The Implementation of Urban Nature-based Solutions to Reduce Environmental Pollution in Cities

Abstract

Cities around the world face mounting environmental challenges due to rapid and unregulated urbanization, most notably air pollution and the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon, both of which have negative impacts on local climate, public health, and energy efficiency. These complex issues require integrated and sustainable solutions. A fundamental research challenge is the paucity of studies rigorously examining the effectiveness of nature-based solutions (NbS) in reducing urban air pollution, particularly those that mimic the biological behavior of organisms such as algae and plants. Despite the widespread use of green spaces, the lack of strategic integration of plant physiological or aerodynamic dynamics often underestimates the expected environmental impact, highlighting the need for smarter, nature-conscious urban interventions. This study aims to analyze the potential of NbS to mitigate urban air pollution and heat stress by presenting an applied framework for integrating these solutions into urban planning processes. This framework includes: (i) identifying priority areas characterized by simultaneous exposure to air pollution and heat stress, (ii) selecting plant species appropriate for the site’s specific environmental and spatial conditions, and (iii) integrating these solutions into the urban fabric in a flexible manner that takes into account spatial and formal constraints. This research seeks to bridge the existing knowledge gap and provide guidance to decision-makers through innovative environmental alternatives, presenting an analytical perspective and applied models that mimic the natural biological elements in the urban environment. The research presents an analytical study of global cities that applied NbS principles. The research identified the most prominent key indicators for nature-based solutions, including basic ecological function, main scale/impact, technology and mechanism, spatial efficiency/scale, co-benefits, basic implementation context, and development stage.