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The potential of nature-based solutions to deliver ecologically just cities: Lessons for research and urban planning from a systematic literature review

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Abstract

Planning for and implementing multifunctional nature-based solutions can improve urban ecosystems’ adaptation to climate change, foster urban resilience, and enable social and environmental innovation. There is, however, a knowledge gap in how to design and plan nature-based solutions in a nonanthropocentric manner that enhances co-benefits for humans and nonhuman living organisms. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic literature review to explore how an ecological justice perspective can advance the understanding of nature-based solutions. We argue that ecological justice, which builds on the equitable distribution of environmental goods and bads, social–ecological interconnectedness, nature’s agency and capabilities, and participation and inclusion in decision-making, provides a transformative framework for rethinking nature-based solutions in and for cities. A qualitative analysis of 121 peer-reviewed records shows a highly human-centred worldview for delivering nature-based solutions and a relationship to social justice with no direct reference to the dimensions of ecological justice. There is, however, an underlying recognition of the importance of nonhumans, ecosystem integrity and well-being, and a need to consider their needs and capacities through multispecies nature-based solutions design and planning. We conclude with a discussion of the critical aspects for designing and planning ecologically just cities through nature-based solutions and future research directions to further integrate these fields.

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Acknowledgements

We thank A/Prof. Peter Graham for his initial input in this paper in terms of conceptualisation and supervision.

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MP-P: conceptualisation, methodology, formal analysis, investigation, writing the original draft, reviewing, and editing. NF: conceptualisation, methodology, analysis, supervision, writing, and review editing. CAN: conceptualisation, methodology, supervision, writing, and review editing.

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Correspondence to Melissa Pineda-Pinto.

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Pineda-Pinto, M., Frantzeskaki, N. & Nygaard, C.A. The potential of nature-based solutions to deliver ecologically just cities: Lessons for research and urban planning from a systematic literature review. Ambio 51, 167–182 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-021-01553-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-021-01553-7

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