Dear Readers,

This month, leaders from nations across the world came together to make decisions relating to climate change action. Most of the focus in the media was on reducing the level of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, to keep the global average increases in temperature below 1,5 degrees. There was also another important aspect that they considered – adaption to climate change. In fact, in the run up to COP 26, the UK Environment Agency claimed that adaptation measures - making sure nations are resilient to the inescapable effects of climate change – are now just as important as action to cut carbon emissions. More and worse environmental incidents, such as flooding, water shortages and pollution are now inevitable since the natural world cannot adapt as fast as the climate is changing.

The Nature Smart Cities Business Model can play key role. It supports Local Authorities to integrate Green Infrastructure into their towns & cities for the purpose of building climate resilience.

The tool enables practitioners to compare the level of carbon sequestration, water retention, microclimate regulation, plus a range of other ecosystem services across different green infrastructure project scenarios. The tool produces the evidence needed to support decision makers to invest in building climate resilience.

' The tool produces the evidence needed to support decision makers to invest in building climate resilience.'

Development of the Business Model is progressing well. Over the last few months, the model has been subject to rigorous demonstrator testing with Local Authorities in Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK, to ensure the model meets the needs of its intended users. Earlier in the year, masters students from the Universities of Antwerp and Ghent, undertook testing of aspects of the model with our 7 pilot projects. In the article 'Surprising Learnings from the Students', we hear from some of them about their experiences, what they enjoyed, and what surprised them most about their research.

A ‘beta’ version of the Business Model will be made available for use in early 2022. Following its release, NSCiti2S will embark on a capacity building programme rolled out across its 4 project countries. The Programme will build the capacity of Local Authority officers that deliver GI projects to create a robust evidence base that will help generate investment and make their future project plans a reality. Find out more about the Capacity Building programme and how to register for a place in the news and events section.

Enjoy reading!

Anna Oxenham, Project Lead Nature Smart Cities

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07/01/2024 23:08:58