EU Science, Research and Innovation’s Post

In a remarkable environmental achievement, a Colombian city has reduced its temperature by 2°C through an extensive green initiative, planting 2.5 million plants and 880,000 trees. This ambitious project showcases how urban reforestation can significantly impact local climates, improving air quality and enhancing overall well-being. The success of this effort highlights the crucial role of green spaces in combating urban heat and encourages other cities to adopt similar eco-friendly strategies. #UrbanGreening #ClimateAction #SustainableCities #EnvironmentalImpact

Read these case studies if you want to see the cities that are ahead of the game on connecting action to combat climate change with a social justice approach ⬇️

Figure below shows the share of Functional Urban Area (FUA) characterized by different cooling intervals (°C) in EU capital cities. Reference: MARANDO, Federica, HERIS, Mehdi P., ZULIAN, Grazia, et al. Urban heat island mitigation by green infrastructure in European Functional Urban Areas. Sustainable Cities and Society, 2022, vol. 77, p. 103564. Sustainable Cities and Society #cooling #Europeancities #EU #urban #greeninfrastructure

Frontrunner cities: connecting climate action and social justice --> https://lnkd.in/ezANtwX2 We're highlighting initiatives from cities in Brazil, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras and Sierra Leone to show the multiple benefits of low-carbon urban strategies, to inspire more sustainable and just urban development pathways. Today is World Water Day, so we're featuring an experimental rainwater harvesting project that supports vulnerable homes and reduces the city carbon footprint in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Find out more about this frontrunner city. --> https://lnkd.in/eRBcfxSd The impact of climate change falls heavily on marginalised urban communities, but the frontrunner cities show that cities – in particular low-income settlements – are legitimate sites for climate interventions, both adaptation and decarbonisation. Decentralised resources and decision making are key ingredients for achieving social justice and tackling climate change. The participation of local communities, inclusion of local knowledge and data, and co-produced solutions all contribute to the development of more equitable climate action in cities. #WorldWaterDay #DominicanRepublic #water #urban #resilience #ClimateJustice

Last week we introduced the term "nature-based solutions" 🌱 for combating urban heat islands. Today we share some good examples 👌 💯 . WWF launched a report with 8 existing and successfully implemented programs in urban and peri-urban contexts. Find out how: ✔ Malmö, Sweden, reduced the carbon emissions of the city by 20% ✔ The average city temperature of Medellín, Colombia, got 2 °C lower ✔ Salvador, Brazil tackled the hazard of heat waves Urban heat islands are a significant problem for our society, but as WWF says: “solutions exist and nature provides many of the answers”. 🤗 🌳 Full article by WWF here 👇 : https://lnkd.in/dEqT_Asq

As the world grapples with record-high temperatures, we call for innovative solutions and urban greening to help cities adapt to climate change and improve our well-being. Read up on an interview with me and my TNC colleagues Robert McDonald, Ph.D. and Rebecca Humphries. Euractiv highlights The Nature Conservancy's work and explores how nature-based solutions can help build climate-resilient cities. https://lnkd.in/dz_VU3B4   🌳 Collaborating with city officials, TNC is helping to develop a range of solutions, including wild green walls, ecosystem services tools, retail façade greening, tiny forests, and balcony greening. These initiatives transform gray urban spaces into vibrant green infrastructure. 💰 While municipalities match funding for implementation, it falls short of covering actual costs. There is an urgent need for additional funding to advance NbS initiatives. 🌍 Turning the EU Climate Adaptation Strategy into law would guide efforts at the sub-national level, especially as European cities prepare to host major sporting events with significant carbon footprints. 🤝 Implementation requires engagement from local governments and communities. Only together can we find a way! Robert McDonald, Ph.D. Rebecca Humphries Barbara Kuznik Anne Hiller Sophie Mok Sebastian Horstkotte Maria Knaus #UrbanGreening #UrbanSustainability #NatureBasedSolutions

📣 📄 SAN MATEO GENERAL PLAN 2040 COMMENT LETTER 📄 📣 🏘 🏞 🌿 "SLU [Loma Prieta Sustainable Land Use] has two concerns that the GP [General Plan] could address further. They have been described in detail in the prior SLU letters (November 16, 2023, September 7, 2023, et al) but they are summarized once more, as you are now considering the final adoption of this GP. The lack of housing, particularly affordable housing, is a continuing crisis and should be more strongly addressed , as well as the need for more urban greening and open space in the City for climate change and livability." Read the full letter at https://lnkd.in/g_v2b_e2. . . . #sierraclub #sierraclublomaprieta #lomaprietachapter #lomaprietasustainablelanduse #cityofsanmateo

🌍 Transforming Urban Heating Cities for a Sustainable Future The heating and cooling sector in Europe is a significant source of CO2 emissions and air pollution, with 70% of heat production still relying on fossil fuels. This compromises the health of European citizens and hinders our climate targets. However, it doesn’t have to be this way! Cities across Europe are leading the charge in detoxing their heating systems by shifting towards cleaner, more modern, and sustainable solutions. From Munich’s comprehensive heat mapping and planning to Silkeborg’s expansive solar district heating system and Marseille’s innovative use of seawater and excess heat, these cities are setting inspiring examples. Discover cities' innovative steps to detox their heat with the Covenant of Mayors - Europe's new map. Let’s work together for healthier communities, stronger economies, and a climate-neutral future. 🌱 🔍 Check out the map to see how cities are making a difference! 📊 https://lnkd.in/eyG_33fv #EUSmartCities

Discover how the Amsterdam Area is implementing eco-friendly urban initiatives 🌍🌿 Amsterdam isn't just about picturesque canals and charming streets—it's also at the forefront of eco-friendly urban innovation! As one of Europe's greenest cities, we are busy transforming urban living with these five incredible initiatives: ✅ Smart 'blue-green' roofs combat flooding and reduce temperatures. ✅ World's first fully circular floating neighbourhood embraces sustainable living on the water. ✅ Artificial reefs ensure underwater biodiversity with innovative reef designs. ✅ Insect hotels protect essential pollinators with unique insect habitats. ✅ ♻️ Food waste to energy - valuable resources for plants and people. Whether you’re working on similar initiatives abroad, considering a move to the Netherlands, or already living here, discover how these innovations are reshaping our urban landscape in exciting ways! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eCqrvr9W #Amsterdam #Sustainability #UrbanLiving #INAmsterdam #Innovation #Netherlands

https://wix.to/QdCMMTi #rewildmystreet #30DaysWild Day 14 #urbannature benefits theme: #economy The city of Amsterdam is leading the way on sustainability with its commitment to becoming a 'circular city' by 2050, avoiding waste by following the 'doughnut economics' model whereby all resources and materials are retained, reused or recycled in a closed-loop system: https://lnkd.in/ek29XmiK This policy will be implemented through the 'Amsterdam City Doughnut Strategy', which includes the enhancement of nature to ensure the city's resilience to climate change, filter air and water, and support biodiversity. In addition, biomimicry is being promoted to ensure buildings and urban planning integrate habitat and create corridors for wildlife. Image: Fabien Khan.