| 1. |
- Andersson-Sköld, Yvonne, et al.
(author)
-
A framework for assessing urban greenery's effects and valuing its ecosystem services
- 2018
-
In: Journal of Environmental Management. - : Academic Press. - 0301-4797 .- 1095-8630. ; 205, s. 274-285
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ongoing urban exploitation is increasing pressure to transform urban green spaces, while there is increasing awareness that greenery provides a range of important benefits to city residents. In efforts to help resolve associated problems we have developed a framework for integrated assessments of ecosystem service (ES) benefits and values provided by urban greenery, based on the ecosystem service cascade model. The aim is to provide a method for assessing the contribution to, and valuing, multiple ES provided by urban greenery that can be readily applied in routine planning processes. The framework is unique as it recognizes that an urban greenery comprises several components and functions that can contribute to multiple ecosystem services in one or more ways via different functional traits (e.g. foliage characteristics) for which readily measured indicators have been identified. The framework consists of five steps including compilation of an inventory of indicator; application of effectivity factors to rate indicators' effectiveness; estimation of effects; estimation of benefits for each ES; estimation of the total ES value of the ecosystem. The framework was applied to assess ecosystem services provided by trees, shrubs, herbs, birds, and bees, in green areas spanning an urban gradient in Gothenburg, Sweden. Estimates of perceived values of ecosystem services were obtained from interviews with the public and workshop activities with civil servants. The framework is systematic and transparent at all stages and appears to have potential utility in the existing spatial planning processes.
|
|
| 2. |
|
|
| 3. |
- Aminipouri, M., et al.
(author)
-
Urban tree planting to maintain outdoor thermal comfort under climate change: The case of Vancouver's local climate zones
- 2019
-
In: Building and Environment. - : Elsevier BV. - 0360-1323. ; 158, s. 226-236
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Spatiotemporal variation of mean radiant temperature (Tmrt), a major driver of outdoor human thermal comfort, is driven by exposure to solar and longwave radiation, which in turn respond to local patterns of shading, wind speed, air humidity and air temperature. In this study, the SOlar and LongWave Environmental Irradiance Geometry (SOLWEIG) model was used to simulate how changes in minimum and maximum air temperature and solar radiation under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 climate projections would change Tmrt in Vancouver over the 2070-2100 period. With micrometeorological variables representative of a changed climate, days with Tmrt above 65 degrees C were predicted to increase three-to five-fold under RCP 4.5 and 8.5, respectively. SOLWEIG was also used to quantify the potential of maximum feasible street tree cover to reduce Tmrt for the hottest day on record for Vancouver (July 29, 2009), and an end-of-century hot day under the two future climate scenarios. SOLWEIG simulations with maximum feasible street tree cover under RCP 4.5 demonstrated an average reduction of 1.3 degrees C in Tmrt, compared to the contemporary extreme heat day with current street trees. However, average Tmrt increased by 1.9 degrees C under the RCP 8.5 scenario even with maximum feasible street tree cover, relative to the contemporary extreme heat day. We conclude that adding street trees has the potential to offset Tmrt increases under the RCP 4.5 scenario, however this measure is insufficient to maintain contemporary Tmrt under the RCP 8.5 scenario.
|
|
| 4. |
- Andersson-Sköld, Yvonne, et al.
(author)
-
An integrated method for assessing climate-related risks and adaptation alternatives in urban areas
- 2015
-
In: Climate Risk Management. - : Elsevier BV. - 2212-0963. ; 7, s. 31-50
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- © 2015 The Authors. The urban environment is a complex structure with interlinked social, ecological and technical structures. Global warming is expected to have a broad variety of impacts, which will add to the complexity. Climate changes will force adaptation, to reduce climate-related risks. Adaptation measures can address one aspect at the time, or aim for a holistic approach to avoid maladaptation. This paper presents a systematic, integrated approach for assessing alternatives for reducing the risks of heat waves, flooding and air pollution in urban settings, with the aim of reducing the risk of maladaptation. The study includes strategies covering different spatial scales, and both the current climate situation and the climate predicted under climate change scenarios. The adaptation strategies investigated included increasing vegetation; selecting density, height and colour of buildings; and retreat or resist (defend) against sea-level rise. Their effectiveness was assessed with regard to not only flooding, heat stress and air quality but also with regard to resource use, emissions to air (incl. GHG), soil and water, and people's perceptions and vulnerability. The effectiveness of the strategies were ranked on a common scale (from -3 to 3) in an integrated assessment. Integrated assessments are recommended, as they help identify the most sustainable solutions, but to reduce the risk of maladaptation they require experts from a variety of disciplines. The most generally applicable recommendation, derived from the integrated assessment here, taking into account both expertise from different municipal departments, literature surveys, life cycle assessments and publics perceptions, is to increase the urban greenery, as it contributes to several positive aspects such as heat stress mitigation, air quality improvement, effective storm-water and flood-risk management, and it has several positive social impacts. The most favourable alternative was compact, mid-rise, light coloured building design with large parks/green areas and trees near buildings.
|
|
| 5. |
- Andersson-Sköld, Yvonne, 1957-, et al.
(author)
-
Metod för bedömning och värdering av ekosystemtjänster i staden (VEKST) : Handbok version 1.0
- 2018
-
Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Under åren 2013–2016 genomfördes forskningsprojektet Värdering av ekosystemtjänster av urban grönska med syftet att kartlägga, synliggöra och värdera den urbana grönskan. Inom forskningsprojektet studerades bland annat hur ekosystemtjänsterna klimatreglering, förbättrad luftkvalitet, dagvattenhantering, bullerdämpning, rekreation och välbefinnande kan bedömas och värderas. Dessutom kartlades delar av den biologiska mångfalden (träd, buskar, örter, bin och fåglar). För att kunna bedöma och värdera de ekosystemtjänster som ingick i projektet utvecklades en stegvis metod. Metoden baseras på mätningar och inventeringar i sju fallstudieområden i Göteborg, intervjuer och enkätstudier samt relevant litteratur. I denna handbok presenteras metoden samt mallar som guidar användaren genom metodens fem steg. Handboken innehåller också exempel på hur metoden har använts. Viktigt att poängtera är att metoden som beskrivs i denna handbok inte är en slutprodukt utan en första version. I takt med ökad kunskap kan, och bör, metoden utvecklas, kompletteras och förbättras. Till exempel kan fler ekosystemtjänster bedömas och värderas. Metoden är utvecklad med tanken att den ska vara enkel att använda, systematisk och transparent i alla steg. Denna handbok vänder sig bland annat till stadsplanerare och konsulter som på uppdrag av planerare arbetar med beslutsstöd i planprocessen. Metoden kan användas för att bedöma inverkan av förändringar i stadsbilden, t ex vid förtätning, eller för att följa förändringar över tid.
|
|
| 6. |
- Bocker, L., et al.
(author)
-
Integrated Weather Effects on Cycling Shares, Frequencies, and Durations in Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- 2014
-
In: Weather Climate and Society. - : American Meteorological Society. - 1948-8327 .- 1948-8335. ; 6:4, s. 468-481
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- With the increasing societal interest in climate change, health, accessibility, and liveability and subsequent policy aims to promote active transport modes over car usage, many scholars have investigated the relationship between weather and cycling. Existing studies, however, hardly address the effects of weather on cycling durations and often lack assessments of the combined effects of different meteorological variables and potential nonlinearity of these effects. Drawing on travel diary data from a panel study of 945 Greater Rotterdam respondents (the Netherlands), this paper investigates and compares the effects of different meteorological variables, singly as well as combined, on cycling frequencies, cycling durations, and the exchange between cycling and other transport modes. Results show linear negative effects of precipitation sum and wind speed and nonlinear bell-shaped effects of thermal variables on cycling and opposite effects on car usage. Out of three thermal variables investigated, mean radiant temperature (radiant heat exchange between humans and the environment) and physiological equivalent temperature (an index combining the effects of air temperature, mean radiant temperature, air humidity, and wind speed) better explain cycling behavior than just air temperature. Optimum thermal conditions for cycling were found on days with maximum air temperatures around 24 degrees C, mean radiant temperatures around 52 degrees C, and physiological equivalent temperatures around 30 degrees C. Policy and planning implications are highlighted that could reduce cyclists' exposures to disadvantageous weather conditions such as heat, precipitation, and wind, at present and in a potentially changing climate.
|
|
| 7. |
- Boman, Johan, 1955, et al.
(author)
-
A tentative study of urban and suburban fine particles (PM2.5) collected in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- 2009
-
In: X-Ray Spectrometry. - : Wiley. - 0049-8246 .- 1097-4539.
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of the study was to determine the mass, black carbon (BC), and elemental concentrations in fine particles (PM2.5) and their variations at two sites in Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso. The weather situation in Ouagadougou during the field campaign was dominated by high pressure with variable cloudiness and no precipitation. Diurnal temperatures varied between 19 and 38 °C and relative humidity between 10 and 60%. Winds in Ouagadougou were generally coming in from the north, showing a diurnal pattern with gusts of up to 6 m/s during daytime, while evenings and nights were calmer with very stable atmospheric conditions. However, during part of this field campaign, a period of nighttime moderately stable atmospheric conditions occurred with increased wind speed and more easterly winds. Cyclones were used for the PM2.5 particle collection at both sites. The elemental analysis was done using energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectroscopy. Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, and Pb were identified and quantified in most of the samples. The particle mass concentration was 27-164 µg/m3 while BC varied between 1.3 and 8.2 µg/m3. No influence of leaded gasoline was found. Soil dust was identified as a major component of the particles, which was confirmed by comparing with the elements in a soil sample. A significant difference in elemental, BC, and mass concentrations was seen between periods with very stable and moderately stable atmospheric conditions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
|
|
| 8. |
- Bäcklin, Oskar, 1991, et al.
(author)
-
Outdoor heat stress at preschools during an extreme summer in Gothenburg, Sweden - Preschool teachers’ experiences contextualized by radiation modelling
- 2021
-
In: Sustainable Cities and Society. - : Elsevier BV. - 2210-6707. ; 75
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Using a mixed-method approach consisting of interviews with preschool teachers and modelling of the outdoor thermal conditions using the mean radiant temperature as an indicator of heat stress, the occurrence of heat stress in Gothenburg preschools during the summer of 2018 and its effects have been studied. One third of 440 preschool yards modelled have more than 50% of the preschool yard-area exposed to strong heat stress during a warm and sunny summer day, implying children in many preschools have considerably less play area than current guidelines deem sufficient. Shade, where present, was mostly from trees within the preschool yards themselves rather from objects in surrounding areas, provided effective heat mitigation. Interviews confirmed that excessive heat conditions at preschool yards resulted in tired, drowsy and overheated children as well as forcing the preschool to prioritise care over pedagogical activities. The results demonstrated that heat stress occurs at Gothenburg preschools, with difficulties in ensuring the well-being of children at many preschools as a consequence. Many preschools need more shade, preferably from trees to provide healthy and secure environments for preschool children. Finally, the study highlights the need for more research on how weather and outdoor environments affect children's activity and well-being.
|
|
| 9. |
- Bäcklin, Oskar, 1991, et al.
(author)
-
Outdoor heat stress at preschools during an extreme summer in Gothenburg, Sweden - Preschool teachers’ experiences contextualized by radiation modelling
- 2022
-
In: Multiple Nordic Geographies 9th Nordic Geographers Meeting 19th - 22nd of June 2022 Joensuu, Finland.
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- With increasing urbanisation and climate change, heat stress issues are becoming increasingly important to consider in order to create sustainable urban environments worldwide. Heat affects all groups in society, although small children are especially vulnerable due to physiological factors as well as limitations in their everyday mobility. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that outdoor areas used by children, such as preschools provide healthy safe thermal conditions. Trees are proven effective heat mitigating objects, as well as highly appreciated features of preschool yards for their aesthetic and pedagogical aspects. However, there is a large variation in the amount of trees at preschool yards which can prove to be problematic regarding thermal comfort and well-being for both children and preschool teachers today and in the future. Using a mixed-method approach consisting of 19 interviews with preschool teachers, and modelling outdoor thermal conditions on 440 preschool yards, the occurrence of heat stress in Gothenburg preschools during the heat wave of 2018 and its effects on preschools has been studied. One third of modelled preschool yards were found to have more than 50% of the preschool yard area exposed to strong heat stress during a warm and sunny summer days, implying children in many preschools have significantly less play area than current guidelines deem sufficient. Shading, which was found mainly provided by trees within preschool yards rather than from objects in surrounding areas, provide effective heat mitigation. Shading devices such as shade-sails were found prone to breakage and not providing sufficient shading. Thus, shading devices are not suggested as a long-term solution for heat mitigation at preschool yards. Interviews confirmed that excessive heat conditions at preschool yards cause tired, drowsy and overheated children as well as forcing the preschool to prioritise care over pedagogical activities. The results demonstrated that heat stress is a problem at many Gothenburg preschools, with difficulties in ensuring the well-being of children at many preschools as a consequence. The strong correlation found between amount of trees at preschool yards and less heat stress highlight the importance of trees for heat mitigation.
|
|
| 10. |
- Bäcklin, Oskar, 1991, et al.
(author)
-
Urban greenery variation between residential typologies: Implications for recreation
- 2024
-
In: Trees, Forests and People. - 2666-7193. ; 16
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The importance of greenery for human well-being and recreation in urban areas is well-known. While many studies have examined the recreational importance of large green spaces, parks, and forests, the greenery encountered in our everyday surroundings, particularly in areas near our residences, has not been extensively researched. In this study, we investigated differences in tree canopy coverage, ground- and total amount of greenery among four common Nordic residential typologies, as well as how this greenery is perceived in terms of recreational values by residents. We utilized GIS-analysis and survey data for this investigation. The results revealed significant variations in urban greenery and recreational values between typologies, with modern dense residential areas being much less green and assessed to provide the least recreational values. Furthermore, the results suggest that trees and lawns play crucial roles in shaping residential areas that are pleasant to live in. These findings offer insights into the characteristics and challenges associated with the amount of greenery in various typologies, as well as preferences towards different types of greenery important for creating enjoyable outdoor residential environments. Finally, the results emphasize the importance of fine-scale investigation of greenery in residential areas.
|
|
