Green Infrastructure and Environmental Health Security: The Role of Nature-Based Solutions in Improving Urban Health: Fid-Bau Portal

Green Infrastructure and Environmental Health Security: The Role of Nature-Based Solutions in Improving Urban Health

Ogwu, Matthew Chidozie / Kosoe, Enoch Akwasi / Alaka, Amarachi Chekosiba / Xu, Jiajun

Green infrastructureGreen infrastructure (GI) represents a critical approach to urban planning, integrating natural and semi-natural features into cities to address environmental and healthHealth challenges associated with rapid urbanizationUrbanization and climate changeClimate change. This chapter discussed the multifaceted role of green infrastructureGreen infrastructure, focusing on various types, such as urban parksUrban parks, green roofsGreen roofs, rain gardensRain gardens, urban forestsUrban forests, and wetlandsWetlands. These GI elements offer substantial environmental benefits, including improved air and water qualityWater quality, climate regulation, and biodiversityBiodiversity conservation. Additionally, they contribute to urban resilienceResilience by mitigating the effects of urban heat islands, managing stormwater, and reducing flood risks. The chapter also examined the socio-economic advantages of GI, highlighting how it fosters recreation, community cohesion, and enhanced property values. GI has been linked to positive mental health outcomesHealth outcomes by improving access to nature, such as reduced stress and enhanced psychological well-being, essential in densely populated urban areas. The chapter emphasizes the importance of nature-based solutionsNature-based solutions (NbS) as an effective strategy for urban healthHealth improvement, integrating GI to deliver ecosystem servicesEcosystem services that promote physical, mental, and social well-being. Case studies on NbS implementations demonstrated their potential to enhance urban healthHealth by reducing heat stress, filtering pollutantsPollutants, and encouraging physical activityPhysical activity through accessible green spacesGreen spaces. However, challenges remain in implementing GI, including financial constraints, space limitations, and the need for sustained community engagementCommunity engagement. Addressing these barriers requires innovative policies, cross-sector collaboration, and community-driven planning. This chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of GI in fostering sustainable, healthy urban environments. It presents actionable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and community leaders to optimize NbS for urban healthHealth.