of research on reflective writings in teacher education, such as qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods. Third, we present a study from our research lab combining qualitative content analysis and linguistic analyses as an example for a concurrent mixed method approach. The results of the qualitative content analysis indicated that 198 reflective writings of pre-service teachers were primarily descriptive and on a low level. Computational linguistic analyses revealed that affective and cognitive terminology utilization in reflective writing differed significantly across the different levels of reflection, with a higher frequency of such terms correlating with deeper levels of reflection. Thus, essential challenges and opportunities of implementing such a mixed method study to analyze reflective writings are illustrated and discussed. Finally, we conclude the paper by discussing on how mixed methods approaches might be further advanced in the field of reflective writing research in teacher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is severely affecting all regions of the world, and urban water management has become a major urban challenge. Although nature-based solutions (NBSs) have been widely implemented in developed countries in the Global North to address stormwater-related challenges in urban areas, implementation of such approaches in Viet Nam and other Asian countries remains limited. In addition, comprehensive and critical reviews of NBS adoption and development processes in Viet Nam are scarce. This study aims to clarify several aspects through a literature-based review: to understand the development of urban water management in Europe and Asia (China and Southeast Asian countries) along with the drivers for NBS implementation in Viet Nam, to explain the barriers to NBS adoption in Viet Nam, to present feasible solutions for promoting NBS adoption, and to explore future perspectives for NBS development in the context of Viet Nam. Although significant barriers exist, opportunities for NBS implementation are evident. The findings of this study can be used to promote NBS in other municipalities in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of urban systems that allow growth while also maximising ecosystem services is identified as an important priority for creating a Good Anthropocene. An ecosystem service (ES)-based approach to landscape interventions maximises the provision of ESs, and in doing so, repairs and reinforces threatened ecological planetary boundaries. As an urbanising planet, cities are critical frontiers of human interaction with these planetary boundaries, and therefore a critical arena for ES-based intervention. Globally, the predominant pattern of urbanisation is dedensification, an outwardly expanding trend where cities are growing in physical extent at a higher rate than their population growth. We therefore require spatially explicit tools capable of reconciling dedensification and Good Anthropocene visions. We propose a methodology that integrates agroecology and urbanisation and is focussed specifically on the supply of targeted regulating ESs. This 'Agroecology for the City' differs from conventional urban agriculture discourse and its preoccupation with food security. Our research interest is agroecological farm systems' (AFSs) capacity to provide critical life support services in a spatially effective manner to urban systems. Our recent research introduced a new GIS-based model (ESMAX) and a spatial agroecology approach that identified AFS configurations at a 1 ha scale which maximised the supply of three regulating ESs, as well as multifunctional performance across all three ESs combined. In the present research, we apply this process at a larger scale, with 1 ha and 4 ha AFS parcels being integrated with a real-world 200 ha peri-urban residential development. The AFS parcels and built-up areas are configured differently to maximise the supply of ESs identified as critical by the local community. We found that arrangements with AFS parcels interspersed evenly with built-up areas provided the best multifunctionality across the four ESs tested. This supports pathways for a Good Anthropocene that work with the global urbanising reality of dedensification and underpin the need for a hybrid science of rural/urban systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the transformative dynamics of Parand new city in Iran, utilizing Landsat 8 imagery to scrutinize the interplay between urban expansion, land surface temperature (LST), and air pollution from 2013 to 2023. Employing Support Vector Machines (SVMs) for land use/land cover mapping; LST extracted by single-channel algorithm developed by Jiménez-Muñoz et al. in 2014, and the method devised by Saraswat et al. (2017) for PM10 assessment, the study unveils nuanced patterns in the city's development. Notably, the southeastern affluent expansion in 2013 gradually evolves into a more extensively urbanized landscape by 2023, marked by shifts in land cover and temperature zones. LST analyses illustrate the increasing temperature trends, emphasizing the expansion of lower-temperature zones. Air pollution assessments reveal a substantial rise, particularly in non-vegetated areas. Quantitative analyses depict rapid urban expansion, temperature differentials, and a notable surge in PM10 levels. The findings underscore the imperative for sustainable urban planning, urging strategic interventions to mitigate environmental impact and enhance urban resilience, with a focus on preserving green spaces for pollution abatement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green infrastructure (GI) in cities plays significant role to provide various ecosystem services and enhance the urban health wellbeing. Recently, rapid urbanization and climate change has become one of the serious challenges to GI that may cause deterioration of urban environmental sustainability. This study aims to assess the pattern of place attachment and pro-environmental behaviour (Pro-environmental behaviour) towards GI in Kolkata megacity, India. Questionnaire survey was performed to glean the pattern of place attachment and pro-environmental behaviour from urban and peri-urban GI from multiple perspectives. The questionnaire used was divided into five major parts, namely-socio-demographic profile of the respondents, and place attachment, positive perception to GI, environmental attitudes, and environmentally responsible towards the GI. Results showed that the respondents had a high level of place attachment with GI (with mean score of 2.5 out of 5). The respondents showed positive perception towards GI stating the GI play significant role in maintaining good environment (mean score 4.5 out of 5). The overall mean score (%) of positive environmental attitudes was much higher (4.17) than negative environmental attitudes indicating that respondents held positive environmental attitudes towards GI. the mean score related to environmentally responsible attitude (ERA) clearly indicated that there were high levels of ERA towards GI. The study’s findings offer valuable insights into the human-nature relationship in large cities, highlighting the need for the development, monitoring, and management of GI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban blue-green infrastructure (BGI) not only serves an ecological purpose but also contributes to the physical and psychological well-being of residents by providing cultural ecosystem services (CES), which are the nonmaterial benefits people obtain from ecosystems through spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, reflection, recreation, and aesthetic experiences. CES is a rising BGI research and management subject, with a growing number of papers in recent years. To identify and differentiate the latest research on the development of features based on cultural ecosystem services within blue-green infrastructure, we employed CiteSpace bibliometric methodologies to analyze pertinent papers for focusing on the developmental processes and key research areas. The publishing trend, research clusters, highly cited literature, research history, research frontiers and hot areas, and high-frequency and emerging keywords were studied and assessed after reviewing 14,344 relevant papers by CiteSpace software 6.3.1 from Web of Science. The standard domains concerned, according to the keyword visualization and high-value references, are implemented cultural ecosystem services assessment combined with natural-based solutions in green spaces, urban regions, residential areas, and sustainable development. In conclusion, the following recommendations are made: (1) When urban decision-makers incorporate the perspective of cultural ecosystem services into the strategic formulation of BGI, a broader spectrum of urban BGI types should be taken into account; (2) all categories of CES should be considered; (3) research on the application of cultural ecosystem services in urban blue-green infrastructure should be more effectively and flexibly integrated into urban governance; and (4) CES should be strategically employed to improve the physical health and psychological well-being of urban residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public food trees are increasingly popular among researchers, urban planners, and citizens for their diversity of social, provisional, and environmental benefits. However, more research is needed to determine how to overcome their barriers. Here we used a qualitative approach to explore the usage and perception of public fruit trees and attitudes towards public usage and participation in two urban green spaces harboring fruit trees in Birjand, Iran: Tohid Park and Akbarieh Garden. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve visitors to both spaces, four administrators, and eight workers. Almost all visitors had great personal experience and interest in picking fruit; nevertheless, usage in these green spaces was low, partly due to social norms. Almost all visitors appreciated the public fruit trees for the diverse pleasures that they provide (sensory, emotional, cognitive, experiential, social). Ten also had a high interest in participating in their management, especially in Tohid Park due to its greater social impact. Education and access limitation were suggested by some as important to reduce tree damage and maximize production. Our findings expand our understanding of how citizens relate to public urban fruit trees and can be involved in co-management schemes, thereby contributing to building smart and participatory edible cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public parks and other green areas are crucial components of urban development. Urban management in emerging countries such as Bangladesh faces major challenges, especially because of the socio-environmental impacts of urbanization. Urban management initiatives in developing countries sometimes neglect crucial services for university students, such as study environments and recreational facilities. This study aimed to investigate students' perceptions of urban green space (UGS) and its potential benefits to our daily lives at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) in Sylhet, Bangladesh, We collected data from 438 respondents by using a survey questionnaire-based stated preference approach as a methodological tool, using non-monetary assertions as the basis for the method. The survey included questions about respondents' social background, the frequency with which they visited green spaces, the benefits of urban green spaces and their perception of urban green spaces. We performed statistical analysis both descriptive and inferential statistics. Our findings suggest that 71.7% of students primarily use street trees and peace gardens as their main sites for urban green spaces. The study suggests that the advantages of urban green spaces, which include physical, mental, and environmental benefits, are strongly associated with criteria such as gender, academic level, and vulnerable to home locality for climate change (CC) or extreme weather events (EWEs). The Binary Logistic regression analysis identified urban life as the most influential factor. The correct classification rate was approximately 74.7%, indicating the model's strong accuracy in classification. Students who have lived in urban areas for more than 20 years have a reduced awareness of urban green spaces at 5% level of significance. Planning and policymaking for the creation and administration of urban green spaces, considering aspects like land use and environmental sustainability, could benefit from this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature-based solutions are approaches that draw inspiration from and are supported by nature, offering environmental, social, and economic benefits for enhancing urban resilience and sustainability. One of the greatest land use changes affecting the urban landscape is agricultural land conversion which affects the food security. Urban agriculture will not only generate livelihood opportunity for the urban poor but be the urban lung and heat sink, allow solid and water waste disposal and facilitate eco-cultural community bonding. A vast majority of the global urban dwellers live in the small and medium sized cities. However very little study has been done on urban agriculture in these areas although agricultural loss is more pronounced here. The objective of this paper is to examine through remote sensing data, in a time series between 2011 to 2023, the loss in agricultural land in one such smaller city- Bhubaneswar, which lies on a very fertile agricultural belt. This paper examines the decline of agricultural land in comparison to the rise in built up area within the specified timeframe and goes on to suggest a nature-based solution which makes the city self-sufficient in terms of food security. The research methodology involves mapping the spatial distribution of both the supply and demand for ecosystem services and quantifying the impact of Agriculture land use conversion on agriculture production. It concludes by deriving a framework which will identify the policy and governance interventions required so that the SDG goals 2 and 11.3 are realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The future coexistence of human and nonhuman nature on an urban planet is at risk. A crucial lever is the transformation of human-nature relationships in and through cities. Urban planning as a sustainability intervention has the potential to reconnect cities with nature. To shed light on transformative potentials of urban planning in the context of human-nature connections, we conducted a systematic literature review. We analysed 71 empirical studies from Europe published between 2016 and 2022. We characterised the research using qualitative analysis, and applied the leverage point perspective as the main focus to identify blind spots and future research needs. Our review reveals a highly interdisciplinary field with research focus on transformation through planning, while issues of transformation in planning tend to receive less attention. Furthermore, the studies rather deal with shallow leverage points for sustainability transformations both in terms of system levels and human-nature connections. In order to unlock the potential of urban planning, future research should pay more attention to the inner dimensions of planning and human-nature connections in cities. Furthermore, research should be more concerned with the visionary modes of urban planning, e.g. by discussing what is (not) desirable in the future. Highlights: • The review links urban planning with the leverage points perspective and human-nature connections as important levers for sustainability transformations. • Deep leverage points are less frequently addressed than shallow leverage points. • Inner dimensions of human-nature connections are less frequently approached than outer dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need for new tools in urban planning, design, and management (urban PDM) of green-blue infrastructure (GBI) to better support resilience and sustainable development. Virtual Reality (VR) emerges as a potential tool in this context. GBI provides a diversity of ecosystem services that increase the capacity of urban environments to absorb change while continuing to develop (adaptive capacity), a key factor in resilience and sustainability. However, there is a lack of tools capable of effectively capturing and communicating the designs, functions, and uses of GBI. Despite this need, research on the contributions of VR as a tool in urban PDM of GBI remains limited. To address this gap, an exploratory experiment using inductive qualitative data analysis was conducted. Participants of different ages and with different expertise viewed 360-degree video clips from urban areas through VR, completed a questionnaire, and participated in interviews. The results showed that the 360-degree video VR experience enhanced participants' understanding of the viewed sites. Specifically, participants paid attention to details, captured the context, responded by generating emotional engagement, identified site development potential, and described an immersive experience. These results align with key principles for the sustainable management of ecosystem services, such as participation, learning, diversity, place-making, and stewardship; and adaptive capacity aspects such as processes and results grounded in complexity-embracing creativity. Our analysis shows that 360-degree video VR can increase the understanding of complexities, connections, and nuances in the urban environment. We conclude that 360-degree video VR could serve as a valuable complement to traditional tools in urban PDM, enriching decision-making with information that can support adaptive capacity, resilience, and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study applied the contingent valuation method to evaluate the economic viability of climate adaptation policies in the climate-fragile Yuanshan Township (YST), Taiwan, focusing on the balance between forest conservation and local livelihoods. Traditional agriculture in YST is transitioning to agro-ecotourism, supported by leisure-oriented and hillside forest protection policies that attract visitors and cause the local economy to thrive. This research used non-market valuation methods to quantify the value of local recreational resources perceived by visitors at NTD 1002.00 per visitor. The findings indicate that visitors' willingness to pay for these resources is significantly influenced by their intention to revisit YST, their trust in local conservation efforts, their gender, and their income. The value that visitors place on recreational resources and the aforementioned significant determinants of their willingness to pay highlight the economic potential of agro-ecotourism in supporting both environmental sustainability and community income. This study emphasizes that successful nature-based climate adaptation must consider the economic interests of resource users and local residents. Agro-ecotourism in YST is shown to be a viable policy for balancing forest conservation with societal benefits, providing a model for the sustainable management of local resources. The economic benefits from this transition underscore the feasibility of agricultural transformation for community income generation and climate resilience, demonstrating that environmental and economic goals can be mutually supportive in addressing climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]