Adaptive planting design and management framework for urban climate change adaptation and mitigation

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

Texixira, CP (Author) Other; Cláudia Fernandes (Author) FCUP; Ahern, J (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Urban Forestry and Urban Greening

Vol. 70

ISSN: 1618-8667

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 10 Citations

Scopus - 12 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00W-C7F

DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127548

Abstract (EN): Implementing measures to adapt and mitigate climate change effects in cities has been considered increasingly urgent since the quality of life, health, and well-being of urban residents is threatened by this change. Novel communities of plant species that emerge and thrive in the harsh conditions of cities may represent a promising opportunity to address climate change adaptation and mitigation through the planting design and management of urban green spaces. The objective of this study is to develop an adaptive planting design and management framework. The proposed framework is grounded on previous adaptive approaches and focuses on the opportunities emerging from novel plant communities in urban conditions. The framework comprises three main steps (1 - Climate change assessment, 2 - Plant species database, and 3 - Planting design and management procedure). A proposal on how the framework could be tested was developed for the city of Porto, Portugal. Still, the application of the framework can also be adjusted to other urban contexts, offering a starting point for experimentation and assessment of plants' adaptation and mitigation capacities through design and management. As lack of knowledge and uncertainty about climate change limits global capacity to implement robust adaptation and mitigation strategies, building knowledge in an adaptive way and context-specific locations will be of paramount interest to tackle climate change in cities.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12