Nature-based Solutions for advancing on Urban Sustainability​

In their pursuit of sustainable urban development, cities like Athens, Milan, Logroño and Gdynia, are dealing with the above-mentioned challenges posed by natural-based solutions (NbS) at the urban scale. Despite their clear benefits, implementing NbS can be complex. consequently, cities must be equipped with tools that provide comprehensive insights into the strategic deployment of NbS – identifying the most effective locations, selecting the appropriate types of solutions, and determining the best implementation practices (NbS quantity and timing).

The Pluvial Flood Tool and the Thermal Assessment Tool facilitate the analysis of climate change risks, developing a shared understanding of the cities’ challenges and opportunities. The Pluvial Risk Assessment Tool explores flood risk associated with different rainfall events, identifying existing green urban infrastructures and opportunities to extend them. The Thermal Assessment Tool provides insights into heat stress risk by providing high resolution surface temperature maps and urban heat island effect (SUHI) maps (heatmaps) using remote sensing techniques. Based on the identified hotspot risks, Adaptation Pathways and Social Vulnerability allow to explore alternative pathways based on NbS co-benefits (social cohesion, biodiversity enhancement, water quality etc.) in order to build greening strategies considering both vulnerability and risk reduction while maintaining flexibility in implementing NbS.

The Pluvial Adaptation Tool provides insights into the impact of different NbS alternatives on pluvial flood risk reduction, in terms of direct damages and population exposed reduction. Similar insights can be explored with the CRC-Tool on both heat stress reduction and flood risk reduction.