Green Infrastructure's Potential Effects on Climate Change Adaptation in Cold‐Climate Countries: A Critical Literature Review

Abstract

<p>Over the past decade, the concept of “green infrastructure” (GI) has been gaining attention in attempts to tackle climate change challenges. However, a knowledge gap persists in understanding the evolving conceptualization, core principles, and contribution of GI and its potential benefits for cold-climate cities and societies in adapting to climate change. This article presents the outcomes of a critical review of studies on GI in cold-climate contexts. Findings reveal that there is a layering of focuses on GI, which derive from different scientific approaches and may support different agendas and actors within climate adaptation discourses. GI has been recognized as a tool to address not only climate adaptation challenges (e.g., urban heat islands, human well-being, urban stormwater runoff), but also those related to urbanization and loss of biodiversity. The potential benefits of GI and its components (such as trees, urban parks, green roofs and green walls) include the reduction of urban heating islands and temperature, supporting human health and well-being, increasing urban biodiversity, and managing stormwater. This study contributes to providing an overview of GI in cold-climate countries and sharing it with practitioners and stakeholders, to support them in developing policies, planning strategies and practices, for the benefit of people and nature.<br></p>