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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]

Mobile gardening applications offer a wide range of opportunities to shape the environmental behaviour of city dwellers, while stimulating action for greater access and contact with nature. Despite this, their educational potential is not sufficiently recognised and exploited. The aim of this qualitative research is to gain an in-depth understanding of the extent to which existing mobile apps can facilitate digital education for the development of green cities. For this purpose, the user insight approach has been applied. The study analyses 7 980 reviews of fourteen apps applications from Google Play Store. The results reveal the motivations behind users' decision to download urban gardening apps and the features that facilitate or hinder their use. The obtained results are relevant not only for green information systems research but also for app developers, and those involved in the urban education process: city authorities, urban educators, pro-environmental associations, and grassroots activists, among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Townships in South Africa were designed and established when apartheid was at its peak. The challenge facing the democratic government in the developmental local sphere of government, is inefficient service provision, due to the continuous increase of local inhabitants, caused by an increased rate of rural-urban migration patterns. Urban planning focuses on city and town design and how the municipality delivers services to communities dwelling within these designed urban spaces. Rural-urban migration is the movement of people from rural to urban areas, with the main reason the pursuit of better opportunities to improve their socioeconomic conditions. Therefore, the pull and push factors of rural to urban migration are clearly defined and explained in order to assist the municipal administration and academia to improve urban service delivery. The study adopts a quantitative approach with the sample comprising 350 respondents, purposively selected through non-probability sampling and required to complete a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. The researcher assisted in terms of questionnaire administration. The completed questionnaire provided the quantitative data for statistical analysis, using SPSS version 28.0. Study findings indicate that, among other factors, a strong significance exists regarding increased crime levels in urban areas as a result of rural-urban migration patterns, with suggestions that include more money needs to be prioritised from government for policing and crime in cities such as eThekwini Municipality. Since there are more informal settlements because of rural-urban migration, it is also shown as necessary to create network infrastructure in rural areas to improve communication for those working from home. To identify and explain migration to enhance service delivery at eThekwini Municipality, the study investigated the pull and push factors in migration patterns and their influence on service delivery, as well as examining the extent to which rural-urban migration can be used to deal with the current state of service delivery. In addition, the study determined the role of rural-urban migration in the overpopulation of urban areas at eThekwini Municipality, to suggest and recommend a conceptual framework that should be employed to improve the current state of service delivery in the municipality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ongoing global climate change, marked by sustained warming and extreme weather events, poses a severe threat to both the Earth's ecosystems and human communities. Traditional settlements that underwent natural selection and evolution developed a unique set of features to adapt to and regulate the local climate. A comprehensive exploration of the spatial patterns and mechanisms of the adaptation of these traditional settlements is crucial for investigating low-energy climate adaptation theories and methods as well as enhancing the comfort of future human habitats. This study used numerical simulations and field measurements to investigate the air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and thermal comfort of traditional settlements in Western Sichuan Plain, China, and uncovered their climate suitability characteristics to determine the impact mechanisms of landscape element configurations (building height, building density, tree coverage, and tree position) and spatial patterns on microclimates within these settlements. The results revealed the structural and layout strategies adopted by traditional settlements to adapt to different climatic conditions, providing valuable insights for future rural protection and planning and enhancing climate resilience through natural means. These findings not only contribute to understanding the climate adaptability of Earth's ecosystems and traditional settlements but also offer new theories and methods to address the challenges posed by climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On a global scale, urban areas struggle with various environmental, social, and economic problems due to rapidly growing populations and rapid urbanization processes. In this context, nature-based solutions (NbS) offer an important perspective for the sustainability and livability of urban areas alongside traditional infrastructure systems. This study aims to investigate how NbS can address environmental issues in urban areas, tackle various urban challenges using a multi-perspective approach, and examine the potential and applicability of NbS approaches in solving problems in urban areas. With emphasizing the importance of NbS and an ecological perspective in solving problems in urban areas and presenting recommendations and challenges that can be applied in urban planning and management processes, the current study also encourages the adoption of nature-compatible approaches to contribute to the sustainability of urban areas and ensure a livable environment for future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research aims to propose the design of a green corridor with a systemic/sustainable approach to function as an ecological lung for the city of Cuzco. A lack of planning has resulted in uncontrolled urban development, with a shortage of green areas, negatively affecting the quality of life. Green corridors stand out as solutions that encourage social interaction and improve public health. This approach recognizes the need for balanced resource management and institutional, economic and social organization. In the specific case of Cusco, the lack of social interaction highlights the importance of addressing these challenges to improve the quality of life for both residents and visitors. The methods developed were an extensive literature review, urban analysis and climate analysis, applying sustainability strategies supported by digital tools (Google Earth, Climate Consultant 6.0, Autocad, SketchUp and 3d Sun Path). As a result, this proposal presents green areas covering 69.96% of the total area, aimed at providing recreational spaces and connecting residents and visitors with nature. Additionally, biolakes were designed, accounting for 3.18% of the area, serving as ornamental elements and contributing to the environmental quality of the urban environment. The botanical zone, encompassing 18.14% of the project, was designed to accommodate a diverse range of plant species, providing an educational and aesthetic environment. The convention area, representing 9.7% of the total area, was designed to host events and community activities, promoting social and cultural interaction. Finally, 0.98% of the space was allocated to the cultural zone, where artistic exhibitions, cultural events, and related activities can be planned, enriching the cultural and social life of the community. These percentages reflect careful consideration of the needs and aspirations of the population, as well as a comprehensive approach to sustainable urban design and the creation of multifunctional spaces. In conclusion, through a green corridor, the aim is to counteract uncontrolled urban expansion and environmental degradation by generating a green lung in the city of Cuzco, naturally regulating the climate and contributing to air and water purification. The absence of green corridors and sustainable approaches to social connectivity in Cusco could reduce the quality of life of residents, affecting their physical and mental health. The lack of green and recreational spaces could increase segregation and alienation in the community, weakening social cohesion. Without green corridors, the city would also face environmental and biodiversity challenges, as well as a reduced ability to respond to extreme weather events. The lack of implementation of these strategies could compromise comprehensive development and quality of life in Cuzco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban agriculture has emerged as a crucial strategy to address food security and sustainability challenges, particularly in densely populated areas. This study focused on enhancing leafy greens' production, specifically lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and arugula or rocket (Eruca sativa L.), using Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) systems and automation in container-based vertical farming. The study utilized a 20-foot shipping container retrofitted to create a thermally insulated and automated growth environment equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting and precise climate control systems. The results demonstrated significant improvements in crop yields, with the NFT systems achieving productivity up to 11 times higher than traditional methods in protected horticulture. These systems enabled continuous cultivation cycles, responding to the high market demand for fresh local produce. Moreover, the integration of low-cost sensors and automation technologies, each costing under USD 300, ensured that the environmental conditions were consistently optimal, highlighting this approach's economic feasibility and scalability. This low-cost framework aligns with industry standards for affordable technology, making it accessible for small- to medium-sized urban agriculture enterprises. This study underscores the potential of vertical farming as a sustainable solution for urban food production. It provides a model that can be replicated and scaled to meet the growing demand for healthy, locally grown vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as an effective solution to alleviate excessive carbon emissions in sustainable building projects. Although there are numerous applications of AI, there is no state-of-the-art review of how AI applications can reduce net-zero carbon emissions (NZCEs) for sustainable building projects. Therefore, this review study aims to conduct a systematic literature and science mapping review of AI applications in NZCEs for sustainable building projects, thereby expediting the realization of NZCEs in building projects. A mixed-method approach (i.e., systematic literature review and science mapping) consisting of four comprehensive stages was used to retrieve relevant published articles from the Scopus database. A total of 154 published articles were retrieved and used to conduct science mapping analyses and qualitative discussions, including mainstream research topics, gaps, and future research directions. Six mainstream research topics were identified and discussed. These include (1) life cycle assessment and carbon footprint, (2) practical applications of AI technology, (3) multi-objective optimization, (4) energy management and energy efficiency, (5) carbon emissions from buildings, and (6) decision support systems and sustainability. In addition, this review suggests six research gaps and develops a framework depicting future research directions. The findings contribute to advancing AI applications in reducing carbon emissions in sustainable building projects and can help researchers and practitioners to realize its economic and environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current context of urbanization, urban agglomerations face complex challenges in maintaining an ecological balance. This study uses remote sensing images of the Central Yunnan urban agglomeration from 2000 to 2020, along with socioeconomic data, to analyze the spatiotemporal characteristics of the green space evolution. Utilizing dynamic geographically weighted regression analysis based on principal components (PCA-GWR), we identify the key socioeconomic factors influencing these changes and quantitatively analyze the driving forces in each stage. Our findings reveal a continuing trend of decreasing total green space alongside increasing individual forest types and pronounced regional disparities in green space dynamics. The results indicate that socioeconomic factors exert both positive facilitative effects and negative pressures, with evident spatial and temporal variability. Urbanization and economic development promote forest expansion in certain areas, while contributing to the reduction in farmland and shrub–grass lands. Significant variations are influenced by factors such as the urbanization rate, the agricultural population, the industrial composition, and fiscal revenue. This study enhances the in-depth understanding of the relationship between the spatiotemporal dynamics of green spaces and socially driven mechanisms, offering significant insights for sustainable urban planning and landscape management and harmonizing urban agglomeration development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few decades, a large variety of urban farms and projects have developed in the Global North. Urban agriculture addresses numerous challenges such as producing sustainable fresh food, educating people, and creating new jobs and skills. Urban agriculture is diverse in terms of location (rooftop, basement, underground, parking), activities (food production and/or services), and techniques (from low-tech to high-tech). These projects are created by entrepreneurs because they live in the city, want to change their environment, and promote sustainable practices. Faced with economic and environmental crises, public authorities at different levels and with various orientations reorganize the food system towards local production and consumption; they encourage the development of urban agriculture through a diverse range of policies. These public projects must be economically viable but can be created as socially oriented services based on food production and not only as sites of food production. Our empirical research based on the case studies of two original public urban farms, the Potager du Roi de Versailles and the Cité Maraichère de Romainville, uses the concept of the triple layered business model and highlights their sustainable strategy. Our evaluation of their economic, social, and environmental impacts tends to demonstrate not only their dependence on multiple interlinked public policies but also the justification of significant and recurring public funds for the general interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inefficient urban transformations pose multifaceted challenges. In this context, urban agriculture (UA) can address environmental and socio-economic issues. Despite recent UA policies in São Paulo, the lack of data hampers comprehensive evaluations, highlighting the need for robust indicators to enhance environmental sustainability. This article assesses São Paulo's UA potential using an Ecosystem Services (ES)-based approach, combining ES spatial mapping and a producer survey at 49 UA sites. Results show natural habitats and anthropic areas within urbanised land, especially in the south, with high habitat quality scores. Nine ES were identified: food supply, commercialisation, income generation, waste mediation, lifecycle maintenance, soil formation, leisure/social, well-being, and education. Utilising mixed methods, this study provides innovative insights into ES related to UA in São Paulo, offering valuable input for urban policies and planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several cities are facing water emergencies related to urbanization impact and amplified by climate change. Most of the cities have responded to these crises through short-term measures. However, some cities have incorporated a watershed approach to water management in seeking more sustainable solutions. Although the importance of a watershed approach in land management is generally acknowledged, studies on this topic have typically focused on theoretical models, water management in rural areas or single case-studies of cities or countries. In this research, a scoping review of the literature was performed, based on the PRISMA 2020 statement, in three databases: Web of Science, Google Scholar and SciELO. Forty-one studies were identified analyzing 17 city cases implementing urban actions from a watershed approach in water management. These cities were from the Global North and Asian rising world powers. The lack of results of cities from the Global South, based on the research undertaken, was the main limitation and bias identified. Most of the Global South results identified in this research were theoretical models, scenarios and cases of rural areas instead of urban contexts. The results obtained indicate that the main motivations for cities to implement a watershed approach were water scarcity, floods and contamination of water bodies. The implemented actions focused on the shift from gray to green and blue infrastructure and on conservation measures. Lastly, the challenges to introduce those actions were mainly the lack of economic investment, insufficient experience, stakeholder opposition, and regulatory obstacles. Urban water management could be seen as an opportunity to change the way we relate to urban territory. Incorporating a watershed approach into urban planning and water management could promote more sustainable cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature-based solutions (NBS) can deliver many benefits to human wellbeing, including some crucial to climate adaptation. We quantitatively assess the global potential of NBS strategies of protection, restoration, and agroforestry by modeling global climate change mitigation and local ecosystem services (water availability, sediment retention, runoff, pollination, nitrogen retention, green water storage, and coastal protection). The strategies with the most potential to help people do not necessarily deliver the most climate change mitigation: per area of conservation action, agroforestry provides substantial benefits (>20% increase in at least one local ecosystem service) to three times more people on average than reforestation while providing less than one tenth the carbon sequestration per unit area. Each strategy delivers a different suite of ecosystem service benefits; for instance, avoided forest conversion provides a strong increase in nitrogen retention (100% increase to 72 million people if fully implemented globally) while agroforestry increases pollination services (100% increase to 3.0 billion people if fully implemented globally). One common disservice shared by all the NBS strategies modeled here is that increased woody biomass increases transpiration, reducing annual runoff and in some watersheds negatively impacting local water availability. In addition, the places with the greatest potential for climate change mitigation are not necessarily the ones with the most people. For instance, reforestation in Latin America has the greatest climate change mitigation potential, but the greatest ecosystem service benefits are in Africa. Focusing on nations with high climate mitigation potential as well as high local ecosystem service potential, such as Nigeria in the case of reforestation, India for agroforestry, and the Republic of Congo for avoided forest conversion, can help identify win-win sites for implementation. We find that concentrating implementation of these three conservation strategies in critical places, covering 5.8 million km2, could benefit 2.0 billion people with increased local ecosystem services provision. These critical places cover only 35% of the possible area of implementation but would provide 80% of the benefits that are possible globally for the selected set of ecosystem services under the NBS scenarios examined here. We conclude that targeting these critical places for protection, restoration, and agroforestry interventions will be key to achieving adaptation and human wellbeing goals while also increasing nature-based carbon mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rapid urbanization and population growth exert a substantial impact on the accessibility of drinking water resources, underscoring the imperative for wastewater treatment and the reuse of non-potable water in agriculture. In this context, green walls emerge as a potential solution to augment the purification of unconventional waters, simultaneously contributing to the aesthetic appeal and enjoyment of urban areas. This study aims to optimize water management in green walls by investigating the impact of bacterial strains on the biochemical properties and performance of the ornamental accumulator plant, Aptenia cordifolia, grown with various unconventional water sources. The experiments were designed as split plots based on a completely randomized block design with three replications. The main factor was recycled water with three levels (gray water, wastewater from the Kashfroud region of Mashhad, and urban water (control)). The sub-factor included different bacterial strains at four levels, composed of various bacteria combinations, (B1: Psedoumonas flucrecens + Azosporillum liposferum + Thiobacillus thioparus + Aztobactor chorococcum, B2: Paenibacillus polymyxa + Pseudomonas fildensis + Bacillus subtilis + Achromobacter xylosoxidans + Bacillus licheniform, B3: Pseudomonas putida + Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans + Bacillus velezensis + Bacillus subtilis + Bacillus methylotrophicus + Mcrobacterium testaceum, and the control level without bacterial application (B0). Result: The findings revealed significant differences at the 5% probability level across all morphophysiological traits, including plant height, the number and length of lateral branches, growth index, and plant coverage. Moreover, superior morphophysiological traits were observed in plants cultivated in substrates inoculated with wastewater irrigation. Substrates inoculated with bacteria exhibited the highest relative water content (RWC) and chlorophyll levels, coupled with the lowest relative saturation deficit (RSD), electrolyte leakage (EL), and carotenoid levels. Furthermore, plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), from a biochemical perspective, were associated with increased carbohydrates, total protein, and anthocyanin. They also contributed to controlling oxidative stress caused by free radicals by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase (POD), while reducing catalase enzyme (CAT) activity. This led to increased resistance to stress, as evidenced by a decrease in malondialdehyde and proline levels. The study concludes that the MIX B3, being both ecofriendly and economical, represents an effective strategy for mitigating the adverse effects of wastewater on plants. Conclusion: This study showed that plant irrigation using wastewater increases the levels of proline, phenols and oxidative stress. However, the application of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) reduced oxidative damage by increasing antioxidant activity and decreasing proline and phenol levels. These findings show the potential of bacterial treatments to improve plant growth and reduce adverse effects of recycled water irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The gained knowledge can be applied by road marking material manufacturers and automotive proving ground operators to provide road marking scenarios on test tracks to test perception systems that work with camera or LiDAR sensors. The investigated method is especially useful for urban scenarios with road markings that have complex geometric shapes, such as small radii, symbols, lettering, and specific corner shapes for parking slots. In order to test camera- and LiDAR-based perception of road markings for automated driving, vehicle developers have started to utilize concepts for the agile alteration of road marking patterns on proving grounds. Road marking materials commonly used within this concept are different types of tape that can easily be applied and removed on asphalt and concrete. Due to the elasticity of tape, it cannot be used efficiently for small radii, symbols, lettering, and specific corner shapes (e.g., for parking slots). These road marking patterns are common in urban environments. With the growing capability of automated driving systems and more applications for urban environments, edgy road marking shapes gain importance for proving ground testing. This study examines the use of water-soluble road marking paint specifically designed for the use case of temporary applications on proving grounds for camera- and LiDAR-based perception testing. We found that white, water-soluble paint with 1.5% binder content and 2.25% coalescing agent content can provide realistic road markings for vehicle testing purposes. However, solubility affects the paint's vulnerability to fading during rain. Hence, renewal activities over the course of longer test drives might be necessary. The paint could be removed using water pressure without significant residue or damaging of the asphalt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land cover analysis is a key method used to understand past land use patterns and explore the driving forces and processes behind them. This study focuses on land cover in 18 counties and cities of Hainan Island, delving into the driving factors of land cover in specific areas of Hainan Island, including the southern, northern, eastern, western, inland, and coastal regions. The effects of socio-economic factors, landscape pattern, and urban functional units on land cover are considered, and three hypotheses are proposed to explain the observed trends. The results indicate that house prices are positively correlated with construction area, woodlands land, and urban green space, thereby supporting the luxury effect hypothesis on land cover. In addition, construction age was negatively correlated with the woodlands area, confirming the role of the inverse legacy effect hypothesis in land cover. Other relationships between urban functional units and land cover emphasized the importance of the land use hypothesis in land cover planning. These results will help decision-makers and managers to better understand the current drivers of land cover, allowing for a more scientific basis when planning and managing urban land cover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are frequently implemented without taking the system's perspective into account and with the main focus on technical and economic issues of implementation. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis on the potential synergistic effects between circularity and NBS to holistically tackle urban challenges. The main objective is to establish preliminary insights on the obstacles and perspectives of NBS integration and implementation, through a questionnaire set up by the network of experts gathered within the COST Action CA17133 Circular City. The following research questions arise: (i) what differences exist in the level of NBS application according to the variance of engaged countries; and (ii) what are the main obstacles and perspectives for the NBS implementation in order to holistically tackle urban challenges, enhancing the sustainable connection among urban environment, nature, and human well-being. To go beyond the current state-of-the-art and reflect on the research conducted within the Circular City Action, this study aims to open a multi-geographical academic dialogue across Europe and beyond and to move towards a holistic approach to circular cities. Accordingly, this study is: (1) multi-geographical and context-based, providing input for thirty-three EU countries and four non-EU countries to give an overview of the main obstacles and perspectives of NBS implementation, and (2) approach-directed, aiming to formulate a holistic approach to deal with societal challenges. This document intends to provide qualitative and quantitative insight into the potentials and obstacles of NBS implementation in Europe, as well as to motivate further discussion and research to achieve holistic and sustainable cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics of urban wetlands in Kazakhstan is crucial for their effective preservation and sustainable urban development. Our findings identify past and present Land Use Land Cover (LULC) in the capital city, providing policymakers with scientific evidence for improved management. Using remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, this study examines the spatiotemporal changes in the Taldykol catchment area during the rapid development of Astana. In 1992, over 90% of the catchment area was grassland and vegetation. By 2022, 30% of the area became barren land. Urban areas increased by 127%, and water areas decreased by 24%. The most significant changes occurred in lakes Taldykol and Kishi Taldykol, whose areas shrank by 91% and 54%, respectively. The near-disappearance of the Taldykol wetlands is likely to contribute to rising land surface temperatures (LST), decreased natural flood control capacity, reduced biodiversity, and diminished recreational opportunities. The fate of Taldykol lakes underscores the urgent need to raise public awareness about the role of wetlands in Kazakhstan's ecosystems and take action to preserve urban wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban vegetation is a fundamental element and the keystone of urban ecological systems. Therefore, better comprehending the patterns of change over time and space in this vegetation is crucial for more effective urban environment management to enhance urban habitat and counteract the negative impacts of accelerated urbanization. This study examined 1,081 articles listed in the Scopus database on urban vegetation between 2000 and 2023. After being exported in CSV format, these data were analyzed using VOSviewer for data visualization, Scopus Analytics for performance evaluation, MS Excel for organizing data in graphical form, and CiteSpace for examining the emergence of keywords. The objective was to offer guidance on current topics and forecast future research trends related to this theme. This analysis shows that in 2000, only 5 articles on urban vegetation were published, which has risen by 2840% to 142 in 2023, following a quadratic function (R2 = 0.9524). China is the country most interested in this topic, with 273 articles (25.25%). Thus, China and the United States are the most cooperative nations on the urban vegetation subject. Over the past 24 years, the environmental science field has contributed the most, with 33.3% of papers published. Concerning sources, the journal Urban Forestry and Urban Greening comes first with 73 articles and 2127 citations. The keyword "urban vegetation" is the most frequently used by authors (occurrences: 330, links: 115, and total link strength: 459). In terms of cocitations, an analysis of 75887 authors revealed that X. Li came out first with a total link strength of 21626 and 507 citations while G. D. Jenerette takes first place, concerning the co‐authorship with 11 publications and 899 citations. Moreover, the Chinese Academy of Sciences is the most effective and influential institution on the subject. Keyword emergence analysis revealed that urban growth, urban development, and ecosystem services have become current research hotspots with considerable impact over the past three years. This work has provided structured data, guidelines, and useful recommendations for further investigations, which can contribute to a better comprehension of the environmental features of urban vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green spaces and blue spaces in cities provide a wealth of benefits to the urban social–ecological system. Unfortunately, urban development fragments natural habitats, reducing connectivity and biodiversity. Urban green–blue infrastructure (UGI) networks can mitigate these effects by providing ecological corridors that enhance habitat connectivity. This study examined UGI connectivity for two indicator species in a rapidly developing city in the southern United States. We mapped and analyzed UGI at a high resolution (0.6 m) across the entire city, with a focus on semi-natural areas in private land and residential neighborhoods. Integrating graph theory and a gravity model, we assessed structural UGI networks and ranked them based on their ability to support functional connectivity. Most of the potential habitat corridors we mapped in this project traversed private lands, including 58% of the priority habitat for the Golden-cheeked Warbler and 69% of the priority habitat for the Rio Grande Wild Turkey. Riparian zones and other areas with dense tree cover were critical linkages in these habitat corridors. Our findings illustrate the important role that private semi-natural areas play in UGI, habitat connectivity, and essential ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing carbon emissions from the transport sector is essential for realizing the carbon neutrality goal in China. Despite substantial studies on the influence of urban form on transport CO2 emissions, most of them have treated the effects as a linear process, and few have studied their nonlinear relationships. This research focused on 274 Chinese cities in 2019 and applied the gradient-boosting decision tree (GBDT) model to investigate the nonlinear effects of four aspects of urban form, including compactness, complexity, scale, and fragmentation, on urban transport CO2 emissions. It was found that urban form contributed 20.48% to per capita transport CO2 emissions (PTCEs), which is less than the contribution of socioeconomic development but more than that of transport infrastructure. The contribution of urban form to total transport CO2 emissions (TCEs) was the lowest, at 14.3%. In particular, the effect of compactness on TCEs was negative within a threshold, while its effect on PTCEs showed an inverted U-shaped relationship. The effect of complexity on PTCEs was positive, and its effect on TCEs was nonlinear. The effect of scale on TCEs and PTCEs was positive within a threshold and negative beyond that threshold. The effect of fragmentation on TCEs was also nonlinear, while its effect on PTCEs was positively linear. These results show the complex effects of the urban form on transport CO2 emissions. Thus, strategies for optimizing urban form and reducing urban transport carbon emissions are recommended for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban sprawl has become a global concern due to the adverse effects on the environmental, social, and economic growth of cities across the world. This study, through geospatial analytic techniques, assessed the extent of urban sprawl in the Greater Kumasi Metropolis from 2000 to 2021. The analysis showed that the built-up area of the metropolis has increased tremendously at the expense of the non-built-up area over the past 20 years (from 50.2% in 2000 to 79.4% in 2021). This is as a result of uncontrolled urbanisation, preference for single-family housing, and the expansion of the catchment area of the Central Business District (CBD). This has resulted in a loss of greenery and an uncontrolled urban growth pattern. There is a need for city authorities to adopt an urban sprawl containment strategy such as the compact city approach. Also, the adoption of nature-based solution approaches and the elements of sustainable city development in the urban planning process will help promote the sustainability of the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to comprehensively examine the determinants of depression among urban older adults in Seoul, utilizing the social-ecological model to address multifaceted influences. Methods: A comprehensive analysis was conducted using data from the 2022 Seoul Aging Survey, which surveyed 2,914 individuals aged 65 and above. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors contributing to depressive symptoms, including socio-demographic characteristics, health behaviors and status, research accessibility, social support, and environmental influences. Results: This study revealed that poor subjective health (OR = 1.47) and the presence of multiple chronic diseases (OR = 1.59) significantly increased the risk of depressive symptoms among urban older adults. From a social support standpoint, living alone was associated with a higher risk of depression (OR = 1.66), low food security (OR = 2.56), and low digital competency (OR = 2.70) were all significant predictors of depressive symptoms. Additionally, a lack of engagement with cultural facilities (OR = 2.15) was identified as a critical environmental factor contributing to depression. Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for comprehensive policy and practical interventions aimed at preventing chronic disease, enhancing social support networks, improving digital literacy, ensuring food security, and expanding access to healthcare and cultural facilities. Such measures are crucial in mitigating depression among urban older adults, thereby enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban green spaces (UGSs) provide numerous ecosystem services (ESs) that are essential to the well-being of the residents. However, these services are often neglected in regional urban development and spatial planning. This study quantified the ESs of a 10.25 ha UGS at Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea, comprising 27 species with 287 tree individuals, using i-Tree Eco. Key regulating ESs investigated included air pollution removal, carbon storage and sequestration, oxygen production, energy use reduction, avoidance of surface runoff, and replacement and functional values. Results revealed significant annual environmental benefits: 131 kg air pollutants removed (USD 3739.01 or ₩5.16 M), 1.76 Mg carbon sequestered, which is equivalent to 0.18 Mg CO2 ha−1 yr−1 (USD 289.85 or ₩0.40 M), 2.42 Mg oxygen produced, energy savings (including carbon offset) valued at USD 391.29 (₩0.54 M), and 203 m3 reduction in surface runoff (USD 413.09 or ₩0.57 M). The annual total benefits of these urban trees amounted to USD 4833.86 (₩6.67 M), USD 16.83/tree, or USD 0.089/capita. Additionally, these trees had replacement and functional values estimated at USD 311,115.17 (₩429.3 M). The study underscores that species selection and abundance of urban trees are fundamental for maximizing the ES delivery in urban areas, highlighting the role of UGSs in ecological and economical sustainability in cities. These insights are valuable for urban planners and policymakers to optimize benefits of UGSs in cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of urban agriculture into cityscapes necessitates a comprehensive understanding of multiple engineering and environmental factors, including urban fabric, building configurations, and dynamic energy and material flows. In contrast to rural settings, urban areas introduce complexities such as hygrothermal fluctuations, variable sunlight exposure and shadow patterns, diverse plant dimensions and shapes, and material interception. To address these challenges, this study presents an open-source Digital Twin model based on the use of a geographical information system (GIS) for near-real-time solar radiation mapping. This methodology aims to optimize crop productivity, enhance resilience, and promote environmental sustainability within urban areas and enables the near-time mapping of the salient features of different portions of the city using available open data. The work is structured into two main parts: (i) definition of the GIS-based Digital Twin model for mapping microclimatic variables (in particular solar radiation) to support sustainable urban agriculture design and (ii) application of the model to the city of Milan to verify its replicability and effectiveness. The key findings are connected to the possibility to integrate open data (solar radiation) with measurements in situ (illuminance and data referred to the specific crops, with related conversion coefficient) to develop a set of maps helpful for urban farmers but also for designers dealing with the synergy between buildings and urban farms. Initially tested on a neighborhood of Milan (Italy), the model will be applied in the Singapore context to verify analogies and differences. This correlation facilitates a more practical and straightforward examination of the relationships between solar irradiation and illuminance values of natural sunlight (involving both incident and diffuse light). The consistency of measurements allows for the precise documentation of these fluctuations, thereby enhancing the understanding of the influence of solar radiation on perceived luminance levels, particularly in urban environments characterized by diverse contextual factors such as vegetation, nearby structures, and geographical positioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization in Bni Bouayach, Morocco, threatens vital irrigated areas and agricultural land, raising concerns about environmental sustainability. This study employs a GIS-based Analytical Hierarchy Process (GIS-AHP) framework to assess land suitability for sustainable development. It addresses knowledge gaps in urban planning as follows: (i) Evaluating land suitability for sustainable development: this analysis identifies areas appropriate for urban expansion while minimizing environmental impact. (ii) Balancing environmental and human needs: the framework integrates ten criteria encompassing accessibility, economic, social, geomorphological, and environmental factors. This comprehensive approach results in a Land Suitability Map with five categories: prohibited/unfit, extremely unsuitable, moderately unsuitable, adequately suitable, and highly suitable. Notably, 39.5% of the area falls within the adequately suitable or highly suitable categories, primarily consisting of accessible bare lands and pastures. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers to guide Bni Bouayach towards sustainable urban development, ensuring balanced growth that respects both environmental preservation and resident needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of People & Nature is the property of Wiley-Blackwell 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.)

Copyright of People & Nature is the property of Wiley-Blackwell 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.)

Methodological innovation is needed that actively engages a range of policy makers in policy learning to address the climate and biodiversity crises. We developed Walkable Floor Map Policy Workshops (WFMPWs) as a way of engaging policy makers in policy learning towards NBS innovation in their local context. This paper examines WFMPW methodology for NBS through an analysis of three WFMPWs in three European urban case study sites. We find that implementation of WFMPWs facilitated policy learning through group discussion and experience sharing amongst participating policy makers. The WFMPWs added greater spatial contextualisation and the futures workshop elements facilitated discussions of future opportunities and barriers, leading to questioning of common approaches and assumptions and 'thinking outside of the box'. The data provided in-depth, comparative, nuanced, and locally contextualised qualitative insights of interest across multiple disciplines. The findings provide a different way of understanding political and decision-making processes around NBS, including problem framing and shifting policy debates. The WFMPW approach enabled participating policy makers to describe and critique the current situation; imagine/visualise a preferable future situation; and explore ways of moving from the actual situation to the preferred one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The urban green infrastructure (GI) network is an important conduit for ecological flows and plays a crucial role in improving regional habitats, especially in karst areas that are highly ecologically fragile and sensitive. However, the existing research only focuses on the construction of GI network in karst mountain cities, and the evolution characteristics of its elements and driving mechanism are not clear, which is of great significance for guiding urban land use planning and comprehensively improving the quality of the ecological environment. In view of this, this study took Qianzhong urban agglomeration as the study area, based on multi-source data, and identified ecological sources through ecological resilience analysis. Considering the special geographic environment, the rock exposure rate factor was added to correct the resistance surface, and the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) and gravity model were coupled to extract the GI network. The complex network topology characterization parameter was introduced to assess the spatial and temporal variations of ecological sources and corridors. Finally, the geographical detector was used to identify the dominant influencing factors and interactions of the spatial distribution of the GI network. Results: The results showed that from 2000 to 2020, the condition of GI network elements in the study area presented a decreasing and then an increasing trend. The ecological sources or corridors in highly urbanized areas were critical for ecological flow transport and the overall structural stability of the GI network. The influence of natural factors on the spatial distribution of the GI network gradually weakened, and the influence of human factors continuously increased. The spatial distribution of the GI network was influenced by multiple factors, and the interaction between all the factors was enhanced, which gradually changed from the interaction of natural factors to the interaction of human factors during the study period. Conclusions: The research results will provide scientific references for the construction of an ecologically safe environment and sustainable development of karst mountain cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban Green Infrastructures (UGIs) have gained increasing relevance in the field of climate adaptive design because of their capacity to provide regulating ecosystem services apt to respond to the impacts of global warming with short-term strategies. The effectiveness of UGIs in reducing climate risks depends on both the state of natural resources and the understanding of urban ecosystem processes over time. The implementation of analytic methods to better understand urban ecosystem dynamics, as well as the local effective potential of ESs, is crucial for addressing climate impacts in cities. The advances in remote sensing methodologies for mapping and monitoring urban ecosystems represent a key opportunity to deepen the ecological features of existing urban green areas as a potential planning asset to respond to climate impacts. Indeed, remote sensing technologies implement a new data-driven planning approach that enables models and simulations of different project scenarios by supporting planning decisions and reducing the risk of failures. According to these assumptions, this paper discusses the results of a literature review aimed at providing the current state of the art in applying remote sensing technologies for mapping and monitoring ecosystem services, focusing on operational opportunities in urban environments. It examines how remote sensing can depict ESs and ensure data quality and reliability for UGI design. The emphasis is on the potential of ESs to mitigate and adapt to heat wave risks which will be more frequent in the next decade, particularly in cities, as highlighted by the IPCC Report 2023. Therefore, UGIs are strategic tools for addressing heat wave impacts, necessitating a shift from empirical approaches to analytical, data-driven planning methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the integration of agricultural practices, technological innovations, and energy policies to achieve carbon neutrality in Mardan, Pakistan. A cross-sectional design was employed, collecting data from 400 stakeholders using stratified random sampling. The analysis involved descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, structural equation modeling (SEM), Chi-square tests, and multiple regression analysis to explore the relationships between agricultural sustainability practices (ASPs), green technology implementation (GTI), energy policy measures (EPMs), and carbon-free development (CFD). The findings indicate strong positive correlations between ASPs, GTI, EPMs, and CFD, with a relatively high positive correlation coefficients. SEM path coefficients further confirmed the significant positive effects of ASPs on CFD. It is concluded that integrating sustainable farming practices, green technologies, and effective energy policies significantly advances carbon-free development in Mardan. Policymakers should prioritize promoting sustainable farming, investing in green technologies, and implementing robust energy policies with subsidies for renewable energy and carbon pricing mechanisms to foster carbon-neutral development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Understanding the stakeholders' role and interest are critical for implementing climate change policy. The dichotomy between adaptation and mitigation, which arguably creates uncertainty at the implementation level, for example, is shaped by the role of the actors involved. In this regard, this study aims to investigate the interests and role of stakeholders in climate change adaptation at the national and regional levels in Indonesia. The country, Indonesia, is selected because it produces the largest amount of greenhouse gas emissions, and the people are at the highest risk of the impacts of climate change in the world. Furthermore, this study discusses the challenges in climate change adaptation in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach: This research uses a literature review and interviews with potential stakeholders. Purposive sampling methods were applied to select stakeholders for interviews. Interviews with key stakeholders were conducted through email and Zoom. Questions were developed based on the roles and interests of stakeholders. Findings: According to the stakeholders, there is a need to establish links between climate change adaptation and local policy at the national and regional levels. The results reveal no integration strategy or approach to support climate change adaptation. Although there has been some climate change adaptation, few people are widely regarded as authorities on climate change policy. This study also discusses some challenges and opportunities to engage key stakeholders in Indonesia. Originality/value: The study offers an understanding of stakeholders based on key stakeholders' interests and role in climate change adaptation in Indonesia. The research findings in this study generate prospects for the government or decision-makers or other stakeholders to deliberately aspire for policy planning. In addition, to prepare climate change adaptation policies relating to the role of stakeholders or community-based approaches to climate change adaptation, stakeholders can conduct more detailed studies to achieve community resilience in term of climate change adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative measurement of urban green spaces (UGSs) plays a fundamental role in enhancing their ecological functions and services. Current studies have not adequately analyzed the multifunctional characteristics and the diverse benefits of urban green spaces at the national scale. This study developed a multidimensional indicator system in terms of scale, pattern, and services to measure green spaces in 285 prefecture-level cities in China. The influences of different geographic zones and urban development on UGS characteristics were also investigated. The results showed that per capita area of urban green spaces were significantly different between the two sides of the "Botai Line", and the UGS structure was mainly dominated by woodlands. Urban green spaces in the central and east had higher fragmentation, lower landscape diversity, and weaker connectivity. The spatial accessibility of green spaces exhibited a "low–high–medium" pattern from north to south in China, with central-eastern China experiencing the worst equity in green space supply. Overall, cities with higher integrated benefits of green spaces were mainly located in Northeast and North China. Type I large cities had higher ratings for UGS characteristics compared with the other types of cities. These findings can serve as solid guidance for cities seeking to build green space systems with highly integrated socio–ecological benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The in-depth discussion and analysis of the synergistic effect of new-type urbanization, greening and digitalization (NUGD) is important for the achievement of sustainable social, ecological and economic development. Therefore, in this study, an evaluation index system composed of these three subsystems was constructed for Chinese cities from 2011 to 2021. The comprehensive and collaborative development levels of each subsystem were measured by means including the entropy weight method and the coupling coordination model, respectively. Then, methods such as ESDA and the Dagum Gini coefficient were applied to investigate the spatiotemporal evolution and spatial differences in the triple synergy effect of the NUGD system in Chinese cities. Finally, the constraining factors of the triple synergy effect were revealed using the obstacle degree model. The findings demonstrated the following: (1) Overall, the NUGD subsystems and their comprehensive levels were increasing, with moderate overall development levels. (2) The synergistic development of the NUGD system exhibited an upward trend. Spatially, the synergistic development level showed distinct differentiation, being higher in the east and lower in the west. The multidimensional dynamic variation characteristics obtained through kernel density estimation revealed that the triple synergy level exhibits high stability. (3) The differences within the east and between the eastern and western areas were the largest, with the intensity of transvariation as the main source. (4) The five criterion layers, including social and spatial urbanization variables, were the key constraints that affected the triple synergy of the NUGD in Chinese cities, and the restrictive role of factors such as the proportion of urban construction land and the per capita postal business volume should not be ignored. This study provides a valuable reference and decision-making guidance to promote China's acceleration toward a new urbanization path supported by both digitalization and green transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past, mill races were part of the urban structure of many towns in Slovakia. As regulated and artificially created waterways, they served to drive mills, rollers, or hammers. With the use of new sources of energy, they lost their functions, and most of them were dried, filled, or buried underground. In our research, we examine the former mill race corridor in Podolínec (Prešov region, Slovakia) and its potential to contribute to urban regeneration strategies. The research steps included the following, namely 1. Identification of the route of the mill race corridor according to historical sources, 2. survey of its current state and its spatial preservation in the urban structure, 3. evaluation of the possibilities of its new uses, which could increase the quality and attractiveness of urban public spaces. The research results show that the fragments of the corridor of the extinct mill race are still identifiable in the urban fabric, and in the cadaster, they are in public ownership and suitable for new uses. The fragments of the corridor of the extinct mill race in Podolínec represent a potential for strengthening the blue and green infrastructure, pedestrian and cycling greenways, and a potential for the presentation of cultural heritage values, which could contribute to the improvement of the qualities of the urban environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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As an important part of urban vitality, street vitality is an external manifestation of street economic prosperity and is affected by the built environment and the surrounding street vitality. However, existing research on the formation mechanism of street vitality focuses only on the built environment itself, ignoring the spatial spillover effect on street vitality. This study uses 5290 street segments in Shenzhen as examples. Utilizing geospatial and other multisource big data, this study creates spatial weight matrices at varying distances based on different living circle ranges. By combining the panel threshold model (PTM) and the spatial panel Durbin model (SPDM), this study constructs a spatial autoregressive threshold model to explore the spatial nonlinear effects of street vitality, considering various spatial weight matrices and thresholds of construction intensity and functional diversity. Our results show the following: (1) Street vitality exhibits significant spatial spillover effects, which gradually weaken as the living circle range expands (Moran indices are 0.178***, 0.160***, and 0.145*** for the 500 m, 1000 m, and 1500 m spatial weight matrices, respectively). (2) Construction intensity has a threshold, which is 0.1466 under spatial matrices of different distances. Functional diversity has two thresholds: 0.6832 and 2.2065 for the 500 m spatial weight matrix, and 0.6832 and 1.4325 for the 1000 m matrices, and 0.6832 and 1.2724 for 1500 m matrices. (3) As an international metropolis, street accessibility in Shenzhen has a significant and strong positive impact on its street vitality. This conclusion provides stakeholders with spatial patterns that influence street vitality, offering a theoretical foundation to further break down barriers to street vitality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to analyse ways to upgrade the existing urban and architectural features in the built environment by incorporating and enhancing the use of nature-based solutions (NbSs) in relation to the city of Bucharest, which lacks green spaces mapping and quality studies and literature. The paper draws a comparison between the design elements used in other cities, namely Lisbon, Vienna and Rome. These are also analysed and compared in relation to the integration in a mixed urban development plan for a research-to-business neighbourhood design competition in Măgurele, situated near Bucharest. A matrix of five criteria is used for the analysis: historical context, urban context, nature versus design, use and climate context. In Lisbon, examples range from new green walls, modern green Mediterranean courtyards, NbS in scaffolding and temporary walls, the placing of Miradores around the city to green-and-healthy marketing tools for restaurants. For Vienna, a street is being remodelled in an innovative way using independent green infrastructure designs in existing retrofitted parking units, hotels and residential constructions. For Bucharest, emergent pop-up, small scale, bottom-up solutions push the city's urban fabric beyond the greyish look of socialist-communist background and eclectic late 19th, early 20th century built heritage. For Măgurele, different versions of a modern neighbourhood and street profile design issues are analysed, using 3D renderings that incorporate NbS at various insertion scales. Existing example cases showcase new dimensions and toolsets of the adaptation of the urban fabric based on a more ecosystem-based approach of architectural-urban research by design, as possible instruments that facilitate a Green Transition in urban settings. Covering more cities in the future would add to the impact and contribution of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]