EU report: 91% of cities look to nature-based solutions in face of climate change

(EurActiv, 29 Apr 2024) A report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) released on Monday 29 April finds that almost all European cities are turning to nature-based solutions to keep in check higher temperatures and other climate change impacts.

Across Europe, the temperature for March 2024 was 2.12°C above the average for that month. Cities, which can be 10 to 15 °C hotter than the surrounding land, feel these changes in climate acutely – and are looking for solutions.

Nature-based solutions, which are “effective for cooling and water retention in cities,” have become the tool of choice for most cities, finds a new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA). This approach is present in 91% of the 19,000 local climate action plans surveyed. 

“They also provide many other benefits, such as space for recreation and reducing pollution,” the agency adds. 

What do nature-based solutions entail? Creating and maintaining parks and urban forests, green roofs and putting in place “natural water retention measures” are considered best-practice.

As a consequence, the report observes a shift in established dogma: from cities opting for either “grey” or “green” infrastructure to a “grey with green” approach.

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EurActiv, 29 Apr 2024: EU report: 91% of cities look to nature-based solutions in face of climate change