A Review of Potential Benefits and Barriers to Urban Green Infrastructure
Mengdi Ji, MLWS 2024
Urban areas are facing significant environmental and social challenges due to rapid growth and densification, leading to increased pollution and vulnerability to climate change. In response, green infrastructure (GI) has emerged as a sustainable alternative to traditional urban planning, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11, which focuses on creating resilient and sustainable cities. GI includes natural and semi-natural spaces like parks and green roofs, providing diverse ecosystem services. However, challenges hinder the implementation of GI projects, and often the benefits beyond stormwater management are overlooked. This study aims to bridge the gap in understanding the various benefits and barriers of GI by analyzing existing literature and case studies, offering actionable recommendations to promote its adoption and enhance urban resilience, equity, and sustainability.