Green Areas Research Articles

Future land use simulation modeling for sustainable urban development under the shared socioeconomic pathways in West African megacities: Insights from Greater Accra Region.

The study explores the evolving land use patterns and their implications for sustainable development in Ghana and neighboring megacities. Using 15 years of historical Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) data combined with Land-Use Harmonization datasets, the study applies the Future Land Use Simulation (FLUS) model to project future LULC dynamics under Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios in the densely urbanized Greater Accra Region (GAR) of West Africa. Analyzing historical and current land use dynamics in the GAR revealed notable shifts, notably a decrease in Rangeland and an increase in Built-up areas. Future projections of LULC under SSP scenarios show continuous expansion of Built-up areas, particularly under SSP245 (middle of the road scenario) and SSP370 (Regional Rivalry scenario). This is consistent with results from the urban growth analysis using Urban Expansion Intensity Index (UEII), indicating high-speed expansion in baseline periods and shifts towards medium to high-speed expansion under SSP245 and SSP370 with low-speed expansion under the SSP126 (Sustainability scenario). Shannon entropy analysis shows dispersed urban sprawl, especially under SSP245 and SSP370, with rapid increases in Built-up areas and declines in green areas. For instance, the analysis of the landscape metrics reveal that built-up and green areas are projected to increase and decrease up to 87% and 12% respectively, under these scenarios. The decline in urban green areas was significantly influenced by proximity to the central business district (CBD), with green spaces diminishing more as distance to the CBD decreased. Therefore, relevant local legislation, such as the 2016 Land Use and Spatial Planning Act (Act 925) must be enforced, along with integrating urban initiatives and policies that promote green areas, is essential for ensuring the sustainability of urban ecosystems for the well-being of both humans and the environment. This enables West Africa to achieve its Global commitments as reflected in the UN SDGs, towards the New Urban Agenda (NUA) and the Africa Urban Agenda 2063.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in urban green areas in the city of São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Spatiotemporal dynamics of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in urban green areas in the city of São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Irrigation Water Treated with Oxygen Nanobubbles Decreases Irrigation Volume While Maintaining Turfgrass Quality in Central Chile

The efficient use of water resources is a growing priority in multiple sectors, including the turfgrass industry. Nanobubbles (NB) represent an innovative technology that, by enriching solutions with various gases, offers significant benefits in several industrial areas. In crop irrigation, they have been shown to increase dissolved oxygen in the root zone and thereby boost yields. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the use of oxygen NB in irrigation water on turfgrass quality, considering different levels of water restriction (0%, 30%, and 50% of daily crop evapotranspiration), compared to conventional irrigation. During the summer of 2024, trials were conducted using turf quality indices based on multispectral reflectance and RGB digital image analysis. The results showed that the use of NB allowed for a reduction in irrigation by 50% without compromising turf quality, reaching values similar to treatments without water restriction. In contrast, treatment with the same restriction but without NB (WNB50%) showed a deterioration in quality. This study shows NB as an innovative tool to optimize water use, with great potential for applications in landscape green areas, promote water use efficiency, and reduce the costs associated with irrigation.

Thermal Comfort and Afforestation In Belém: City of Mango Trees and Host Of COP 30

Objective: The objective of this article is to evaluate the thermal comfort in Belém based on climatic variation and afforestation, considering its relationship with public policies from the administration of Antônio Lemos to the current period. The analysis is based on historical and climatic data, as well as afforestation indicators, and seeks to understand how these policies contribute to urban sustainability and the fulfillment of SDG 11 goals. Theoretical Framework: The work is based on the concepts of Sustainable Development, with an emphasis on the dynamics of cities and urban management, considering the context of public policies aimed at environmental management. Aspects related to thermal comfort in the face of climatic variations are addressed, as well as the relevance of urban afforestation as a mitigating strategy. The study is set in the context of Belém, the host city of COP 30, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices and integrated urban policies to face contemporary environmental challenges. Method: The method adopted in the study combines a theoretical and literature review covering physiographic, climatic and historical aspects related to the territorial and urban formation of Belém, with a focus on thermal comfort, climate change, afforestation and the city's green areas. As a complement, tables, charts and graphs are used to analyze data collected from secondary sources, including the Environmental Index Indicators for Brazil's Capitals and the 2010 Municipal Basic Information Survey (Munic), published by the IBGE (2024). In addition, temperature variations in the city are analyzed, based on records from the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET). Results and Discussion: The results show a variation of 1.96°C in the maximum temperature in Belém between 1970 and 2023, indicating a growing trend of thermal warming. This evolution highlights the need for integrated and effective responses to limit global warming to 1.5°C, through adaptation and mitigation measures. Public policies for sustainable urban planning, expanding green areas and encouraging resilient practices are essential strategies for mitigating the impacts of rising temperatures. This study seeks to contribute to the debate on the challenges and possibilities of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Brazilian urban contexts, especially in cities in the Amazon region. Research Implications: The thermal rise identified intensifies the impacts on urban thermal comfort, increasing vulnerability to heat waves, health problems and pressure on infrastructure. This reality reinforces the urgency of adaptation and mitigation measures, such as sustainable urban planning, expansion of green areas and resilient practices to contain the effects of warming. Hosting COP 30 in Belém is an opportunity for international projection and a turning point for urban and environmental management, which can catalyze public policies, modernize planning instruments and encourage greater social participation in decisions that affect the population. Originality/Value: This study contributes to broadening the debate on the challenges and possibilities of implementing the SDGs in Brazilian cities, especially in the Amazon. It highlights the importance of holding COP 30 in Belém, considering sustainable urban development as a collective process that requires collaboration between governments, civil society and international actors, aiming for global goals, quality of life and socio-environmental justice.

Biosorption of Cr (III) from Polluted Water Using Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst (Kikuyo)

Given the abundance of kikuyu biomass resulting from the pruning of green areas, the aim of this study was to evaluate its use as a biosorbent (BK) for Cr (III) removal from polluted waters. The biomass was activated using H2SO4 (1.25%) and NaOH (3.25%). The characterization methods were Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. Our results confirmed the presence of active groups on BK, such as –OH, -C=C-, -C=O, and -C-O-, with an increase of 1308.58% in specific surface area, as well as the presence of chromium on the biosorbent after adsorption process. The adsorption capacity (q) was tested in a jar test as a function of biomass granulometry, dose (BK), and the pH of the solution; the best response was 47.9 mg/g at a pH of 5.5, a biosorbent dose of 0.5 g/L, and a biosorbent size of 100 μm. The effect of pH was positive; by increasing the pH, the adsorption capacity increased. However, the effect of the biosorbent dose and size was negative, as when increasing the dose and granulometry, the adsorption capacity decreased. In addition, the kinetic process was studied, where the removal data were better fitted for the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, confirming that the adsorption mechanism was chemisorption. The adsorption capacity was 37.6 mg/g for industrial wastewater. The possibility of using kikuyu within the circular economy was demonstrated and suggests its application in continuous systems for real-world environmental conditions.

Evaluation of Urban Accessibility Through Geomarketing Techniques: Case Study in Valencia (Spain)

Today’s world is becoming increasingly urbanised, with populations concentrated in cities. This trend underscores the need to monitor urban growth and its potential adverse effects. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the European Urban Agenda, various local agendas, and the “15-Minute City” concept aim to mitigate these effects, particularly climate change-related ones. This paper explored the role of accessibility to public transport, services, and green urban areas (GUAs) in achieving the goals of SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities and examined the feasibility of establishing 15-min cities by evaluating urban indicators. The methodology applied geomarketing techniques within geographic information systems (GISs) using high spatial resolution and influence buffers rather than conventional buffers for a more accurate assessment. These results offer a comprehensive and specific view of the city’s situation, based on the case study of Valencia (Spain), and provide urban planning tools for decision-makers with accessibility evaluated as a percentage at the block level.

Spatial and Habitat Determinants of Small-Mammal Biodiversity in Urban Green Areas: Lessons for Nature-Based Solutions

In an increasingly anthropogenic world, urban green areas are critical for human well-being because of the ecosystem services they offer. However, the management of these areas often prioritizes economic, architectural, and aesthetic needs over ecological functionality, undermining the benefits they ought to provide. Actions to restore the functional ecological processes of urban green areas have thus become increasingly urgent. This study investigated the impact of urban green area characteristics on the community composition of an indicator animal group to inform Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) for urban biodiversity and sustainability enhancement. We analyzed data on small mammal community composition from three Italian metropolitan cities (Milan, Florence, and Rome), focusing on the distribution pattern of synanthropic and non-synanthropic species. Small mammal surveys were carried out using hair tubes in sampled areas located along a gradient of green area size and fragmentation. Multiple Linear Mixed Models assessed the influence of spatial and habitat green area characteristics on species richness. Synanthropic species richness was positively associated with manicured urban parks, while non-synanthropic species richness was higher in woodland green areas characterized by high shrub cover. Through a Linear Mixed Model and NODF-based Nestedness analyses, we found that competitive exclusion and selective extinction/colonization processes did not significantly influence community composition. These insights emphasize the major influence of habitat composition in supporting functional communities of urban small mammals. To move toward resilient urban ecosystems, NBSs must primarily be implemented at a local scale by creating green patches with high habitat quality, and secondarily, they should be embedded in an interconnected and functional network at a city scale.

Regulating (ecosystem) services of an urban natural area: A case study in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Peri-urban conserved natural or semi-natural areas provide several ecosystem services and assist in reducing air pollution in cities. The aim of this study is to assess the contribution to the improvement of air quality of a small area (<1km2) adjacent to a city in the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), which is seriously affected by vehicular and industrial emissions of pollutants. Hydrocarbon (HC) and carbonyl compounds (CC) levels were determined, by employing TO-15 and TO-11A US EPA Methods, respectively, in both the urban and green areas. The results showed that the concentrations of anthropogenic HC were approximately 1.7-2.1 times higher in the urban area which confirms that the natural park assists in the dispersion and reduction of pollutants. In the case of the CC compounds, for samples that were collected in the morning, the total mean and median values were 1.3-1.6 times higher in the urbanized zone, while during the afternoon the green area showed values that were 1.5-1.9 times higher. These results suggest that in the green area, the emission or formation of CC compounds through photochemical processes is significant, particularly in the afternoon. Anyway, the ozone forming potential was found to be lower within the natural park in both periods, which confirms the positive role played by conserved natural areas outside or surrounding extensive metropolitan areas in the reduction of atmospheric pollution, in spite of the negative impact of anthropogenic emissions.

Responding to green finance with emission reduction and value-added: The role of enterprise environmental investment

Responding to China’s green finance policy with enterprise environmental investment (EEI) constitutes a crucial link in achieving environmental governance objectives, exerting crucial influence on the nation’s green transformation and high-quality development. Taking the pilot policy of China’s Green Finance Reform and Innovation Experimental Zone (GFRP) in 2017 as a quasi-natural experiment, this study systematically evaluates the effect of GFRP policy on the decisions of EEI and further explore whether the investments are used for passive end-of-pipe treatment (EOP) or positive source prevention (SP) by using firm-level data. The results indicate that GFRP policy can significantly promote EEI, and mainly reflected in SP, rather than EOP. Through potential mechanism analysis, it can be concluded that GFRP policy facilitates EEI by alleviating financial constraint, reducing agency cost, and enhancing environmental information disclosure. Heterogeneity analysis suggests that there exists asymmetry in policy effects, with greater impacts in high green finance development areas, low concentration industries and large-scale enterprises. Furthermore, micro-level performance consequences examination reveals that the enterprises’ decision to increase EEI under GFRP policy not only effectively realizes energy conservation and emission reduction but also contribute to facilitating enterprise value, to achieve green transformation. This study holds significant policy implications, providing empirical evidence to policymakers for the refinement and dissemination of green finance policy, and offering valuable insights for enterprise investment and management decisions.

Assessment of potential ecological and health risk of potentially toxic elements in roadside green areas and urban parks

Assessment of potential ecological and health risk of potentially toxic elements in roadside green areas and urban parks

Data-driven optimization design method and tool platform for green residential area layout

ABSTRACT In early design stage of residential area layouts, sustainable design and performance optimization are crucial for minimizing environmental impact of buildings. This work integrates environmentally-friendly sustainable design with artificial intelligence technology to enhance residential area layouts. A parametric generative algorithm is developed to automatically generate design schemes for typical Chinese urban residential areas based on a sustainable, performance-oriented design flow. The workflow of architects is summarized into the following steps:1) Extraction of spatial form features from the residential area layout database;2) Automatic generation and sunlight duration simulation of new design schemes;3) Evaluation and screening of generated schemes. The generative algorithm is implemented using Rhino/Grasshopper, Python, and Matlab. In a case study involving residential area layouts in Beijing, the design scheme with the lowest values of DF, WinH, QuVue, SiteH, and UTCI among 42,691 automatically generated schemes was identified as the optimal scheme. This optimal scheme’s total load is 40.7% lower than the original scheme. To validate the design flow, two additional case studies were conducted. The results demonstrate that the parametric generative design of residential area layouts facilitates passive sustainable design in the early design stage and enhances environmental effects without increasing construction costs.

Filling the void: Urban regeneration and contested space in Milan's Loreto Square

Since 2015, Milan has experienced significant growth, driven by mega‐events and large urban regeneration projects. This development has not eliminated certain contradictions however, with social polarization in Milan increasing even after the pandemic. This article analyzes the redevelopment of a key Milan landmark, Loreto Square, from an anthropological perspective. While the project rhetoric emphasizes creating a new green and sustainable area, it also reveals opposing urban strategies based on the privatization of public space and land rent. The article concludes by highlighting the central role of spaces characterized by institutions as ‘urban voids’ in shaping the identity of contemporary cities.

Landscape Design Proposal in Public Spaces: A Case of Düzce Uzun Mustafa Neighborhood

Public spaces are considered a critical process that determines the initial spatial perception of an individual in their environment and shapes their experiences and memories. These spaces include public buildings, open areas, and locations that are in constant interaction with the surroundings. The analysis of the landscape features of the physical environment aims to create an interaction between different uses in urban landscape design and to transform a busy street into a livable area. The surroundings of public buildings such as the Düzce Governorship Meteorology Directorate, Düzce Vocational School, and library in the Uzun Mustafa neighborhood of Düzce have passive urban open and green areas. In this study, the mentioned areas were evaluated, the landscape features of the physical environment were analyzed, and revision proposals related to urban landscape design were made. By utilizing the satellite image and zoning plan of the study area, it was aimed to eliminate elements that cause confusion in human psychology according to urban and landscape features. In the method of the study, internal and external factors were considered based on the project design processes of the area, and a SWOT analysis was conducted to minimize the impact of weaknesses and elements that pose threats in the area. As a result, this study aimed to create a more livable space that meets the needs of users in areas with passive, unused or undesigned surroundings of public buildings and to contribute more effectively to the daily life of the community in spaces with different functions.

Atmospheric pollution affects the morphoanatomical and physiological responses of plants in urban Atlantic Forest remnants.

The Metropolitan Area of São Paulo (MASP) in southern Brazil is impacted by high ozone levels posing significant threats to its urban forests and the Atlantic Forest remnants. These green areas, covering 540 km2 and constituting 30% of MASP's territory, necessitate an urgent assessment of air pollution impacts on their flora. Our study investigates the effects of atmospheric pollution on the morphoanatomical and physiological responses of four native tree species (Alchornea sidifolia, Casearia sylvestris, Guarea macrophylla, and Machaerium nyctitans) across two Atlantic Forest remnants in MASP. We examined visual and morphoanatomical changes in leaves, gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, and plant volatile organic compounds to identify markers for biomonitoring urban environments. Our results reveal that MASP vegetation is adversely affected by tropospheric ozone. Species with porous mesophyll structures, such as M. nyctitans and G. macrophylla, exhibited greater visual and structural damage. In contrast, species with compact mesophyll, such as A. sidifolia and C. sylvestris, demonstrated higher tolerance. This suggests that anatomical architecture critically influences species' responses to atmospheric pollutants, such as tropospheric ozone. Additionally, we propose that ozone influx occurs through both stomatal pathways and as a result of direct and indirect injuries to the plant tissues. Additionally, our study identifies non-visual markers, including anatomical and physiological parameters and plant volatile organic compounds (e.g., presence of salicylates), as effective tools for monitoring plant species in urban environments. These insights highlight key anatomical and metabolic markers that help distinguish ozone-tolerant species from sensitive species, providing valuable information for monitoring air pollution in urban forests.

The need for health equitable climate adaptation policies in Northern Europe.

Socioeconomic conditions remain an important factor in determining health outcomes in Northern Europe. In this commentary, we argue for evidence-based temperature-related climate adaptation policies in Northern Europe that account for disparities in socioeconomic conditions and aim at universal health coverage. We highlight the role of spatial and occupational disparities in urban areas that can be important factors in increased physical and mental health impacts related to heat and cold. We further highlight how these factors interplay with exposure to air pollution and access to green areas and worsen health conditions. Adaptation to changing climatic conditions requires both physiological acclimatization and behavioral adaptation, both of which are difficult to assess for socioeconomically deprived communities. We argue for more equitable climate adaptation strategies that include i) better integration of health in climate change adaptation plans; ii) building climate resilient communities, and iii) integrated surveillance and health systems. These actions could be vital in spearheading research in new cross-cutting areas like climate change, migration, and health.

Open Spaces, Green Areas: The Szeged Circular Embankment as a Green Ring in the Plans of Endre Pálfy-Budinszky

Open Spaces, Green Areas: The Szeged Circular Embankment as a Green Ring in the Plans of Endre Pálfy-Budinszky

Wild animals connect us with nature: about awe, eco-pedagogy, and nature-connectedness

In recent years, studies have linked children’s experiences with nature to their understanding of sustainability. According to existing research, positive nature interactions and the experience of being part of nature motivate sustainable actions, a relationship described by the concept of “connectedness with nature.” Current research often refers to nature as a green (or blue) area—i.e., a place that, unlike urban areas, has characteristics that stimulate positive experiences of nature. Hence, the connection between experiences with local wild animals in nature (invertebrates such as snails and spiders, and vertebrates such as mammals and amphibians) and positive nature experiences remains unexplored. We do not yet know whether wild animals, as creatures with their own goals and worlds of experience, can stimulate children’s experience of being part of nature and ultimately lead to sustainable behaviour. However, animals are relatively easy to connect with and care for because their actions often resemble ours. This recognisability may intuitively pique children’s interest and thus initiate a budding emotional attachment to and understanding of nature. This article offers a theoretical framework for how children’s experiences of local wildlife may influence their opportunities to develop nature connectedness. The article demonstrates how observations of wild animals and their purposefulness in their natural environment potentially stimulate emotions and cognitions that are of significance to developing nature connectedness. We point to three effects, as follows: (1) the stimulation of curiosity through animals’ senses and actions, (2) insight into the diversity of nature through animals’ recognisable, yet different behaviour, and (3) the experience of how we depend on the concrete environment by proxy. We elaborate on the implications of these effects on children’s connection to nature. We also discuss the importance of adult involvement and support in the facilitation of certain feelings and cognitions in the development of children’s connectedness to nature.

Оцінка якості атмосферного повітря Житомира за показниками ушкодженості пилку Spiraea x vanhouttei

An assessment of the state of Spiraea x vanhouttei pollen in the green areas of Zhytomyr under the influence of various factors of urbotechnogenic origin was carried out. A species of perennial plants of the shrub layer was selected for bioindicative studies. The generative part of these plant species is exposed to the main components of air pollution for a long time, as is the human respiratory system. Assessment of the state of atmospheric air in the surface layer is important for determining potential consequences for the ecosystem and assessing the risk to public health. Atmospheric air pollution by emissions of pollutants from industrial enterprises and motor vehicles is one of the main environmental problems of Zhytomyr and the region. Although in general, according to the data of the CGO named after B. Sreznevskyi, Zhytomyr belongs to the cities with a low level of atmospheric air pollution. It occupies the 23rd position among other cities of Ukraine. The article describes the characteristics of the main components of air pollution and their sources. To monitor the state of the gametophyte S. x vanhouttei, 6 locations were selected in different districts of the city, which differ in terms of anthropogenic load and the presence of green spaces. The sensitivity of pollen was studied by qualitative (fertility) and quantitative indicators. In most of the studied territories, plants have retained a high reproductive potential. A significant loss (by 2.1–2.25 times) of pollen fertility was noted only in plants in the territory with increased influence of emissions from mobile sources. The depressive effect of exogenous factors is more evidenced by the variability of morphometric characteristics. In particular, the production of morphologically diverse pollen grains and the reduction of their average size. In particular, the production of a larger share of morphologically diverse pollen grains and a decrease in their average size was noted. This is also due mainly to the impact of emissions from motor vehicles, as this is the area where the city’s largest transport hubs are located – the railway station and the central bus station. Thus, the conclusions of the Central Geophysical Observatory named after B. Sreznevsky regarding the dominant influence of mobile sources in the total amount of pollutants in the urban ecosystem of Zhytomyr. The established manifestations of the sensitivity of S. vanhouttei pollen to a complex of exogenous factors of the growing environment confirm the prospects of its use as a medium-resistant species for bioindicative assessment of the state of the environment.

Effect of foliar application of nano micro nutrients and deficit irrigation on stay green characteristics and drought resistance in maize

The stay-green character is a crucial trait linked to delayed leaf senescence, which enables the plant to continue photosynthetic activity for an extended time under early and terminal drought. Reduced water availability causes early leaf senescence, lower chlorophyll content and eventually poor yield in maize. The objectives were to quantify the effects of irrigation regimes, nanocomposite levels physiological parameters, yield attributes and yield of maize. The main plot treatments comprised of well irrigated and withheld irrigation, while the sub plot treatments consisted of different nanoparticles viz., ZnO, MnO, (ZnO + MnO), TNAU nano revive and ZnSO4 + MnSO4. The results revealed that higher dry matter production (5282 and 9891 kg/ha), leaf nitrogen (44.28 and 39.97), grain filling rate, grain filling duration (34.44 days), green leaf area (92.50%) and proline content (0.59 and 1.28 mg g -1) were recorded at tasseling and grain filling stage, respectively under well-irrigated conditions. Foliar spraying of ZnO (100 ppm) and MnO (20 ppm) nanocomposite, registered higher root biomass (24.21 and 32.11 g/plant), leaf nitrogen (44.6 and 39.1), dry matter production, green leaf area, lowest proline content which ultimately resulted in a higher number of cobs/plant, number of grains row/cob, number of grains/grain row, test weight (1000 grains weight), shelling percentage, crop water use (18.79 kg/ha/mm), grain yield (8.20 t/ha), stover yield (12.2 t/ha) and benefit cost ratio of 2.4. Thus, it could be concluded that well-irrigated condition followed by foliar spray with ZnO (100 ppm) and MnO (20 ppm) registered higher growth, yield attributes, yield, and economics.

The Impact of Socio-Demographic Variables on the Daily Use of Leisure Time by Adults in Poland with a Particular Focus on Older People

The sphere of leisure time fulfils important roles in human life, translating into the quality of life of the individual and society. Hence, comprehensive research is being conducted on the ways in which different age groups, including older people, use leisure time. However, few of them take into account factors related to the place of residence, which are important for respondents’ leisure time activities. This study aims to fill the gap in this regard. The aim of the article is to identify socio-demographic variables determining the way adults spend their leisure time, with a particular focus on older people in selected border municipalities in Poland. The study included 1068 individual questionnaire questionnaires completed in 2021 by respondents of border municipalities. One of the non-probability techniques was chosen as the method for selecting elements for the sample, namely, the quota method, which took into account the following characteristics of the population: age, gender, and place of residence. The analyses used selected methods of descriptive statistics and multivariate comparative analysis. The results confirmed that leisure use varied by gender, age, and education. The research also showed that, in the case of older people, leisure time use is influenced by elements relating to their place of residence. Particularly important were the development of green areas in the municipality, safety in the municipality, and the cleanliness of recreational sites.