Reviewing Ecosystem Services in Urban Climate Adaptation Plans

Davide Geneletti, Chiara Cortinovis, Linda Zardo, Blal Adem Esmail
Posted on: 8/11/2020 - Updated on: 1/19/2024

Posted by

Kathryn Braddock

Published

Abstract

In this chapter, we focus on one specific type of urban planning instrument, which has become increasingly common in the last years: urban climate adaptation plans. In these plans, ecosystem service knowledge is instrumental to propose strategies for ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) to climate change. The analysis focuses on a sample of 22 plans in different European countries. Specifically, we aim at answering the following questions:

  • What are the most common EbA measures found in urban climate adaptation plans? To what climate change impact do they aim to respond?

  • In what parts of the planning documents are EbA measures present? How well and how consistently are they treated?

The results suggest that there is in general good awareness in plans of EbA measures, and of their potential role in addressing climate change challenges. However, their treatment in climate adaptation plans at the urban level often lacks sufficient baseline information, as well as convincing implementation actions.

Keywords

Document Type
Adaptation Phase
Sociopolitical Setting
Target Climate Changes and Impacts