Urban Green Spaces and Blue-Green Infrastructure: Pathways to Carbon Neutrality and Building Sustainable Cities
摘要
Rapid urbanization has disrupted urban ecosystems, fragmented natural landscapes, and intensified challenges such as the urban heat island effect, air pollution, and waterlogging, all of which affect human well-being. Hence, addressing these issues necessitates integrating nature-based solutions, such as urban green spaces (UGS) and Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI), into urban planning. These solutions are pivotal in advancing cities toward carbon neutrality, enhancing resilience, and ensuring long-term sustainability. UGS and BGI facilitate urban cooling, efficient water management, and habitat creation, enhancing overall urban environmental health. The BGI, such as bioswales and vegetative rain gardens, improves water retention, reduces flood risks, and enhances ecological connectivity and aesthetic value. BGI helps to mitigate environmental risks and foster well-being by promoting stress reduction, physical activity, social interaction, and community cohesion. This chapter highlights case studies such as Singapore's vertical gardens, Copenhagen's flood-resilient parks, and India's Pashan Lake restoration, emphasizing the adaptability and success of these solutions in diverse urban contexts. However, implementing UGS and BGI faces challenges such as land-use conflicts, financing limitations, and ensuring equitable access. Addressing these barriers requires robust policy frameworks, innovative technologies, and active community engagement. Aligning ecological, social, and economic objectives with UGS and BGI systems represents transformative pathways for building sustainable, livable, and resilient cities.