Urban Climate Change Adaptation

Erosion is becoming one of the biggest problems affecting coastlines around the world. The lack of sediment supply, the increase in storms intensity and sea level rise are behind the continuous damage that affects the coast, especially in urban areas. In this study, a review of solutions has been carried out in various parts of the world to mitigate the unwanted effects of erosion in urban environments, with special emphasis on the city of Benidorm (Spain). Benidorm is an international tourist destination, whose shoreline is no exception to the effects of climate change, with a greater storms intensity that causes continuous flooding, both on the beach berm and on the promenade. For this reason, the construction of an artificial dune parallel to the coastline is proposed in order to contain the strength of the waves and the storm surge. The dune will be made up of a coarser sand size inside, favoring the drainage of the dune and being able to mix with the sand from the beach once it is destroyed by the strong waves, having to be rebuilt after the passage of the storm. Low vegetation will be planted on this dune to prevent part of the sand from ending up deposited on the promenade, also minimizing the visual impact. The solution proposed here to contain the flood level can be exported to other parts of the world, forming part of the catalog of nature-based solutions that the coastal engineer must have for proper management of the shoreline.

The utmost of every urban space experiencing rapid urbanization due to unprecedented population growth leads to a serious impact on energy consumption, eventually resulting in carbon emissions. Containing and supporting over half the global population within cities has become a challenge, which will surge soon. Cities deal with several intricately woven problems in numerous categories, and it is necessary to address these issues by combining energy management standards for accomplishing sustainable urban development. In the process of urban transformation, the existing cities are initiated into the smart cities transformation with smart energy management becoming an integral component in which city energy footprint management becomes the most challenging goal. Renewable energy sources are considered a feasible substitute for conventional energy sources in contemporary society. Thus, this study comprehensively reviews the various renewable energy sources for different urban sectors in Tamil Nadu, India, and the crisis faced by the urban centers due to rapid urbanization. With proper urban energy management, we can devise appropriate sustainable solutions and guidelines for the future of urban wellbeing.

The research aims to conduct an empirical study on parametric material systems using the Grasshopper simulation program to enhance natural lighting in a classroom at El-Obour School in Cairo, Egypt. By manipulating variables such as window-to-wall ratio, window height, windowsill height, exterior shading device parameters, and interior wall finishing materials, the study evaluates various parametric systems. Emphasizing a low-cost strategy for advancing contemporary teaching methods, achieving cost savings, and reducing pollution, the focus is on energy efficiency in schools. Despite schools being significant consumers of energy and resources, recent advancements in materials and technology have introduced innovative building techniques, rejuvenating centuries-old practices. The study envisions the potential impact of these materials and techniques on future structures and environments, aiming to enhance sustainability and efficiency across products, structural engineering, and support systems. Utilizing parametric systems, the research seeks to elevate the effectiveness of architecture while minimizing its environmental footprint. This exploration aligns with an environmentally conscious design approach inspired by the natural evolution of smart system material properties, emphasizing adaptability to environmental changes. The combination of smart, kinetic material systems with architecture aims to explore their capacity for delivering increased comfort and significantly more energy-efficient structures.

In urban residential areas, the the architectural spatial configuration is instrumental in modulating local microclimatic parameters, which in turn exert a profound effect on the inhabitants’ comfort and overall quality of life. This paper is concentrated on the architectural and urban planning intricacies encountered in Kumamoto, Japan, particularly scrutinizing the impact of these spatial arrangements on microclimatic variances. This study bridges the existing knowledge gap by demonstrating a clear link between particular spatial arrangements and their effects on microclimates. It underscores the role of urban design in enhancing thermal comfort and air purity. Through the use of both computerized simulations and research site observational data, the research evaluates how different architectural layouts influence wind flow and the dispersion of temperature. The results demonstrate that specific architectural designs markedly improve air circulation and lower ambient temperatures, thereby presenting notable advancements compared to conventional urban planning approaches. These findings emphasize the importance of building spatial layout, while also providing crucial insights into climate-adaptive urban design.

Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) is a comprehensive approach to managing the quality and quantity of rainwater within urban settings and addressing the challenges posed by changes in natural infiltration and precipitation processes. Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) is a key component of WSUD and is extensively utilized in Europe and the United States. GSI can take many forms. One example of GSI is the rain garden, which is frequently integrated into WSUD practices across various regions and communities. The research question for this study is to find guidance for rain gardens in Southeast Asia. The objective is to identify the design factors that affect water retention ability in rain gardens and to determine the specific measurements that can be applied in Southeast Asia and across the world In similar climates. An exploratory literature review method delves into current examples of design factors influencing the water retention ability of WSUD in the tropical and sub-tropical contexts of Southeast Asia. This research found limited studies focussing on WSUD in tropical and sub-tropical climates, limited discussion on local materials, and how planting design may impact WSUD performance. The research gap highlights the need for standardized measurement units and further exploration into the specific design factors influencing the performance of plants in the context of WSUD in tropical and subtropical climates. Moreover, future studies should explore additional aspects, such as investigating input values for modeling, to improve the capability of calculating water retention ability based on relevant plant factors. Furthermore, it could involve examining the water-absorbing performance of different tree species. Designers must work with researchers to create case studies and compile evidence for effective WSUD in the near future.

People needs are considered to be a major indicator and director in their lives. Urban form of cities has been noticed to be affected and changed with the developed people needs. They are continuously changing all over hundreds of years according to the human development and scientific discoveries. Studies show that people tend to settle in cities because they know that urban settlements can offer better services and diversity in satisfying their diverse needs the best. That’s why having a track over the arrangement and evolution of cities forms is an important domain and interesting subject to be studied. To have a livable city is to have its people needs studied very well and generally fulfilled. This paper focuses on finding a relation between the hierarchy of needs of people living in gathered settlements from ancient ages to present along with their cities forms. A city is considered to be successful and remarkable only when the services they present fits the most its diverse citizens needs. A city, in its spatial form, components and land uses, corresponds with citizens needs in some way. The way it’s designed and planned gives a related overview to its people and how they live in the circumstances of space, resources and time. That’s why tracking the needs of people and studying them recently is necessary to ensure that cities are suitable and proper for their citizens to live in them regarding the accelerated updated forms of cities and not contradicting with the digital age human history is entering.

Peru is one of the South American countries that suffers from natural disasters as a result of the El Niño phenomenon, a climate cycle that alters the climate of the Pacific Ocean and is manifested with abnormal rainfall during the months of December and March. This phenomenon has a significant impact on coastal cities, causing a situation of urban fragility. In the face of this, the Peruvian government has implemented regulatory measures, which are the result of Law No. 29664 of the National Disaster Risk Management System (SINAGERD) of 2017. Its scope includes measures for risk prevention and assessment. As well as a series of technical manuals that allow a correct diagnosis of the territory. The present study delves into this methodological framework of risk management, analyzing the proposed schemes and their adaptation to the different urban realities of the country. In other words, it delves into the content of the different manuals with the intention of identifying both their positive and negative points. It also assesses the relevance of these processes as part of a preventive and not just reactive strategy in disaster situations. The results suggest that this methodological framework omits urban characteristics such as vulnerability factors such as proximity to services, access to housing, and transportation, among others. That is, it has a very open and generic approach, which allows discretion in the choice of risk indicators. That is why it produces diverse and even contradictory results. Also, these documents have to omit the geographical differences of Peru, which is a country with numerous ecological floors and problems arising from climate change. In conclusion, climate change adaptation policies omit the peculiarities of urban growth or the phenomenon of global urbanization.

The coastal region of Togo underwent a comprehensive research study aimed at exploring the utilization of rice and corn residues by local farmers. To ensure accuracy and depth, the investigation involved direct collaboration with farmers’ organisations operating in the area. The data pertinent to these organisations were diligently collected from the esteemed Ministry of Agriculture of Togo. For this study, surveys were conducted with direct interaction and engagement with farmers’ organisations. The research specifically targeted maize growers in Ave, Bas Mono, Lacs, and Yoto, while focusing on rice producers in Zio, Yoto, and Bas-Mono. The compelling results derived from the study affirmed that rice paddy and maize are the most prominently cultivated cereal crops in the coastal region. However, it was found that both maize straw and stalks tend to be disposed of through burning. Similarly, rice paddy straw and husks are also subjected to burning, except for rice bran, which is utilized as animal feed due to its nutritional value. The research identified three primary reasons that compel farmers to resort to burning crop residues. Firstly, time constraints play a significant role, as farmers often face pressing schedules and labor demands, leaving them with limited options for residue management. Secondly, the lack of access to advanced machinery or appropriate equipment poses a notable hindrance in handling and processing crop residues efficiently. Lastly, economic constraints play a pivotal role, as farmers may perceive burning as a cost-effective and accessible means of disposing of crop residues. It is important to note that using a combine harvester for rice harvesting helps to increase efficiency while also preventing farmers from burning the residue on the farm. In conclusion, this comprehensive study sheds light on the prevailing practices and challenges related to crop residue management in the coastal region of Togo. Understanding the factors influencing farmers’ decisions to burn residues provides valuable insights for formulating strategies to encourage more sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches in agricultural practices within the region.

The past decade’s shifting urban landscapes and ecological dynamics have profoundly impacted land use, land cover (LULC), and land surface temperature (LST) in diverse ways across regions. However, in the context of areas undergoing urban transitions in India, a comprehensive study connecting LULC changes to LST remains limited. This study analyses the correlation between LULC types (specifically built-up areas, waterbodies, green spaces, and bare land) and LST. Utilising statistical methods like Correlation analysis, dimension reduction analysis like Principal Component Analysis, and one-way ANOVA, the research examines their interrelation, identifying the most influential factor. Data derived from Landsat 8 and MODIS datasets form the basis of this analysis. Findings confirm the impact of impervious surfaces on LST, aligning with existing research, while highlighting vegetation’s stronger influence compared to water bodies. Elevated LST in bare land areas underscores the urgency of urban planning emphasizing green space expansion for sustainable thermal regulation. PCA was used to identify key sub-indicators across diverse domains and their influence on LST in different sections of the study region. Notable. Indicators such as UI (Urban Index), MNDWI (Modified Normalized Difference Water Index), NDVI (Normalised Vegetation Index), SAVI (Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index), and DBSI (Dry Bare Soil Index) emerge as dominant in their respective domains. While ANOVA analysis reveals variations among indicators, sectioning the region uncovers significant LST and LULC differences. This paper offers insights into nuanced LULC-LST relationships, emphasizing the need for tailored urban sustainability strategies within the region. Insights from this research could provide valuable guidance for policymakers and urban planners, facilitating the development of more sustainable urban strategies.

Transportation is integral to our daily activities, not only for social well-being but also economic success. Transformative technologies such as automation and ride pooling services due to comfort and convenience should enhance our use of mobility and complement public transit. However, restrictions on movement due to the COVID-19 pandemic have raised questions related to transport resilience and its long-term societal impact. Alternative mode choice for many individuals in the United States, for example, may not be an option given the low transit and land-use density distribution outside the urban core. This combined with inadequate funding, limits job growth spearing inequality and prejudice. Spatio-temporal distribution of cities that shape activity and transport accessibility have not fully benefited some population segments socioeconomically. Considerable research has been dedicated to understanding the impacts on public transit ridership, general trip frequency, distance and mode purpose, along with active health and the environment. Many existing studies around the pandemic’s global effect on mobility have largely investigated salient impacts on people and sectors loosely and in isolation, rather than collectively. It is therefore imperative to fully establish from evidence, key dimensions and changing patterns of transport and mobility since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, their implications, and lessons learned. This paper explores a thought leadership through guidance and insight, the hidden salient impacts of the pandemic in six key areas: transport sector employment, essential workers, personal vehicle ownership, telecommuting, ridesharing, and gender equality including ethnic minorities. Further research recommendations given the evolution of transport technologies in the context of future pandemics are also provided.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were unanimously approved by all member nations of the United Nations, are expected to be implemented by all. One of the critical goals developed was SDG 7, the all-inclusive access to affordable and clean energy for all by 2030. This study critically evaluates the progress of SDG 7 implementation in Ghana. This research paper heavily relies on document analysis and secondary data from sources such as gathering information from credible and up-to-date reports such as the 2021 Voluntary National Review (VNR) and the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) reports etc. Through the combination of policies, projects, and interventions, Ghana has made commendable progress toward realizing SDG 7. However, it is essential to highlight that only one of the five targets associated with SDG 7 has made significant strides. Distinctly, Target 7.1, which seeks to ensure all-inclusive access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services by 2030, has achieved an 86.3% attainment nationwide. This research discovered that though substantial advancements have been achieved in the power generation and distribution sector, the same cannot be said for establishing and integrating Renewable Energy sources (REs). The country continues to face significant challenges in adopting Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) and systems, usually stemming from high purchase and installation costs. To attain all the targets outlined in SDG 7 by 2030, stakeholders in the energy sector, particularly the government, must double up efforts in soliciting investment and allocating adequate resources towards the sector.

In 2015, the United Nations set forth 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be realized by 2030, one of which is universal access to water and sanitation (SDG 6). This study critically evaluates the progress of Sustainable Development Goal 6 implementation in Ghana. The assessment relied on document analysis and secondary data from various sources, including the population and housing census report (2021), the 2021 Voluntary National Review (VNR), and the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) report, among others. Through a combination of policies, projects, and interventions, Ghana has made commendable progress toward realizing SDG 6. However, it is essential to highlight that only one of the eight targets associated with SDG 6 has made significant strides. Distinctly, Target 6.1, which seeks to ensure universal and equitable access to affordable and safe drinking water, was achieved by approximately 92.2% of all households. This research revealed that although substantial advancements have been achieved in the water industry, the same cannot be said for sanitation. The country continues to face significant challenges in delivering adequate and high-quality water and sanitation services to urban and rural communities. To meet all the targets outlined in SDG 6 by 2030, stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector, particularly the government, must intensify their efforts and allocate resources towards the sector. By undertaking comprehensive evaluations and addressing the existing constraints, Ghana can navigate the path toward the successful execution of Goal 6 targets.

The United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs) is an ongoing aspiration to enhance places, lives, and the environment by 2030. The primary drivers of the sustainable development agenda are cities and communities. Therefore, this study aims to investigate Ghana’s ongoing efforts to achieve SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, specifically in creating inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities. The study adopted document analysis and secondary data from notable sources such as the United Nations, World Bank, Ghana Statistical Service, and other organizations to analyze and interpret the findings. Although some progress has been made to create sustainable cities, especially within two major cities in Ghana, Accra, and Kumasi, most of the targets are unlikely to be achieved by 2030. Specifically, target 11.1 assesses access to appropriate, safe, affordable housing, essential amenities, and upgraded slums. The metric for target 11.1 displayed the percentage of persons living in slums being 57.99%, a significant rise of about 3.24% since 2016. Improvements made to curb the development of slums have been stunted by rapid population growth and urban–rural migration. To attain all requirements and targets of SDG 11, all industry players and government have to collaborate and work expeditiously to reach a satisfactory level of achievement to prepare Ghana for further advancements in creating sustainable and environmentally friendly cities and communities, even after 2030.

Given the depletion of fossil fuel resources, energy efficiency is becoming significant. As energy efficiency controls emissions, which affect the average world temperature, it is also critically vital for addressing climate change. Also, according to the generalized technique of moments estimate results, there is a significant rise in real and ideal energy consumption as a result of urbanization, but less efficiency in energy use. Due to these reasons energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important in this century. Improving the energy efficiency of existing residential buildings in Lebanon has not yet been sufficiently addressed in the latest guidelines and studies. Since the techniques of energy saving differ from one building to another, depending on the type of the existing building and the climate zone, saving strategies are difficult to generalize. This study first examines a case study in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, which experiences an energy crisis comparable to that of Lebanon. The study investigates into various energy-efficient improvements for Cyprus’s existing buildings, which are intended to serve as a model for the Lebanese situation. Subsequently as an example of an actual residential building type in Lebanon, this study focuses on Terrace Family Houses. The effectiveness of the improvement is then assessed by comparing the new state with the existing condition state following amelioration and the implementation of energy-efficient techniques in Lebanon. This paper aims to investigate different techniques and strategies to improve the energy efficiency of existing Lebanese family houses by emphasizing the significance of thermal transmittance of building materials in exterior wall construction. These techniques focused on applying Low-e double glazing and wall insulation to test the U-values’ impact on energy saving in the different case study apartments. In order to measure the energy performance improvement value, various tools are used: Teslo 635, which measures U-values, FLIR Thermal imaging tool, and Design Builder as energy modeling software. The paper’s outcome measures the effectiveness of the applied techniques in decreasing the consumption of energy in Lebanese Terrace Family homes. Thus, research findings could serve as a starting point to legislate rules for a National Thermal Standard and Energy Code, which could be applied to existing and new residential building designs.

Sustainable transportation planning and design play a vibrant role in the transformation of the transport sector to become more environmentally friendly. Sustainable mobility in cities is a widely debated topic, but there is a lack of research and perspectives on sustainable mobility in rural areas. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview and critical analysis of recent studies on sustainable mobility in rural areas in Europe. From the selected studies, we highlight possible solutions for a more sustainable transport system in marginal territories, which could support decision-making processes. The paper consists of two parts. The first part is a preliminary analysis of the concept of sustainable mobility, and the second part is a critical analysis of best practices. The analysis highlights relevant aspects to consider when planning and designing transport solutions in rural areas. Particularly, we notice a growing attention to citizens’ participation and engagement, which often becomes a decisive factor in achieving shared and efficient solutions. Also, the analyzed sustainable mobility systems show that the fragile population, especially elderly people, can considerably benefit from shared mobility solutions in rural areas, as they substantially increase their possibility of accessing services and infrastructure. The best practices are further divided into four categories: micromobility, mobility as a service (MaaS), transport on demand, and shared mobility. From the critical comparison of the analyzed best practices, we conclude that transport problems in rural areas can be more efficiently addressed with alternative solutions other than traditional public transport modes. This aspect will be further evaluated in the follow-up of the research, funded within the PON Program of the Italian Ministry of University and Research, in the Marche Region of Italy, as an assessment of the design and planning of a sustainable mobility strategy in rural areas.

Among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, SDG15-Life on Land is a vital goal that calls for preserving terrestrial ecosystems in a way that contributes to maintaining the productivity of agricultural systems and greatly supports the mitigation of the harmful impacts of the climate change. Urban Agriculture (UA) seems a very promising, albeit still understudied, approach that could significantly contribute to achieving this goal. In the cities of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), such as Al Ain, widely underdeveloped semi-public open spaces have originated from the sprawling urban forms adopted in the designs of Emirati urban communities. It has been noticed almost in every Emirati urban community that the residents are individualistically embarking on UA activities, that vary in size and locations, in these vast shared semi-public spaces around which their housing plots are clustered. Through their UA activities the residents have managed to partially convert most of the semi-public spaces of their local communities into urban farms/gardens. This pilot study aims to better understand the magnitude and aspects of these individualistic residents-led UA activities through an exploratory case study method in the semi-public spaces of five typical housing clusters utilizing some relevant qualitative tools of map analysis, field observations, and semi-structured interviews with the residents. An urban community in Al Ain city was selected as a representative case study to undertake the research investigations. The results of this pilot exploratory research have led to better understanding of the processes behind the residents-led UA activities and indicated a considerable contribution to achieving SDG 15. This is believed to open the door for further research about UA as a potentially more productive community-led UA practice.

This research investigated the use of phytoremediation to mitigate algal blooms within campus green–blue spaces, taking Ang-Kaew University, Chiang Mai, Thailand, as a case study. In warmer climates, algal bloom can occur due to non-point source pollutants and stagnating water, thus decreasing the health and ecological benefits these spaces provide. Through a research-through-design methodology, which is a landscape architectural approach, this study explores the implementation of phytoremediation strategies to reduce water pollution. The processes of planting site selection, plant selection, and design implementation are systematically recorded, providing insights for future studies. Preliminary tests for plant survivability and potential water treatment efficacy were explored. However, long-term studies are required to conclude the efficacy of the design. This study pioneers the application of phytoremediation in green–blue spaces in subtropical campuses through research-through-design, encouraging further research and longitudinal studies in the field.

Improving sanitation is an important step towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Lack of sanitation can lead to the emergence of infectious diseases, which can further lead to serious consequences such as death, poverty and uneven development. Compared with urban areas, rural sanitation facilities are more dispersed, sanitations and toilets are relatively independent, and more dependent on users to manage and maintain them. Therefore, the attitude and willingness of village residents to improve sanitation facilities is crucial to the improvement of sanitation facilities. In order to further explore the attitudes and behavioral mechanisms of village residents towards sanitation improvement. This paper compares and analyzes research on the attitudes of village residents toward improving sanitations and toilets, and combines the results of existing research to give recommendations for enhancing the participation of village residents in sanitation improvements. This review can provide a new idea for future research on the participation attitudes and behaviors of village residents to improve sanitation.

Rural architecture serves as a significant carrier in the revitalization of rural culture, together with the local natural scenery and customs, forming the distinctive rural landscape. This paper explores and extracts nine distinctive cultural elements of Zhe-style dwelling houses, including house layout, facade composition, gable form, street scale, wind and rain corridors, roof design, building materials, overall color scheme, and decorative carvings, through the identification of landscape genes using four modes, Based on this, an exploration of Zhe-style vernacular dwelling construction in Wengsen Street, Shuangmiao Township, Xianju County, in the Zhejiang central region is conducted, leading to the discovery of a new traditionalist design approach that combines theoretical application and Zhe-style culture practices. In addition, by promoting the integration of Zhe-style residential buildings with the natural environment, it is beneficial to reduce environmental damage and improve the adaptability and sustainability of residential buildings.

Nature-based solutions working on adapting urban spaces could inform the imperative transition of the contemporary project. From a design perspective, this means reshaping our cities’ relations and physical experience, overcoming the idea of just a technical answer to the climate crisis. Thus, an urgent question should address how architecture could translate technical/design tools into spatial, experiential, and compelling projects. The contribution focuses on the Porta Romana (Milan, Italy) transformation, in which the author collaborated in contact with the developer (COIMA REM), attended design briefs, and interviewed the design teams (among others with MDP, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, SOM). Porta Romana regeneration focuses on a neglected railyard to host the Olympic Village for the Winter Olympic games in 2026 and an urban park, structuring a new adaptive space. The project is driven by the scope of using nature as an adaptive tool, rethinking the urban experience, and tackling urban climate fragilities such as floods and heat island. The project presents nature-based solutions to structure a new design vision for the city, regaining proximity between nature and architecture. This contribution highlights architectural opportunities and solutions that the climate-related issues could arise, critically addressing the project of the grounds and crownings.

Carbon pricing is a policy instrument aimed to accelerate Paris Agreement goal. Due to its vast natural resources, Indonesia intends to promote Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) as part of its national and global climate mitigation plan, as it also yields other co-benefits in terms of climate adaptation and biodiversity protection. The new carbon exchange has been launched to expedite carbon trading in Indonesia. This study examines the policy impacts of carbon pricing in Indonesia through emissions trading schemes, crediting mechanisms, result-based payments, and carbon taxes in the FOLU, energy, and waste sectors.