Spatial Compatibility of Implementing Nature-Based Solutions for Reducing Urban Heat Islands and Stormwater Pollution

Andreas Matzinger,Thomas Ertl,Lena Simperler

doi:10.3390/su12155967

Abstract

Cities worldwide are facing several challenges connected to urbanization and climate change. Several cities have identified the implementation of nature-based solutions (NBS) as an option to mitigate several challenges at once. However, can two different aims be reached with NBS in the same location? This question has not yet been addressed. This paper discusses the spatial compatibility of NBS implementation strategies to tackle (1) urban heat island (UHI) effects and (2) water pollution at the same location. The evaluation is based on a spatial analysis of Berlin. We found a positive correlation of high UHI and median high stormwater pollution loads for zinc, total suspended solids, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Terbutryn. Out of more than 14,000 building/street sections analyzed, 2270 showed spatial matching of high UHI and high stormwater pollution loads. In the majority of building/street sections, stormwater pollution was high for three out of the four parameters. We conclude that the compatibility of NBS implementation for both challenges depends both on the implementation strategies for NBS and on the specific NBS measures. Our spatial analysis can be used for further planning processes for NBS implementation.

Highlights

Cities worldwide are facing challenges from urbanization, including air pollution, urban heat islands (UHI), pollution of surface water and pluvial flooding
We found a positive correlation of high UHI and median high stormwater pollution loads for zinc, total suspended solids, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Terbutryn
The opportunity of the spatial matching of different challenges for nature-based solutions (NBS) implementation depends on strategic aims

Summary

Introduction

Cities worldwide are facing challenges from urbanization, including air pollution, urban heat islands (UHI), pollution of surface water and pluvial flooding. In urban water management [6], they can decrease urban pluvial flooding through water retention [7], reduce surface water pollution through reduced runoff [8] and restore the natural water balance [9]. They can mitigate the urban heat island (UHI) effect through shading and evapotranspiration [10] and reduce air pollution by interception and absorption [11]. NBS provide additional benefits such as increased biodiversity [12], increased human well-being [13] and added social values [14]

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Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion