Inclusive Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Regeneration in a Natural Disaster Vulnerability Context: A Case Study of Chongqing, China

Pengcheng Xiang,Qing Deng,Yiming Wang

doi:10.3390/su9071205

Abstract

Currently, economic development has become a dominant factor in the promotion of urban regeneration in China. This means that decision makers often overlook the impacts on the natural environment when planning urban regeneration within a region. To properly face such challenges and others that may arise, a strategy relying on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) can enhance the physical and ecological environment of a city, while ensuring greater resilience to natural disasters, and the use of fewer resources. NBS also improves the social well-being of citizens by creating more inclusive and engaged communities. This paper reviews the literature concerning urban regeneration and natural disaster vulnerability to discuss the complex mechanisms of the interactions between natural disaster and urban regeneration. Then, the evaluation model of natural disaster vulnerability in urban area is constructed, and data envelopment analysis (DEA) model is used to assess the vulnerability of natural disasters in various regions of Chongqing. Finally, under the background of NBS, this paper puts forward the way of urban regeneration, and provides an important direction for urban regeneration to realize the sustainable development of cities.

Highlights

Mass urbanization presents one of the most urgent challenges of the 21st century
This paper uses data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to evaluate the vulnerability of natural disasters because the conventional system of natural disaster vulnerability is too large and the disaster types too complex to consider
Based on the analysis of the DEA model to natural disaster vulnerability assessment, the vulnerability evaluation index system of regional disaster is constructed and the regional fragility level of natural disasters in the main urban area of Chongqing is quantitatively studied in order to provide scientific reference for the formulation and adjustment of regional disaster mitigation policies

Summary

Introduction

Mass urbanization presents one of the most urgent challenges of the 21st century. Rapidly developing and changing industrial activities and uncontrolled urban sprawl, as well as large, concentrated and often culturally diverse populations have created numerous complex social and health problems [1]. The challenges that cities and urban communities have to cope with are numerous, including poor air quality, heat island effects, increased frequency and severity of extreme events such as floods, droughts, storms and heat waves, derelict industrial sites, dis-functioning urban areas, increased criminality, social exclusion, inequalities, marginalization, poverty and degraded urban environments [2,3,4]. These challenges have serious impacts on human health, quality of life, well-being and the security of citizens, among the less privileged social classes. This involves the development of the city’s new area for expansion, and the redevelopment of previously used areas with large-scale demolition and reconstruction in order to make full use of scarce land in the urban centers under the influence of economic development [7,8]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion