Knowledge Tree
green infrastructure
Also known as: urban green infrastructure
Facts (14)
Sources
An integrated climate-biodiversity framework to improve planning ... ecologyandsociety.org 14 facts
claimGreen infrastructure provides climate adaptation functions, specifically stormwater management through holding, infiltration, and filtering run-off, as well as localized temperature regulation through urban shading and cooling.
claimThe analysis found that current integration of aquatic connectivity and stormwater management is narrowly focused, suggesting that broader integration should incorporate purpose-built green infrastructure to achieve multiple co-benefits.
referenceGreen infrastructure for stormwater management and local temperature regulation aligns with wildlife crossing and ecological connectivity objectives, allowing vegetated crossings and corridors to serve multiple purposes (Lister 2014, 2015).
referencePlanners can implement green infrastructure within integrated climate-biodiversity strategies by utilizing brownfield and infill development projects, as supported by research from Rosenzweig et al. (2006), Bowler et al. (2010), Oliveira et al. (2011), and Santamouris (2014).
referenceChoi, C., P. Berry, and A. Smith published 'The climate benefits, co-benefits, and trade-offs of green infrastructure: a systematic literature review' in the Journal of Environmental Management in 2021.
claimGreen infrastructure consists of purpose-built and adaptive design features that incorporate vegetation and permeable surfaces, including urban trees, bioswales, green roofs, living walls, and rain gardens.
claimGreen infrastructure provides health and comfort co-benefits by regulating local temperatures, which is increasingly important during extreme heat events.
referenceReynolds et al. (2020) conducted a case study in Indiana, USA, to examine the implications of climate change for the management of urban green infrastructure.
referenceThe integrated climate-biodiversity framework (ICBF) developed by Newell, Dale, and Lister (2022) is organized into six themes: green space, transportation, green infrastructure, food and agriculture, energy, and land management.
claimGreen infrastructure differs from green space because it refers to purpose-built urban features that perform ecological functions like reducing erosion and run-off into freshwater systems, even if they are too small to provide significant wildlife habitat.
claimMandating significant green infrastructure in new developments near water bodies can help mitigate the negative impacts of waterfront development on aquatic ecosystems while providing temperature regulation and aesthetic benefits.
referenceThe Integrated Climate-Biodiversity Framework (ICBF) identifies six major planning and policy themes: green space, transportation, green infrastructure, food and agriculture, energy, and land management.
claimData coded under the green infrastructure theme highlights considerations for protecting aquatic ecosystems and habitats.
claimLocal and regional planning, parks, transportation, conservation, and climate action agencies can coordinate efforts around green infrastructure and riparian corridors to create communities with high ecological connectivity that are also walkable, liveable, and climate resilient.