Urban Resilience Research Articles

Spatio-Temporal Differentiation and Influencing Factors of Urban Ecological Resilience in Xuzhou City

Urban ecological resilience (UER) is vital for sustainable development, enabling cities to maintain stability in the face of environmental challenges. This study combined landscape pattern indices and spatial measurement methods, establishing a multi-scale linked “Resistance-Adaptation-Recovery (Res-Ad-Rec)” model chain to assess the UER of Xuzhou City, analyzed spatiotemporal changes using Moran’s I indices, and explored the influencing factors through the Multi-scale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) model. Finally, the research framework of “three-dimensional assessment, spatial diagnosis, and mechanism analysis” was constructed to achieve a multi-dimensional dynamic analysis. The results showed the following: (1) UER declined from 2008 to 2022, with low-value areas expanding from the city center and high-value areas near water bodies. (2) The spatial autocorrelation of UER was significant, with a rise in Global Moran’s I index and the strongest spatial agglomeration effect observed in 2022. High–high and low–low clustering were the main characteristics of local spatial autocorrelation. (3) Population density and nighttime lighting intensity were major factors influencing the spatial distribution of UER in Xuzhou City. The findings can provide a useful reference for similar resource transition cities to explore the path of sustainable development.

How environmental policy synergy can enhance urban ecological resilience: insights from text mining analysis in China

Rapid urbanization has swelled a substantial influx of rural populations into urban areas, resulting in severe ecological risks. Based on environmental policies enacted in 285 Chinese cities from 2006 to 2022, this paper uses text mining analysis to quantify environmental policy synergy from the perspectives of policy actor synergy and policy instrument synergy and further investigates its impact on urban ecological resilience. The results show that environmental policy synergy significantly enhances urban ecological resilience. Policy actor synergy and policy instrument synergy respectively determine the direction and degree of environmental policy synergy affecting urban ecological resilience, and their joint enhancement generates a strong promoting effect. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that such effects are more pronounced in regions with strict environmental regulation intensity and high economic development levels. Furthermore, mechanism analysis demonstrates that factor agglomeration effects and green innovation effects serve as key channels through which environmental policy synergy enhances urban ecological resilience. The government should strengthen environmental policy synergy, tailor environmental policies to local conditions, and promote high-end factor agglomeration and innovation capacity.

Digital Urbanism: AI, IoT, and Blockchain for the Future of Sustainable Smart Cities

Abstract: This research paper explores the transformative convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain technology in shaping the next generation of sustainable smart cities. As urban areas face mounting challenges related to population growth, resource management, and environmental sustainability, digital technologies are enabling data-driven governance, efficient infrastructure, and enhanced citizen engagement. The study examines how AI algorithms optimize urban services such as traffic management, energy distribution, and waste control; how IoT devices facilitate real-time monitoring and automation across city systems; and how blockchain ensures data integrity, security, and transparent transactions in urban ecosystems. Through case studies and system-level analysis, the paper highlights successful implementations and identifies best practices and future opportunities for integrating these technologies to create intelligent, resilient, and inclusive urban environments. Keywords: Smart cities, Digital urbanism, Artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, Blockchain, Sustainable development, Urban innovation, Data-driven governance, Intelligent infrastructure, Urban resilience, Real-time monitoring, Smart mobility, Energy efficiency, Urban automation, Secure data systems

Enabling nature-based solutions for climate adaptation in cities of the Global South: planning dimensions and cross-cutting pathways for implementation

Abstract Despite the increasing recognition of the critical role that nature-based solutions (NBS) play in urban resilience, decision-makers in many cities across the Global South continue to prioritize grey infrastructure and engineered solutions. This prevailing approach may offer short-term economic advantages but ultimately falls short in ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of communities facing the challenges of a changing climate. This article aims to identify the main enabling factors that foster the application and implementation of NBS in cities, through a detailed analysis of urban NBS case studies. For this reason, the research focused on grey literature, providing insights into real-world implementation and identified 52 case studies through a thorough review of web databases and relevant publications on NBS case studies, supplemented by a web-based questionnaire distributed to identify additional cases. A qualitative methodology was employed to analyse the data collected for each case, covering various phases of each project, including planning, delivery, and stewardship. The findings indicate that enabling the implementation of urban NBS in the Global South requires attention to four key dimensions: good governance, financial feasibility and economic sustainability, social acceptance, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, the results highlight the importance of cross-cutting pathways emerging from these dimensions, such as adopting an integrated, context-specific, and data-driven approach in planning and implementation, enabling mechanisms for participatory approaches and multi-stakeholder engagement, planning for the delivery of multiple benefits by NBS, and prioritizing NBS in urban land acquisition and management policies.

Industrial Diversification, Entrepreneurship, and Urban Economic Resilience

Based on the relevant framework of evolutionary geography, this article explores the direct effect of industrial diversification on urban economic resilience and its indirect effect on urban economic resilience through entrepreneurial spirit. The research finds that during the period from 2018 to 2023, cities with a stronger degree of industrial diversification demonstrated stronger economic resilience in the face of external shocks. Industrial diversification can not only disperse the risks from external shocks, but more importantly, it can stimulate entrepreneurial spirit, thereby promoting innovation and transformation in industries and enhancing the economic resilience of cities.

Stochastic Frontier Model for the Evaluation of the Sustainability of Urban Gardens in Puebla, Mexico

Amid rapid urbanization and persistent food insecurity in Latin America, urban gardens have emerged as sustainable alternatives to conventional agriculture. This study evaluates the technical and economic efficiency of producing four vegetables (lettuce, Swiss chard, spinach, and tomato) in urban and conventional systems in Puebla, Mexico. Using a stochastic frontier model, the analysis integrates key environmental costs, specifically, water-use efficiency and nutrient balance valuation, to assess the sustainability trade-offs. The results show that urban gardens achieve comparable efficiency to conventional systems while reducing water use by up to 66% and optimizing nutrient cycling. These findings support urban agroecological models as viable strategies for local food production and provide actionable insights for municipal policies aimed at enhancing urban food resilience and environmental performance.

Blending Nature with Technology: Integrating NBSs with RESs to Foster Carbon-Neutral Cities

Nature-based solutions (NBSs) offer a promising framework for addressing urban environmental challenges while also enhancing social and economic resilience. As cities seek to achieve carbon neutrality, the integration of NBSs with renewable energy sources (RESs) presents both an opportunity and a challenge, requiring an interdisciplinary approach and an innovative planning strategy. This study aims to explore potential ways of achieving synergies between NBSs and RESs to contribute to urban resilience and climate neutrality. Focusing on the railway station district in western Thessaloniki (Greece), this research is situated within the ReGenWest project, part of the EU Cities Mission. This study develops a comprehensive, well-structured framework for integrating NBSs and RESs, drawing on principles of urban planning and energy systems to address the area’s specific spatial and ecological characteristics. Using the diverse typologies of open spaces in the district as a foundation, this research analyzes the potential for combining NBSs with RESs, such as green roofs with photovoltaic panels, solar-powered lighting, and solar parking shaders, while assessing the resulting impacts on ecosystem services. The findings reveal consistent benefits for cultural and regulatory services across all interventions, with provisioning and supporting services varying according to the specific solution applied. In addition, this study identifies larger-scale opportunities for integration, including the incorporation of NBSs and RESs into green and blue corridors and metropolitan mobility infrastructures and the development of virtual power plants to enable smart, decentralized energy management. A critical component of the proposed strategy is the implementation of an environmental monitoring system that combines hardware installation, real-time data collection and visualization, and citizen participation. Aligning NBS–RES integration with Positive Energy Districts is another aspect that is stressed in this paper, as achieving carbon neutrality demands broader systemic transformations. This approach supports iterative, adaptive planning processes that enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of NBS–RES integration in urban regeneration efforts.

A Month in Megacity Delhi: Caught in a Web? Stubbles, Firecrackers and Winter Weather

Thick haze, black smog, cold sun, choked lungs—winter of 2024 in the Indian capital of Delhi was no exception over recent earlier years—severe urban air pollution undermining agendas of multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), including Resilient Cities and Communities (UN SDG 11), Life on Land (UN SDG 15) and Good Health and Well-being (UN SDG 3). In this narrative, we track down six criteria—air pollutants, particulate matter (PM 2.5 , PM 10 ), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), ozone (O 3 ), and sulphur dioxide (SO 2 )—during the period 20 October to 18 November 2024, as measured at 39 monitoring stations, at 8:00 pm (IST). Results indicate that the daily median concentrations ( N = 39 monitoring stations) for PM 2.5 and PM 10 were around 203 µg.m −3 and 351 µg.m −3 , respectively, while they were 1.97 mg.m −3 , 55.12 µg.m −3 , 29.80 µg.m −3 , 13.04 µg.m −3 , for CO, NO 2 , O 3 and SO 2 . We found a ‘differential’ pollutant behaviour. For example, while both the PMs, CO and NO 2 , frequently exceeded environmental safety thresholds, O 3 and SO 2 always remained below these. For the PMs, CO and NO 2 , we observed three distinct time horizons: (a) pre-Diwali and Diwali (PD&D; 20 October-2 November) with the lowest daily median concentrations ( N = 39 stations); (b) post-Diwali phase I (PDP-I; 2–11 November) with intermediate daily medians and linearly declining over the days and (c) post-Diwali phase II (PDP-II; 12–18 November) recording the highest daily median levels with a polynomial rising trend. Significant (.05 < p <.01) positive associations were found between the daily median PMs, CO and NO 2 concentrations, indicating similar sources. Computations of relative health risks due to excess PM 2.5 levels revealed heightened threats of cardiopulmonary and cancer mortality at all locations. As we reflect on crop stubble burning and the Diwali festival (anthropogenic factor), we observe that winter meteorology (e.g. low wind speed and low solar radiation) plays a decisive role. We point to the current policy shortcomings, especially the graded response action plan, and emphasize the need for socio-technical innovations (crop residue management), institutional reforms, a multistakeholder, participatory action plan and intensifying the existing air quality monitoring programmes.

Prioritizing Smart City Themes for Multi-National Enterprises and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Cities’ role as major hubs of human activity and economic development is essential in attaining sustainable development, fostering a balance between economic, social, and environmental development, especially in light of the growing concern over Anthropocene-induced environmental issues like global warming and climate change. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a historic call for coordinated international action in this area, with SDG 11 specifically identifying “Sustainable Cities and Communities” as a primary objective. Therefore, it is clear that a paradigm shift in our approach to these challenges in terms of our thinking, sensibility, behavior, and responses is necessary. Implicitly, in view of their pivotal role in environmental sustainability, development of “smart” cities as healthy, citizen-friendly, economically viable, and sustainable cities for our future generations in today’s globally integrated world, as predominant centers of human settlement and activity with multinational enterprises driving economic growth, gains the immediate attention of researchers. In this light, this study aims to identify and thereafter prioritize key indicators of a smart city using the structured and consistency-focused best–worst multi-criteria decision-making (BWM) method, suitable for expert-driven decision-making with limited comparisons. While the UN’s SDG 11 promotes safe and resilient cities, our findings suggest a disparity in how local officials prioritize certain dimensions such as safety or recreation. This disconnect warrants closer examination of localized policy drivers. The findings of this study indicate that according to experts, among others, the priority themes are, in order, water and sanitation, wastewater, health, the environment, and the economy. Thus, these represent a key take-away for multinational enterprises for identifying and assessing significant thrust domains and areas of opportunity for intervention and contribution to the UN SDGs. It also enables a replicable framework for synergy between the public and private sectors towards contrastive intervention in other cities across the globe.

Harnessing artificial intelligence for urban economic resilience

ABSTRACT Amid escalating global economic uncertainty, a comprehensive analysis of the effect of artificial intelligence (AI) development on urban economic resilience (UER) is crucial for promoting sustainable global economic development. This study utilizes panel data from 284 Chinese cities from 2010 to 2022 to empirically test the influence of urban AI on UER and its role mechanism by using the fixed-effects, mediating-effects, and moderating-effects models. The study reveals that AI significantly enhances UER, with an improvement of 7.44%. Harnessing AI for UER remains valid even after conducting the robustness and endogeneity tests. Mechanism analysis discovered that AI enhances UER by increasing urban innovation ability. Industrial structure and wage structure positively moderate the effect of AI on UER. Heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that the improvement effect of AI level on UER is more evident in large (7.49% increase), southern (5.11% increase), non-resource-based (10.84% increase), and high-economic cities (11.17% increase). This paper discusses the path selection from an AI perspective to enhance UER, which provides a useful reference for cities seeking to navigate the new wave of technological revolution.

Urban Climate Adaptation and REsilience (U-CARE) in Texas: Insights from Interdisciplinary Perspectives

Urban Climate Adaptation and REsilience (U-CARE) in Texas: Insights from Interdisciplinary Perspectives

AI-Assisted Urban Flood Prevention Services Decision-Making Framework With Multi-Dimensional Data Fusion via Govern-Intranet

Urban flood prevention faces challenges in real-time monitoring, data integration, and decision-making support, particularly under constraints of sensitive data security and efficient emergency response. This study proposes an artificial intelligence-assisted decision-making framework for urban flood prevention, integrating multi-dimensional data fusion via an intranet. A city-level digital twin platform is developed, combining real-time sensor data, meteorological information, and social media data using a geographic information system, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence algorithms. The framework ensures secure data processing through intranet-based operations, enhancing flood prediction accuracy and emergency response efficiency. The system was successfully implemented in Hebi City, Henan Province, demonstrating significant improvements in flood risk management. This research advances urban resilience and provides a scientific basis for flood management in smart cities.

Urban green spaces and their impact on health and well-being: A case study of Tirana, Albania

Urban green spaces (UGS) play a vital role in fostering physical health, mental well-being, and social connectivity, particularly in rapidly urbanizing environments. This study examines the relationship between access to UGS and health outcomes in Tirana, Albania a city undergoing significant urban transformation. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we conducted a comprehensive survey with 493 respondents to assess the impact of UGS usage on self-reported health, well-being, and clinical depression. Statistical analyses revealed that frequent and quality interactions with UGS were associated with better mental health, increased physical activity, and stronger social bonds. Conversely, individuals reporting poor access to or negative perceptions of UGS quality experienced diminished well-being and higher incidences of depression. This study underscores the urgent need for urban planning policies that prioritize equitable distribution and enhancement of green spaces. By addressing these challenges, cities like Tirana can leverage UGS to enhance urban resilience, promote public health, and create more inclusive and livable environments.

Assessing Citizens’ Perceptions of Urban Agriculture and Its Contribution to Food Security—Worldwide Analysis and Specific Case Studies in Spain

There is growing worldwide concern about eating healthily and consuming local food. Consequently, urban agriculture has become a topical issue, especially in light of increasing demographics. The present article investigates and assesses how urban agriculture can be implemented to ensure greater food security and achieve sustainable development goals. The methodology consisted in distributing a worldwide survey, along with interviews with project managers of two urban agricultural practices in the cities of Valladolid and Segovia (Spain). The survey gathered 250 responses from nearly all continents, ensuring a diverse and global perspective and that most respondents were familiar with the concept of urban agriculture (80%) rather than food security (57.4%). The survey also revealed that 88.1% of respondents expressed their willingness to be engage in such projects. The interviews brought out a number of common points, such as ensuring that residents are properly aware about the value of integrating the food sector into cities and the benefits it provides, such as organizing activities and workshops, etc. However, promoting small organizations and start-ups linked to local production and consumption and integrating urban planning experts is crucial to ensure more resilient and sustainable cities. This research uniquely integrates quantitative survey data with in-depth qualitative case studies, linking global perceptions of urban agriculture and food security with local realities.

Form and Flow: The Spatial Politics of Urban Resilience and Climate Justice by Kian Goh

<i>Form and Flow: The Spatial Politics of Urban Resilience and Climate Justice</i> by Kian Goh

Public view on nature-based solutions in Budapest: assessing attributed effectiveness in addressing societal challenges

Abstract Responding to climate change requires actions that address environmental, social, and economic challenges. Nature-based solutions (NbS) offer a pathway to enhance urban resilience and adaptive capacity while supporting sustainability. Understanding public attitudes toward NbS can reveal gaps in benefit delivery, communication, and engagement for effective implementation. This paper investigates public perceptions of urban infrastructure, focusing on green spaces and NbS, through a survey of 821 Budapest residents. Although adaptation and mitigation studies in Budapest are plentiful, none has specifically examined public perceptions of NbS. Uncovering public attitude in Budapest is important because the city has the potential to showcase good practices or possible pitfalls as the most influential city in Hungary by far. Results indicate that residents value multifunctionality in urban infrastructure and expect multiple benefits from green spaces. Familiarity with the NbS concept was found to be moderate, with a positive correlation to benefit attribution. While people correlate certain types and scales of NbS with diverse benefits, a range of implementations may be necessary to address climate challenges comprehensively. Additionally, the analysis reveals some gaps between objectives attributed to NbS in research or design and benefits perceived by the public. Examining the reasons behind divergences between targeted objectives and perceived benefits can help urban managers and project designers refine NbS strategies. A profound exploration of public familiarity with the NbS concept and applied projects is essential. Enhancing public understanding can facilitate community engagement and a feedback loop that can provide insight into bottlenecks in implementations.

Synergizing Gas and Electric Systems Using Power-to-Hydrogen: Integrated Solutions for Clean and Sustainable Energy Networks

The rapid growth in natural gas consumption by gas-fired generators and the emergence of power-to-hydrogen (P2H) technology have increased the interdependency of natural gas and power systems, presenting new challenges to energy system operators due to the heterogeneous uncertainties associated with power loads, renewable energy sources (RESs), and gas loads. These uncertainties can easily spread from one infrastructure to another, increasing the risk of cascading outages. Given the erratic nature of RESs, P2H technology provides a valuable solution for large-scale energy storage systems, crucial for the transition to economic, clean, and secure energy systems. This paper proposes a new approach for the co-optimized operation of gas and electric power systems, aiming to reduce combined operating costs by 10–15% without jeopardizing gas and energy supplies to customers. A mixed integer non-linear programming (MINLP) model is developed for the optimal day-ahead operation of these integrated systems, with a case study involving the IEEE 24-bus power system and a 20-node natural gas system. Simulation results demonstrate the model’s effectiveness in minimizing total costs by up to 20% and significantly reducing renewable energy curtailment by over 50%. The proposed approach supports UN Sustainable Development Goals by ensuring sustainable energy (SDG 7), fostering innovation and resilient infrastructure (SDG 9), enhancing energy efficiency for resilient cities (SDG 11), promoting responsible consumption (SDG 12), contributing to climate action (SDG 13), and strengthening partnerships (SDG 17). It promotes clean energy, technological innovation, resilient infrastructure, efficient resource use, and climate action, supporting the transition to sustainable energy systems.

AN URBAN DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY AS A TOOL FOR IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND BUILDING RESILIENCE

Purpose. Urban authorities face numerous challenges, including suburbanisation, ageing populations, transport congestion, pollution. Development strategies are essential tools for implementing sustainable development (SD) and building urban resilience (UR) to external shocks, such as economic and social crises, climate threats, or pandemics. The aim of this article is to assess the approach adopted by city authorities to implementing SD and strengthening UR based on their development strategies. Methodology. A questionnaire survey conducted in 33 Polish cities enabled an analysis of these cities' development strategies regarding their timeframes, stated objectives, and diagnostic areas. Furthermore, in-depth interviews with representatives from 7 Polish cities provided insights into the barriers and challenges associated with implementing SD, as well as perceptions of UR. Findings. The study concludes that while the authorities of Polish cities are aware of the importance of SD, the low engagement of stakeholders and the absence of local leadership present significant barriers to its practical implementation. Notably, UR was not included as a component of any development strategy, indicating a lack of awareness in this area, which could lead to more severe consequences in the future.

Enhancing urban resilience through machine learning-supported flood risk assessment: integrating flood susceptibility with building function vulnerability

Urban flooding threatens urban resilience and challenges SDGs 11 and 13. This study assesses urban building flood risk in Guangzhou by integrating flood susceptibility with building function vulnerability. Using a Random Forest (RF) model, it predicts flood susceptibility based on flood records, hydrological, topographical, and anthropogenic features. The Categorical Boosting (CatBoost) model identifies building functions using POI and AOI data. Results reveal significant spatial variations: central districts exhibit higher flood susceptibility, while peripheral areas remain less affected. Over half of the buildings are moderately vulnerable, with only a small fraction highly vulnerable. Based on flood susceptibility and functional vulnerability, Guangzhou is classified into three district types: central urban (Type I), intermediate urban (Type II), and suburban/rural (Type III). The study underscores the need for tailored flood risk management strategies to address these disparities and mitigate climate change-induced water hazards.

Extreme Weather Shocks and Crime: Empirical Evidence from China and Policy Recommendations

Rising global temperatures and increasing extreme weather events pose challenges to social stability and public security. This study examines the relationship between extreme weather and crime in China using fixed-effects quasi-Poisson and negative binomial regression models, along with a generalized additive model to explore nonlinear effects. The results show that extreme heat significantly increases crime, following an “S” shaped pattern. This intense heat heightens emotional instability and impulsivity, leading to a crime surge. While moderate heat reduces crime, extreme cold and heavy rainfall have no significant effects. These findings highlight the need for stratified policy interventions. Based on empirical evidence, this study proposes three key recommendations: (1) developing a weather warning and public security risk coordination system, (2) promoting community-based crime prevention through mutual assistance networks and infrastructure improvements, and (3) enhancing psychological interventions to mitigate mental health challenges linked to extreme weather. Integrating meteorological data, law enforcement, and interventions to help potential perpetrators can strengthen urban resilience and public safety against climate-induced crime risks.