Approximately 65% of China’s population lives in cities; within a decade, that percentage will exceed 70%, and the total number of city-dwellers in China will reach 1 billion. Protecting the health and safety of the urban population is now a top priority for national development.
As the impacts of climate change intensify over the coming decades, environmental shocks such as storms, heat waves will grow in frequency and severity, and cities are particularly vulnerable. Our research will identify how urban greenspaces, such as parks and forest belts, can buffer floodwaters and lower surrounding temperatures. This approach to sustainable urbanization will help protect lives, avoid costly damages to property and infrastructure, and lower energy use.
In addition to natural disasters, urban populations are also vulnerable to pollution, overwork, and other challenges to physical and mental health. Our research will help to quantify the benefit of nature-based solutions in alleviating these problems and improving human physical and mental health. For instance, roadside tree networks absorb air and noise pollution while urban parks provide spaces for work-addled residents to exercise, engage in leisure, and socialize – all to the benefit of their wellbeing.
