Abstract
Nature-based solutions (NBSs) enhance the potential for mitigation and adaptation to climate change in cities. Among the environmental benefits offered by these measures, enhanced biodiversity, increased carbon storage, reduction of extreme temperatures, and pluvial flood control are crucial. The purpose of this study was to establish an integrated methodology for quantifying the benefits of NBSs and complementary measures and to apply it in a neighbourhood of Donostia-San Sebastián (Spain), where two alternative designs that incorporated NBSs and complementary measures were designed. Then, the individual effectiveness of the four variables was measured using both in-situ measurements and modelling approaches. For the integrated effectiveness, a multi-criteria decision analysis was employed. Both the ‘feasible’ design and the ‘ideal’ one led to an increase in biodiversity (46 and 108 %, respectively) and carbon storage (50 and 130 %, respectively). When considering each measure independently, putting soil provided the highest benefits for carbon capture and biodiversity; meanwhile, planting woody species and installing light-coloured permeable pavements and water fountains reduced the mean radiant temperature by 26.5 K and the air temperature by 0.5 and 2.5 K, respectively, in specific places. Finally, the importance of quantifying the multiple environmental benefits of NBSs for the selection of climate-smart options in urban planning has been highlighted.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 127433 |
Journal | Urban Forestry and Urban Greening |
Volume | 67 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jan 2022 |
Funding
We are very grateful to the city council of Donostia-San Sebastián, which played a crucial role in the design definition and weighing meetings. This study has been carried out with the economic support of (i) IHOBE, the Basque Environmental Agency , (ii) the Ministry for the Ecological Transition of Spain, through Fundación Biodiversidad , and (iii) European Union via the Life LIFE IP Urban Klima 2050 Project . We are very grateful to the city council of Donostia-San Sebasti?n, which played a crucial role in the design definition and weighing meetings. This study has been carried out with the economic support of (i) IHOBE, the Basque Environmental Agency, (ii) the Ministry for the Ecological Transition of Spain, through Fundaci?n Biodiversidad, and (iii) European Union via the Life LIFE IP Urban Klima 2050 Project.
Funders | Funder number |
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Basque Environmental Agency | |
Ministry for the Ecological Transition | |
Ministry for the Ecological Transition of Spain | |
European Commission | |
Fundación Biodiversidad |
Keywords
- Adaptation
- Biodiversity
- Carbon capture
- Flood control
- Multi-benefit solutions
- Thermal comfort