Urban nature? Bring it on

Read the full story here: IPBES

Although researchers say that it does not significantly benefit biodiversity when, for example, a traffic junction is transformed into a park with wild nature for the city’s residents, insects and birds, it is still a daily joy for many. In addition, we know that planting in cities cools the city during the warm months, and that all the greenery stores CO₂. And there is even more good to say: Green areas function as sponges that absorb rainwater. This delays the water’s path towards the sewers, so everything does not flood. Paris — as well as Barcelona and Hamburg — is leading the way when it comes to the green city. To such an extent that in 5–10 years, we will see some significantly transformed cities.

The Danish Biodiversity Act and nature restoration plan are set to be launched here in 2026. From here, we hope that the plan will also include initiatives in cities. Internationally, there are many strong examples of how the green city has been integrated into new types of urban environments, as part of new mobility strategies, new forms of living and climate adaptation initiatives.

See also the UN’s biodiversity panel, IPBES, which has published a report mapping as many as 391 examples of how increased biodiversity has been achieved around the world.