The Use of Nature-Based Solutions in the Adaptation of Large Polish Cities to Climate Change and Energy Transformation: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Cities have always been places that generate problems, but also places where solutions are born. In recent years, cities have become a testing ground for finding and testing solutions to overcome the climate crisis. The subject of the paper is Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) that strengthen the resilience to climate change, influence urban spaces, and improve the quality of life of residents. The study focusses on the identification of NbSs, the diagnosis of its participation in local adaptation activities, and a comparative analysis of the activities planned and implemented in 44 large Polish cities in 2017–2023. The authors analyse data from 44 Polish cities, based on the types of NbSs implemented in European cities that carried out the URBAN GreenUP project. The results of the study show that Polish cities, while introducing sustainable urban lifestyles through NbSs, do not take advantage of all the opportunities inherent in these solutions. They focus on greening urban spaces and implement water interventions and singular green infrastructure measures to a lesser extent. There is negligible use of innovative and energy-using activities. The quantitative data obtained can be used to identify the gaps and potentials in the use of nature-based solutions in the adaptation of Polish cities to climate change and energy transformation. The aim of this work is also to identify recommendations to incorporate NbSs into urban adaptation policies in Poland. The authors conclude that the research conducted can serve to improve the knowledge on the links between NbS planning in adaptation activities and their implementation in urban spaces. An awareness of NbS gaps can influence the intensification of research on the implementation of innovative adaptation solutions, including energy-based solutions. The results obtained can also contribute to a better organisation of urban policies that aim to increase the resilience of cities to climate change.

Urban Greening in the Process of Climate Change Adaptation of Large Cities

“…Additionally, in this timeframe, we conducted a comparative analysis of singular green infrastructure measures, planned and implemented in the 44 cities between 2017 and 2023. Following the assumptions of the URBAN Green UP project, the identified types of NbSs included green walls, green shady structures, green roofs, vertical gardens, floating gardens, urban farming, urban wildlife habitats, and intelligent natural solutions [62];…”

“…Based on the study of the chosen 44 Polish cities spanning the years 2017-2023, identifying the NbSs applied with climate change adaptation of Polish cities in mind, we drew the following conclusions pertaining to urban greening [58,62]:…”

“…The municipal plans of designating habitats for pollinating animals (13.3%) as well as areas for urban agriculture and pollution filtra-tion (7.6% each) were rather scarce. The category of other comprised 11.2% of planned measures, including various urban programmes, promotional campaigns, or eco-friendly initiatives [58,62].…”

“…Vertical solutions (15.8%), initiatives related to pollution filtration (10.9%), urban agriculture (6.7%), and the use of smart soils (5.8%) were implemented to a lesser extent. A significant percentage of the activities (16.4%), such as environmentally friendly programmes or initiatives, fell under the other category [58,62].…”

“…Vertical solutions (15.8%), initiatives related to pollution filtration (10.9%), urban agriculture (6.7%), and the use of smart soils (5.8%) were implemented to a lesser extent. A significant percentage of the activities (16.4%), such as environmentally friendly programmes or initiatives, fell under the other category [58,62]. The above results may be encumbered with some errors due to lack of access to all local data and differences resulting from variations in the data provision by individual cities.…”