Urban Development Practices Research Articles

Blinders of extreme heat adaptation: uneven urban development and the reproduction of vulnerabilities

ABSTRACT Despite its deadly nature, extreme heat has received fragmented and scattered responses in cities, often overlooking the crucial social and equity components. Dominant adaptation approaches have paid little attention to chronic socio-economic vulnerabilities to heat stress, resulting in a lack of strategic planning to address them. Building upon critical urban studies and adaptation scholarship, this article examines how the dynamics of urban climate adaptation in the Global North have sidestepped the root causes of heat vulnerability and their (re)production in past, present and future practices of uneven urban development and planning under austerity. We investigate this empirically in attending to the framing of adaptation, the instruments used and the biases they introduce in Montreal (Canada), as well the perception from planners and community groups regarding their agency in responding to extreme heat. We contribute to the literature in analysing how the urban governance of adaptation in urban planning tends to silence the social production of vulnerabilities by three intersecting processes: the biases of instruments used, the unacknowledged legacies of uneven urban development, and the lacking recognition and support for community organisations caring practices.

Comprehensive Assessment of the Impact of Green Roofs and Walls on Building Energy Performance: A Scientific Review

Sustainability and energy efficiency are now two pivotal goals that society aims towards. Green roofs and facades have gained significant attention in this direction for innovative, sustainable solutions for enhancing building energy performance. With a focus on sustainable urban development and energy-efficient building practices, this study delves into the intricate relationship between these green infrastructure elements and the overall energy dynamics of constructed environments. Furthermore, a range of case studies from diverse geographical locations are presented to provide valuable insights into their practical implications as emerging technologies that contribute to improved insulation, reduced heat transfer, regulating indoor temperatures, and mitigation of urban heat island effects, thus reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling and optimizing overall energy consumption. This comprehensive review serves as a dataset for understanding and highlighting all the research findings of the numerical and experimental investigations invested in the field of greenery systems to encourage their integration, which is crucial for combating climate change and pollution. Previous research is often focused on isolated, short-term, or single-climate analyses of consumption; therefore, by providing an inclusive description of their practical benefits in both temperate and extreme climates, the gap in previous articles is tackled.

Towards state entrepreneurialism? Exploring heritage-led governance and urban (re)development practices in Xi’an, China

Towards state entrepreneurialism? Exploring heritage-led governance and urban (re)development practices in Xi’an, China

INTEGRATED MODEL FOR FORECASTING TIME SERIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION PARAMETERS

The quality of life in large urban areas is considerably diminished by air pollution, with major contributors being motor vehicles, industrial activities, and fossil fuel combustion. A major contributor to air pollution is coal-fired and thermal power plants, which are commonly found in emerging markets. In Astana, Kazakhstan, a rapidly expanding city's significant reliance on coal for heating and considerable building exacerbate air pollution. This research is essential for improving urban development practices that support sustainable growth in rapidly expanding cities. Using time series data from four monitoring stations in Astana using fractal R/S analysis, the study looks at long-term patterns in air pollutant levels, especially PM10 and PM2.5. The stations' Hurst exponents were determined to be 0.723, 0.548, 0.442, and 0.462. Additionally, the flow window method was used to study the Hurst exponent's dynamic behavior. The findings showed that one station's pollution levels had long-term memory, which suggests that the time series is persistent. While anti-persistence was noted in the third and fourth sites, data from the second station indicated nearly random behavior. The Hurst exponent values explain the October 2021 spike in pollution levels, which is probably caused by thermal power plants close to the city. The fractal analysis of time series could serve as an indicator of environmental conditions in a given region, with persistent pollution trends potentially aiding in predicting critical pollution events. Anti-persistence or temporary pollution spikes may be influenced by the observation station's proximity to pollution sources. Overall, the findings suggest that fractal time series analysis can act as a valuable tool for monitoring environmental health in urban areas.

Collaborative and professional accommodations on Airbnb: Exploring patterns for sustainable tourism management in Spain

This study analyses the characteristics of accommodation types (collaborative and professional) in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia. It examines location factors, including proximity to top tourist spots, concentration of Airbnb accommodations, and population density, to identify which accommodation type contributes to negative impacts in these cities. Additionally, it delves into pricing features, reviews, length of stay, accommodation services, and host characteristics to distinguish between collaborative and professional accommodations.Logistic regression analysis and Random Forest are used, employing 500 decision trees to explore non-linear and complex relationships. Partial dependence plots offer insights into how predictions evolve across different ranges, providing valuable information about the locations, population density, tenure, and reviews associated with the two accommodation types.The findings reveal that professional accommodations tend to be concentrated in areas with high population density and near major tourist attractions, exacerbating tourist overcrowding issues. Conversely, collaborative accommodations are situated more than 4 km away from the main tourist spots, potentially contributing to a more balanced distribution of tourists and avoiding excessive concentration.These findings have significant implications for urban tourism dynamics, offering valuable insights that can inform urban planning, policy development, and sustainable tourism practices.

A sustainable framework for urban ecotourism development: A comparative literature review of policy and practices in Thailand and China

This research aims to identify best practices and policy guidelines that foster sustainable urban ecotourism. As urban areas continue to expand, integrating ecotourism into urban planning emerges as a critical approach to sustainable development. This paper compares the policies and practices of urban ecotourism development in Thailand and China, aiming to construct a sustainable framework applicable to urban ecotourism development. Employing a comparative literature review, this research synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed journals, governmental reports, and case studies published between 2000 and 2024. The analysis focuses on the policies and practices adopted by Thailand and China to promote urban ecotourism, examining their effectiveness, challenges, and outcomes. The review shows distinct approaches in the two countries, with Thailand emphasizing community-based practices and stakeholder involvement and China primarily focusing on top-down policy initiatives for urban ecotourism development. Despite differing strategies, both countries demonstrate a commitment to integrating ecotourism into urban development plans. From the environmental, socio-cultural, and economic three dimensions, key successes include enhanced biodiversity conservation, increased local community participation, and improved tourist satisfaction. Challenges such as inadequate policy implementation, environmental degradation, and the sustainability of ecotourism practices are also discussed. The conclusion is that a holistic approach to urban ecotourism development that aligns policy and practice with the principles of sustainability is meaningful. The proposed framework offers actionable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and ecotourism practitioners aiming to use the potential of ecotourism as a tool for sustainable urban development in Thailand, China, and beyond.

Monitoring and assessment in the context of governance of nature-based solutions. Shared challenges and opportunities in CELAC and EU cities

The concept of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) has gained interest as an approach to make significant contributions to the transformation towards more liveable, sustainable, and climate-resilient cities. However, the uptake of NbS into urban development practice is hindered by knowledge and governance barriers. Knowledge plays an essential role in evidence-based decision-making processes and in building the capacity to co-design sustainable pathways. In turn, governance processes can greatly support the acquisition, dissemination and application of knowledge. However, little is known about how these interactions between governance and knowledge manifest in practice. Therefore, we aim to understand the interplay between governance and monitoring & assessment (M&A) and the associated challenges and opportunities for NbS implementation in European and Latin American cities. Considering different socio-economic and cultural contexts allows us to draw from a wider range of practitioners’ experiences in different governance settings. We conducted an explorative qualitative content analysis on ten semi-structured expert interviews with thirteen city experts from local governments and academia based in seven cities: Bogota (CO), Buenos Aires (AR), Santiago (CL), São Paulo (BR), Barcelona (ES), Lisbon (PT) and Turin (IT). Our findings show that M&A provides agency for individual, institutional actors to steer political commitment and can support integrated working. The potential of collaborative M&A with non-governmental actors is still largely untapped, which requires acknowledgement of the capacities of non-governmental actors to contribute to M&A and raise awareness of the value of M&A to civil society. Furthermore, we recommend integrating more reflective learning opportunities in M&A processes, paying more attention to data sharing, and considering of more feasible M&A processes.

INNOVATIVE URBAN DEVELOPMENT: THE CONCEPT OF "SMART CITY" AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN THE U.S.

Along with the rapid development of information and communication technologies in the 21st century, implementation of innovative urban development practices and approaches has become a pivotal trend and direction of contemporary urbanization process. Smart cities are considered to be the main practical outcomes of innovative urban development. Meanwhile, the concepts of "smart city" and sustainability are mutually connected and determined: thus, the concept of "smart sustainable city" has emerged to characterize the use of smart and innovative urban technologies for achieving long-term and balanced urban development in socio-economic, institutional, cultural, and environmental aspects. Innovative urban development gets a particular significance for the U.S., taking into account the great share of country's urban population (above 80%), distribution of large and densely-settled urbanized areas across the country, as well as the uniqueness of the factor of urbanization in American lifestyle, economy, and social relations. The theoretical section of this paper is devoted to the study of aforementioned theoretical ideas and peculiarities of innovative urban development smart sustainable cities. It is followed by a practical section, where relevant cases of 5 American smart cities (New York City, San Francisco, Columbus, Austin and Chicago) were studied, compared and summarized.

Impediments to urban land development and transformation in Tanzania: evaluating conventional approaches and proposing innovative solutions

Urban land development involves converting rural land into urban land suitable for various purposes such as residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use development, and infrastructure services. The urban land development in Tanzanian cities faces numerous challenges rooted in colonial-era practices and the coexistence of customary and formal land ownership systems. This study thoroughly examines the limitations of conventional land development approaches and their impacts on spatial planning. This study compares traditional land acquisition and development with innovative, self-financing, cost-effective strategies. The study deployed a mixed methodology comprising questionnaire surveys and interviews to address specific objectives for improving urban land development practices. The findings highlight the potential of innovative strategies in catalysing urban development and spatial planning, offering a promising path forward. It emphasises the need to integrate diverse approaches to address infrastructure challenges, enhance spatial planning, and protect the interests of affected communities, thereby fostering a more sustainable and equitable urban landscape.

Towards design reparations: remedying urban morphologies through policy reform in Harlem, New York

This article critically examines the paradox of housing as a symbol of societal progress in the United States, juxtaposed against the historical legacy of housing segregation, regulatory policy and market biases. It underscores the far-reaching consequences of such policies, which have not only exacerbated the current national housing crisis and widened the racial wealth gap, but also entrenched social inequalities, disproportionately affecting marginalised and minority communities. The article assesses the role of housing market segregation, slum clearance, urban renewal and contemporary zoning regulations and architecture in steering urban development practices, and how they have inadvertently and, in some cases intentionally, hindered equitable spatial opportunities, particularly in housing. Utilising a case study centred on Harlem, New York, this article explores the concept of spatial reparations as a catalyst for policy reform and emergent spatial morphologies that promote redressing both past and current injustices. It emphasises the potential of design-based interventions that materialise from the use of policy as a crucial medium of exploration, in this case for future models of housing-supply innovation. These explorations aim to stimulate meaningful policy and design debates about just-city making, while concurrently serving as a strategic countermeasure to the detrimental consequences of advancing gentrification and related market forces. This research offers a transformative examination of urban housing in the United States and Harlem, challenging traditional perspectives and practices, and advocating for more equitable spatial distribution and opportunities.

Towards Sustainable Urban Mobility: Voronoi-Based Spatial Analysis of EV Charging Stations in Bangkok

This study leverages the efficacy of Voronoi diagram theory within a mixed-methods approach to thoroughly examine the spatial distribution, service coverage, and optimal locations for expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Bangkok. Drawing on data from field surveys and public data providers, our analysis unfolds in four key stages. Firstly, we delve into the spatial distribution of charging stations, scrutinizing density, proximity to various road types, and land use through the lens of Voronoi diagrams. Secondly, the application of Voronoi diagrams informs the evaluation of service boundaries. Thirdly, utilizing this effective tool, we assess population density per parking slot or charging head to anticipate future EV adoption. Finally, the study introduces an approach to identify suitable locations for new charging stations through the application of overlapping Voronoi circles. Findings reveal a clustered distribution of charging stations along roads, particularly in the central business district, showcasing the efficiency of Voronoi diagrams in spatial analysis. Residential areas and urban commercial zones also host significant charging station concentrations. Notably, service coverage in inner Bangkok surpasses that of middle and outer areas, highlighting underserved regions. Prospective areas for new charging stations, identified through Voronoi analysis, include Bang Khae, Phra Khanong, Min Buri, and Huai Khwang. This research, rooted in the application of Voronoi diagram theory, offers vital insights for various stakeholders involved in urban infrastructure planning. By employing Voronoi diagrams within Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the study contributes to strategically placing charging stations, optimizing spatial understanding, and enhancing resource allocation. This GIS-based approach not only supports the rise of electric vehicles but also promotes sustainable urban development practices through the efficient utilization of spatial data and analysis techniques.

Redefining sustainable urban development: A critical analysis in the wake of COVID‐19

AbstractThis paper critically examines the concept of sustainable development, particularly in the context of urban challenges exacerbated by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Although the concept of sustainable development has been around for more than three decades, it faces ongoing global socio‐environmental crises that have been exacerbated by the rapid spread of COVID‐19 since 2019, which has highlighted the vulnerability of urban and interconnected cities. Our approach includes a comparative literature review to analyze the evolution and critique of sustainable development, focusing on its conceptual foundations, complementary strategies, and political‐economic implications. The paper addresses the urban implications of COVID‐19, emphasizing its direct impact on the Sustainable Development Goals and arguing for a comprehensive reassessment of sustainable urban development practices. We propose a transformative agenda that recognizes local specificities and draws on cities' experiences during the pandemic to build a more equitable and crisis‐resilient global society. This research highlights the urgency to rethink current sustainable development paradigms, especially in light of the human‐environment imbalance and lessons learned from the COVID‐19 crisis. It calls for a reformed global approach that incorporates local dimensions and draws on the experience of cities to address the inequalities and crisis‐prone structures in our societies, with the aim of a fundamental shift toward a more sustainable future in the post‐COVID‐19 era.

Microbial response to Nature-Based Solutions in urban soils: A comprehensive analysis using Biolog® EcoPlates™

The study presents a comprehensive examination of changes in soil microbial functional diversity (hereafter called microbial activity) following the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in urban areas. Utilizing the Biolog® EcoPlates™ technique, the study explored variations in microbial diversity in urban soil under NBSs implementation across timespan of two years.Significant differences in microbial activity were observed between control location and those with NBS implementations, with seasonal variations playing a crucial role. NBS positively impacted soil microbial activity especially at two locations: infiltration basin and wild flower meadow showing the most substantial increase after NBS implementation. The study links rainfall levels to microbial functional diversity, highlighting the influence of climatic conditions on soil microbiome. The research investigates also the utilization of different carbon sources by soil microorganisms, shedding light on the specificity of substrate utilization across seasons and locations. The results demonstrate that NBSs implementations lead to changes in substrate utilization patterns, emphasizing the positive influence of NBS on soil microbial communities. Likewise, biodiversity indices, such as Shannon-Weaver diversity (H′), Shannon Evenness Index (E), and substrate richness index (S), exhibit significant variations in response to NBS. Notably, NBS implementation positively impacted H′ and E indexes, especially in infiltration basin and wild flower meadow, underlining the benefits of NBS for enhancing microbial diversity.The obtained results demonstrated valuable insight into the dynamic interactions between NBS implementation and soil microbial activity. The findings underscore the potential of NBS to positively influence soil microbial diversity in urban environments, contributing to urban sustainability and soil health. The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring soil microbial activity to assess the effectiveness of NBS interventions and guides sustainable urban development practices.

Assessing the socio-cultural impact of urban revitalisation using Relative Positive Impact Index (RPII)

Urban heritage is a vital resource that connects communities to their local identity. Unplanned developments and rapid urbanisation often harm the authenticity of historic areas, disrupting the cultural fabric and altering their character. This study introduces the Relative Positive Impact Index (RPII), a novel technique for assessing the socio-cultural impacts of urban revitalisation. The significance of RPII lies in its ability to quantitatively evaluate the impacts on the cultural fabric and integrity of historic urban areas, which is crucial for sustainable urban development. The study’s objective is to apply RPII in evaluating qualitative socio-cultural characteristics in historic urban areas, with a focus on four main criteria and 16 sub-criteria, in the case of the Kuttichira precinct. The methodology integrates the analysis of published literature, a quantitative survey mapping the stakeholders’ perception, and qualitative insights. This approach facilitates an in-depth understanding of how urban revitalisation affects local socio-cultural dynamics, preserving the authenticity and character of historic areas. The study reveals that the revitalisation project in Kuttichira positively impacts the socio-cultural fabric of the area, maintaining cultural integrity and addressing social challenges. These findings offer valuable insights for sustainable urban development and policymaking in historic areas. The study recommends the application of RPII in other urban precincts for comparative analysis and further development of urban development practices, contributing to informed urban policy and planning decisions.

Odonata Assemblages in Urban Semi-Natural Wetlands.

As the human population in urban areas is continuously growing, urbanization is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity. To mitigate the negative effects, the inclusion of blue zones (aquatic habitats) in modern urban development practices is strongly recommended, as they could be beneficial for the local biodiversity conservation. Odonata are a flagship group and are widely used in freshwater conservation as ecological indicators of habitat integrity and health. However, our understanding of their ecological requirements in urban landscapes is not yet complete. Therefore, we analyzed the taxonomic and functional diversity of Odonata in a semi-natural wetland in the Croatian capital. This study was conducted in the summers of 2020 and 2023. Most taxonomic and functional assemblage metrics were comparable between the two main habitat types, anthropogenically disturbed and natural oxbow lakes. However, significant differences were found in relation to the time scale, where most metrics were lower in 2023, indicating the negative impact of extreme climate events (including droughts) that occurred in this region after 2020. With 19 species recorded, our results indicate that semi-natural urban wetlands, especially natural oxbow lakes, have great potential to function as good habitats for Odonata, where even some species of conservation concern were detected. When developing landscape management plans in urban areas, it is essential to consider the importance of habitat heterogeneity in terms of good structure of aquatic macrophytes (presence of submerged, emergent and floating vegetation), which would ensure the most suitable habitat conditions for local Odonata species.

Deciphering groundwater pollution in the Lower Anayari Catchment: insights from using δ2H, δ18O, PMF, and APCS-MLR receptor model.

This research provides a comprehensive analysis of groundwater pollution in the Lower Anayari Catchment (LAC) through δ2H and δ18O isotopic analysis, along with positive matrix factorization (PMF) and PCS-MLR receptor models. Forty groundwater samples were collected from hand-dug wells and equipped boreholes across the LAC. Flame photometry for Na+ and K+, complexometric titration for Ca2+, ion chromatography for Cl-, F-, NO3-, SO42-, and PO43-, and atomic absorption spectrometry for Mg2+, Fe, Pb, Cd, As, and Ni were analytical techniques/instruments employed. In regard to cations, Na+ has the highest average concentration of 63.0 mg/L, while Mg2+ has the lowest at 2.58 mg/L. Concerning the anions and nutrients, Cl- has the highest mean concentration of 18.7 mg/L, and Fl- has the lowest at 0.50 mg/L. Metalloids were detected in trace amount with Fe displaying the highest mean concentration of 0.077 mg/L whereas Cd and As recorded lowest (0.001 mg/L). The average values for groundwater δ18O and δ2H were - 3.64‰ and - 20.7‰, respectively; the average values for rainwater isotopic composition were - 3.41‰ for δ18O and - 17.4‰ for δ2H. It is believed that natural geological features, particularly biotite granitoid and volcanic flow/subvolcanic rocks from the Birimian Supergroup, significantly influence groundwater mineralisation. Additionally, the impact of anthropogenic activities on water quality, with urban development and agricultural practices, may be attributed to increasing levels of certain contaminants such as Fe, Ni, NO3-, and PO43-. This research contributes to the broader field of hydrological study and provides practical implications for managing and conserving water resources in similar contexts. The innovative combination of isotopic and statistical analyses sets a new standard for future studies in groundwater quality assessment, emphasising the need for comprehensive approaches that consider both geological characteristics and human impacts for sustainable water resource management.

Urban green spaces and their impact on environmental health: A Global Review

Urbanization has become an irreversible global phenomenon, with a majority of the world's population residing in cities. As urban areas expand, the significance of incorporating green spaces into these landscapes is paramount for environmental health. This study provides a concise overview of a global review that explores the multifaceted impact of urban green spaces on sustainability, well-being, and ecological balance. Urban green spaces play a crucial role in biodiversity preservation, acting as vital habitats for diverse plant and animal species. These spaces contribute to the maintenance of urban ecosystems, fostering ecological balance in densely populated areas. The presence of varied flora and fauna supports environmental health by enhancing biodiversity and promoting a more sustainable urban environment. One of the significant contributions of urban green spaces is their role in improving air quality. Through the natural process of photosynthesis, plants absorb pollutants and release oxygen, serving as an effective filtration system. Trees, in particular, act as natural air purifiers, reducing the concentration of airborne particles and pollutants. This contributes to enhanced air quality, mitigating the adverse effects of urban pollution on environmental health. Urban green spaces also play a pivotal role in temperature regulation, combating the phenomenon of urban heat islands. By providing shade and reducing surface temperatures, greenery helps create a cooler and more comfortable urban living environment. This temperature regulation not only contributes to the well-being of residents but also addresses the challenges posed by rising temperatures in urban areas. Beyond environmental considerations, access to urban green spaces has profound effects on the mental and physical well-being of urban dwellers. These spaces serve as outlets for recreation, exercise, and relaxation, contributing to stress reduction and improved mental health. Additionally, urban green spaces act as hubs for social interaction and community engagement, fostering a sense of belonging and strengthening social cohesion. In conclusion, this global review emphasizes the pivotal role of urban green spaces in promoting environmental health through biodiversity preservation, air quality improvement, temperature regulation, and enhancing overall well-being. Recognizing the multifaceted benefits of these spaces is crucial for guiding sustainable urban development practices worldwide.

Analyzing the Impact of Land Cover Changes on Spatio-Temporal Temperature Dynamics in the Kara Region of Togo

This comprehensive study delves into the intricate interplay between temperature trends and land cover dynamics in the Kara region, offering robust insights into the evolving climate and environmental patterns. Employing the Mann-Kendall trend test, our analysis reveals a statistically significant and consistent warming trend over the study period. The observed low p-values, positive Tau values, and upward-sloping regression lines emphasize the urgent need for proactive measures to address the climate-related challenges faced by the region. Simultaneously, a meticulous correlation analysis explores the relationships between land surface temperature (LST) and key land metrics- farms, barelands, built-ups, forests, and water bodies. Farmlands exhibit a noteworthy and statistically significant negative correlation of −0.74 with LST (p < 0.05), indicating a cooling influence and supported by a substantial 43.8% predictive power. Conversely, barelands and built-ups demonstrate strong positive correlations of 0.89 and 0.78, respectively, with LST both statistically significant at the 95% confidence level (p < 0.05), emphasizing their considerable warming impact. Forests and water bodies, with moderate negative correlations of −0.65 and −0.54, maintain statistical significance (p < 0.05), indicating their role in temperature moderation, supported by 8.5% and 13% significance. The inclusion of Sen’s slope values further enriches the analysis, providing quantitative insights into the rate of temperature change. The positive slope values underscore the increasing trend in temperatures over each respective decade. The observed statistical significances, Tau values, and Sen’s slope values accentuate the importance of these relationships for effective land management and environmental planning. Recognizing the cooling influence of farmlands suggests their potential use in strategic urban planning to mitigate temperature increases. Conversely, the warming impact of barelands and built-ups emphasizes the need for sustainable urban development practices to counteract rising temperatures in urbanized regions. Additionally, the cooling influence of forests and water bodies underscores their crucial role in temperature moderation.

LCZ thermal and exoatmospheric albedo assessment using Landsat 8 land surface temperature and reflectance dataset: Case study of Lisbon

This study investigates microclimate changes induced by urbanization, with a focus on the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon and the crucial role of Land Surface Temperature (LST). Using the Landsat 8 Land Surface Temperature and Reflectance dataset obtained from the USGS Earth Explorer platform, the research evaluates LST and exoatmospheric albedo characteristics within Lisbon's Metropolitan Area across a defined set of thermal periods from 2015 to 2020. Among the findings, the Bare Soil or Sand LCZ consistently exhibits heightened LST values, while the Large Low Rise urban LCZ consistently records the highest temperatures, exceeding 54 °C and 55 °C in spring and summer and 43.8 °C and 37.8 °C in autumn and winter, respectively. These insights, derived from a meticulous examination of the Landsat 8 dataset and advanced processing methods, bear critical implications for climate change adaptation strategies, providing valuable insights to mitigate the adverse effects of the Urban Heat Island and foster sustainable urban development practices.

Carbon Storage and Sequestration by Trees in some Urban Public Parks of Jalalabad Afghanistan

‌Urban areas, characterized by rapid development and increasing carbon emissions, have become focal points for climate change mitigation strategies. This research investigates the role of urban trees as crucial components in carbon storage and sequestration, exploring their potential impact on mitigating climate change. The objectives include assessing the efficacy of urban trees in sequestering atmospheric carbon, examining variations in carbon storage across different urban settings, and elucidating the factors influencing the sequestration potential of various tree species. Additionally, the research investigates the indirect impacts of urban tree cover on local climate dynamics, including temperature regulation, air quality improvement, and overall environmental resilience. The anticipated outcomes encompass comprehensive data on the carbon storage and sequestration potential of urban trees, providing insights into the variation of these capacities within different urban contexts. By understanding the relationships between urban trees, carbon sequestration, and climate change, the research aims to inform urban planning, policy formulation, and sustainable development practices. The carbon sequestration of 512 trees belonging to 45 species was estimated. The average carbon content of these trees was 50.391t/tree. The total carbon sequestered by these trees was 120.757t/year. Highest (23709 kg/year) sequestration was observed in Ficus relegiosa and the lowest (50.59 kg/year) in Morus alba. Ficus relegiosa showed the highest average DBH and more carbon sequestration potential, whereas Morus alba showed the minimum carbon sequestration potential. The regression analyses indicated that both DBH and number of trees have a positive relation with carbon sequestration rate of tree species.