The study reviewed the main climate change hazards that urban residents face and how it can amplify the impacts on social, ecological, and technical (SET) components of cities.
Cities are more at risk from climate change because of the population concentration in the area. This can increase vulnerability or people and infrastructure to climate change hazards.
Unique features of cities like the imperviousness or perviousness of surfaces of infrastructure or pavements can either adapt or worsen the effects of climate change.
The paper examines nature-based approaches, such as parks and open space, intentional plantings, construction of structures that restore natural hydrologic function like stormwater ponds, bioswales, green roofs, riparian zones, and restoration and protection of natural protective habitats along coastlines.
These nature-based strategies (NBS) are aimed to reduce exposures to climate change hazards.
Climate hazards identified in the study which are are potentially disastrous to urban areas include sea-level rise and coastal storms, extreme heat, and inland storms pluvial flood.
Researchers would need to understand the cost and benefits, also disservices and co-benefits of NBS approaches relative to the traditional grey infrastructure.
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Source citation:
Hobbie S.E., & Grimm, N.B. (2020, January 27) Nature-based approaches to managing climate change impacts in cities. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B375: 20190124. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2019.0124
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