Nature-Based Solutions Planning for Urban Microclimate Improvement and Health: An Integrated Ecological and Economic Approach
Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) play a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of microclimates on human well-being. The effectiveness of NbSs is contingent upon the synergy between natural capital, defined by the ecological structure and functions of the ecosystem, and human-derived capital, encompassi...
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2024-12-01
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| author | Teodoro Semeraro Antonio Calisi Jian Hang Rohinton Emmanuel Riccardo Buccolieri |
| author_facet | Teodoro Semeraro Antonio Calisi Jian Hang Rohinton Emmanuel Riccardo Buccolieri |
| author_sort | Teodoro Semeraro |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) play a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of microclimates on human well-being. The effectiveness of NbSs is contingent upon the synergy between natural capital, defined by the ecological structure and functions of the ecosystem, and human-derived capital, encompassing the economic investments required for implementation. This study introduces a decision-making framework designed to evaluate the impact of NbSs and advocate for optimal solutions for human health at the local scale, amalgamating ecological and economic assessments. Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) was chosen as a key urban parameter to assess the efficacy of NbSs in mitigating urban microclimates and enhancing human health. The PET analysis was conducted using ENVI-met 5.0.3 software across diverse urban scenarios in Gallipoli city, Italy. Integrated with a cost–benefit analysis of NbSs considering various investment scenarios, the study aimed to identify the most effective solution. Results indicated positive effects of NbSs in open spaces and around building blocks where the PET levels remained below 30 °C. Conversely, scenarios without NbSs exhibited PETs exceeding 40 °C, with peaks of 50 °C, posing potential risks to human health. Considering the social and economic benefits associated with PET mitigation, the cost–benefit analysis suggests that implementing NbSs using a mix of young and mature plants in the initial phase is advantageous compared to using only young plants. Thus, in establishing NbSs, it is crucial to consider not only the quantity of vegetation but also the strategic timing of implementation. In conclusion, our work offers an innovative framework that combines ecological and economic perspectives, providing valuable insights for decision-makers in urban planning and promoting the practical application of NbSs for enhanced human well-being. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c5499b4bcc434cddbcaf5b3f43e7cbae |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2073-445X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Land |
| spelling | doaj-art-c5499b4bcc434cddbcaf5b3f43e7cbae2024-12-27T14:35:16ZengMDPI AGLand2073-445X2024-12-011312214310.3390/land13122143Nature-Based Solutions Planning for Urban Microclimate Improvement and Health: An Integrated Ecological and Economic ApproachTeodoro Semeraro0Antonio Calisi1Jian Hang2Rohinton Emmanuel3Riccardo Buccolieri4Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET-URT Lecce), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Campus Ecotekne, 73100 Lecce, ItalyDepartment of Science and Technological Innovation (DISIT), University of Eastern Piedmont, Viale Michel 11, 15121 Alessandria, ItalySchool of Atmosphere Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, ChinaThe Research Centre for Built Environment Asset Management (BEAM), Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Rd, Glasgow G4 0BA, UKDepartment of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, S.P. 6 Lecce-Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, ItalyNature-based Solutions (NbSs) play a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of microclimates on human well-being. The effectiveness of NbSs is contingent upon the synergy between natural capital, defined by the ecological structure and functions of the ecosystem, and human-derived capital, encompassing the economic investments required for implementation. This study introduces a decision-making framework designed to evaluate the impact of NbSs and advocate for optimal solutions for human health at the local scale, amalgamating ecological and economic assessments. Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) was chosen as a key urban parameter to assess the efficacy of NbSs in mitigating urban microclimates and enhancing human health. The PET analysis was conducted using ENVI-met 5.0.3 software across diverse urban scenarios in Gallipoli city, Italy. Integrated with a cost–benefit analysis of NbSs considering various investment scenarios, the study aimed to identify the most effective solution. Results indicated positive effects of NbSs in open spaces and around building blocks where the PET levels remained below 30 °C. Conversely, scenarios without NbSs exhibited PETs exceeding 40 °C, with peaks of 50 °C, posing potential risks to human health. Considering the social and economic benefits associated with PET mitigation, the cost–benefit analysis suggests that implementing NbSs using a mix of young and mature plants in the initial phase is advantageous compared to using only young plants. Thus, in establishing NbSs, it is crucial to consider not only the quantity of vegetation but also the strategic timing of implementation. In conclusion, our work offers an innovative framework that combines ecological and economic perspectives, providing valuable insights for decision-makers in urban planning and promoting the practical application of NbSs for enhanced human well-being.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/13/12/2143ecosystem servicesnature-based solutionsecological urban planningcost–benefit analysisphysiological equivalent temperaturesocial benefits |
| spellingShingle | Teodoro Semeraro Antonio Calisi Jian Hang Rohinton Emmanuel Riccardo Buccolieri Nature-Based Solutions Planning for Urban Microclimate Improvement and Health: An Integrated Ecological and Economic Approach Land ecosystem services nature-based solutions ecological urban planning cost–benefit analysis physiological equivalent temperature social benefits |
| title | Nature-Based Solutions Planning for Urban Microclimate Improvement and Health: An Integrated Ecological and Economic Approach |
| title_full | Nature-Based Solutions Planning for Urban Microclimate Improvement and Health: An Integrated Ecological and Economic Approach |
| title_fullStr | Nature-Based Solutions Planning for Urban Microclimate Improvement and Health: An Integrated Ecological and Economic Approach |
| title_full_unstemmed | Nature-Based Solutions Planning for Urban Microclimate Improvement and Health: An Integrated Ecological and Economic Approach |
| title_short | Nature-Based Solutions Planning for Urban Microclimate Improvement and Health: An Integrated Ecological and Economic Approach |
| title_sort | nature based solutions planning for urban microclimate improvement and health an integrated ecological and economic approach |
| topic | ecosystem services nature-based solutions ecological urban planning cost–benefit analysis physiological equivalent temperature social benefits |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/13/12/2143 |
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