The impacts of climate change are being felt worldwide, ranging from extreme weather events to long-term challenges. To strengthen urban resilience, sub-national governments can adopt nature-based solutions (NbS). NbS are defined as cost-effective solutions inspired and supported by nature that provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help build resilience.
NbS include green and blue infrastructure, such as green corridors, tree-planting initiatives, and the restoration of water bodies. They provide important ecosystem services, improve quality of life, and are often more cost-effective than engineering solutions. When NbS cannot fully address climate risks, they should be complemented with grey infrastructure as a last resort. Moreover, NbS should always be integrated with participatory tools of governance to grasp systemic inequalities and avoid maladaptation.
Implementing these measures requires just adaptation policies that combine the principles of resilience and social equity. This means ensuring a fair access and distribution of resources, involving underrepresented groups in decision-making processes, and supporting livelihoods. Achieving just resilience demands that NbS and other adaptation solutions support living within planetary boundaries for all living beings.
Solution
PUBLISHED: 24.10.2025
