Climate-Friendly Cities – Blue-Green Infrastructure Activities

Abstract

Increasing climate change affects many aspects of cities and their inhabitants. Extreme weather phenomena destroy urban areas, infrastructure and green spaces. Activities taken to improve the resilience of cities and their adaptation to climate change aim to reduce or avoid negative consequences, or to increase the benefits of risks. They are different in character and take different forms, depending on the level of economic and social development, financial, institutional, human, and knowledge resources. The planning and urban development tools and instruments used are also important. An integral part of adaptation activities is the development of modern systems of blue-green urban infrastructure. The experience of the last few years has shown the diversity of applied projects based on natural solutions. They are reflected both in the provisions of climate strategies and in the realizations visible in the urban landscape. The paper focuses on planning and implementation activities that strengthen resilience to climate change, highlight the importance of ecosystem services and shape urban space. The research focuses on polish cities that have undertaken the development of Urban Adaptation Plans (MPA). The aim of this paper is to present the blue-green infrastructure activities included in the MPA, the possibilities for their implementation and to show their role in improving the quality of life in cities, increasing the attractiveness of urban spaces and raising the awareness and involvement of local communities.