Integration of urban and environmental policies in the metropolitan area of São Paulo and in Greater London: the value of establishing and protecting green open spaces

Abstract

Whilst major metropolitan areas across the globe share some issues in attempting to improve quality of life for their citizens, other issues are specific to their particular situations of geography and governance. There are some approaches, nevertheless, which may have value in rather different contexts, and in this article the establishment and protection of green open spaces is discussed as a measure to help integrate urban and environmental policies and also to address some climate change impacts. The circumstances and policies of two contrasting metropolitan areas – São Paulo and London – are reviewed to demonstrate both the diversity of challenges that may exist and some of the measures that may be taken; the potential for cross-fertilization of ideas and policies in different urban contexts is then explored. São Paulo has experienced great increases in population and extent since the middle of the twentieth century, with illegal settlements in vulnerable areas and risks including flooding and landslides, as well as inadequate infrastructure systems. London faces risks of overheating, flooding and sea level rise as a result of climate change. Spatial planning policies to maintain and improve environmental functioning and ecosystem services delivery in São Paulo and London are reviewed, considering the relevant hierarchical levels and indicating some specific targets. Protection and expansion of green open spaces in many forms are seen in both cities as important and is incorporated into strategic planning. Barriers to achieving progress on green spaces as part of urban policy are explored and some ways forward are highlighted.