Nature-Based Solutions and Sustainable Urban Planning in the European Environmental Policy Framework: Analysis of the State of the Art and Recommendations for Future Development

Claudia De Luca,Mckenna Davis,Sandra Naumann,Simona Tondelli

doi:10.3390/su13095021

Claudia De Luca, Mckenna Davis + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095021

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Journal: Sustainability	Publication Date: Apr 29, 2021
Citations: 9	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Ecologic Institute, University of Bologna

Abstract

Sustainable urban planning (SUP) is crucial in the development of sustainable cities, as also underlined by the New Urban Agenda. Nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly being recognized for their potential to offer multiple benefits that are necessary in order to cope with present and future urban challenges. The European policy framework, including the recently released European Green Deal, could strongly boost the role and recognition of NBS and SUP as drivers of sustainable and inclusive urban transition. Through a content analysis of current environmental European policies, strategies and agreements, this paper provides (i) an overview of the state of the art of the environmental European policy framework and the recognized role of NBS and SUP in reaching defined objectives, and (ii) insights on where NBS and SUP could play a larger role within this framework. On this basis, the paper identifies gaps and develops recommendations for a better integration of such concepts into the current framework.

Highlights

A trend of ongoing economic growth over the last two centuries has largely resulted in higher living standards and improved quality of life for the European population.this process has highlighted disparities among people [1] and has resulted in an increasing depletion of natural resources, degradation of ecosystems [2] and changes in the atmosphere, resulting in climate change and climate fluctuations [3]
This paper provides an overview of the role of Nature-based solutions (NBS) and Sustainable urban planning (SUP) in securing a sustainable and inclusive urban transition, looking at relevant European environmental directives, strategies and agreements
Commission [24] and there is a strong willingness of the Commission to mainstream the concept across policy sectors as part of its effort to become a global leader in NBS

Summary

Introduction

A trend of ongoing economic growth over the last two centuries has largely resulted in higher living standards and improved quality of life for the European population This process has highlighted disparities among people [1] and has resulted in an increasing depletion of natural resources, degradation of ecosystems [2] and changes in the atmosphere, resulting in climate change and climate fluctuations [3]. Scientists place the start of the so-called Anthropocene [5] from the second half of the nineteenth century, i.e., the period in which human activity dominates the development of global ecosystems [6] This concept introduces the idea that the human species has become a geological force in terms of its capacity to impact Earth’s processes [7]. Humans have pushed the planet to overcome its natural carrying capacity in terms of resource provisioning [8,9]; depleted the health, regenerative capacity and functions of its ecosystems; and affected its natural cycles and functioning

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Discussion

Conclusion