Demands, Opportunities and Constraints of Green Space Development for Future Urban Development under Demographic and Climate Change

Abstract

Impacts of demographic change—shrinking population, vacancies in the building stock and an increasing amount and expanding areas of open spaces—are changing the quantitative framework of green spaces. With regard to an ageing population as well as the ongoing individualization and diversification of urban lifestyles, we can also to point changing qualitative requirements. Demographic change clearly has various repercussions for green space: The demolition of surplus residential and commercial buildings increases the number of vacant lots, which serves to open up new opportunities as well as requirements for green space development. Against this background of varying requirements, it is vital to address a number of issues around the function and design of green spaces as well as access to such open spaces. The impacts of climate change such as rising average temperatures, the increasing number and intensity of heat waves and heavy precipitation events, influence the quality of life and well-being of residents, particularly in densely settled urban areas. Various forms of urban vegetation, green spaces, and urban ecosystems, together provide benefits and ecosystem services to meet these challenges. Such green infrastructure is a crucial element in urban climate adaptation strategies by helping to regulate the micro- and bioclimate, thereby mitigating heat islands as well as reducing the extent of storm water and flooding. Otherwise, implementing green spaces is often considered as a competing objective while developing compact cities in terms of climate mitigation and resource efficiency. Thus, the scientific debate is characterized by arguing about the ‘right’ urban form to help protect and expand green infrastructure within the manifold, sometimes competing, demands of urban development. The article will focus on the demands, opportunities and constraints of green space development resulting from demographic change and the need to adapt to the impacts of climate change in urban areas. Firstly, the requirements of green space development with regard to adaptation to climate change and demographic change will be introduced. Secondly, synergies and conflicts concerning the urban form will be examined. Thirdly, the opportunities and constraints of green space development with regard to this framework will be discussed.