Reasoning & Evidence
With this rising threat of climate change, multi-solving solutions are being created to build environmental and climate resilience while also creating spaces that support social interaction and community engagement. Many cities are investing in nature-based solutions that harness the power of nature and wildlife restoration to address societal challenges like water insecurity and extreme temperatures, while also contributing to climate change mitigation.(31) An example of the social and ecological benefits of wildlife restoration is the positive environmental impact of wolf reintroductions, which help regulate ecosystems by controlling prey populations and reducing overgrazing, leading to healthier plant growth and less erosion, while also promoting biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism, educational opportunities, and fostering community engagement with natural environments.(61) The ultimate goal of a nature-based solution is to protect, restore, or manage ecosystems in ways that increase environmental resilience while also improving human well-being. Climate resilient infrastructure is also emerging as a strategy to create buildings that are resistant to climate shocks to protect infrastructure and preserve resources. Climate resilient buildings are defined by their preparation for significant stress (ie. installing storm shutters or elevating structures off the ground), their ability to adapt as risks change through flexible zoning laws and building codes, and their capacity for a quick recovery from damage.(32)
Urban innovations that are successful both in addressing climate resilience and enhancing public spaces include green roofs and rain gardens, to absorb stormwater and reduce flood damage, and green corridors, that reduce the impacts of urban heat waves and can lead to a two-degree reduction in urban temperatures.(31, 33) Elements within corridors like walking and biking paths and benches encourage socialization. They also serve to add green spaces to urban areas, which improves social cohesion and social connections, while also encouraging more wildlife and biodiversity by creating microhabitats.(2, 62) These green spaces can be paired with “wildlife corridors” that allow larger species to pass through cities.(62) Coastal multi-solving solutions support aquatic ecosystems and can mitigate sea level rises, leading to a reduced risk of flooding for coastal communities. Mangrove forests are being planted to create habitats for sea life, while also storing significant amounts of carbon. Community members who nurture the mangrove forests note that it has brought their community together and boosted community participation.(34)
Examples of Community Implementation
Rotterdam, The Netherlands: In response to extreme flooding events, Rotterdam architects designed a tidal park that doubles as an area for recreation while also having the capacity to collect 1.7 million liters of water. The park offers a tier for sports, ramped sides for a skate park, an amphitheater, and various spaces for sitting and chatting with others. This project meets many social purposes through a unique park that helps foster a sense of community while also creating a flood-resistant community.
New York, New York: The High Line in New York City is a vibrant walking trail that was created from a repurposed freight train rail system. It has now become a uniquely designed public space that offers a community green space while also reducing urban heat. The High Line walking trail includes native, drought-resistant plants, a home for pollinators, and a composting system, as well as many shaded benches and areas for social interaction.
Reference: The SOCIAL Framework: The Environmental Sector Supplemental Brief
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