The CONNECTING begins

Expanding urban populations and climate change present some of the greatest challenges to our cities. CONNECTING Nature aims to tackle these challenges, and increase the resilience of cities to future change, by supporting cities in delivering re-naturing as foci for multifunctional solutions.

Figure1. New York City expanses of built infrastructure.

The growing challenge

Currently 70% of Europe’s population live in cities and with this being predicted to shift to 80% by 2050. With such a proportion of our populations in cities, it is more important than ever to create sustainable and healthy communities. Reduction in human health and well-being, loss of biodiversity, increasing flood risk  and air pollution are some of the most pressing issues that urban populations face. These issues are predicted to become more intense as cities continue to grow and the impacts of climate change increase.

The solution? Nature

One solution to these modern day challenges may come from one of the oldest concepts around – nature. Solutions which utilise, are inspired by, and are supported by nature can address a range of urban challenges. An example of this is the use of green roofs to: reduce urban heat island effects by providing thermal comfort zones; intercept and delay stormwater; provide habitat for biodiversity; increase the lifespan of roof construction materials; intercept air pollution; and provide social spaces and health and well-being benefits to communities.

Figure 2. Biosolar green roof on the London Olympic park providing multiple benefits, including cooling the photovoltaic panels to help them perform more optimally.

CONNECTING Nature is a €12m Horizon 2020 Innovation Action which will position Europe as a global leader in the innovation and implementation of Nature Based Solutions for cities. CONNECTING Nature brings together 29 partners from 16 European countries including local authorities, communities, industry partners, NGOs and academics. Through CONNECTING Nature, 11 European cities will invest in multi-million-euro large scale implementation test-beds of Nature Based Solutions. We will measure the impact of this approach on climate change adaptation, health and well-being, social cohesion as well as sustainable economic development. This project will develop an understanding of how to effectively deliver Nature Based Solutions at city scale to a wide range of challenges.

Figure 3. All partners at the Dublin kick-off meeting of CONNECTING Nature

Watch this space

The CONNECTING Nature kick-off meeting has recently taken place in Dublin and we’re now beginning the journey working with Local Authorities across Europe and beyond to scale-up and roll-out innovative nature based solutions in their cities. The SRI are working with three Front Runner Cities (Glasgow, Genk and Poznan). These are cities that are already leading the way in terms of Nature Based Solution co-creation and delivery. The SRI will be supporting these cities in understanding, capturing, enhancing and sharing their expertise through large-scale NBS schemes. Keep an eye on our blog and the CONNECTING Nature website for updates on how we are all getting on.

Figure 4. CONNECTING Nature workpackage and steering committee leaders, comprising a mix of academic and local government representatives.

By Sam Jelliman