The built environment should be planned in a way that it is comfortable and healthy. Plan areas that are ecologically sustainable.


Secure local ecological diversity, also in a changing climate

Green areas and parks should be one of the starting points in urban planning. Existing green areas inside the urban structure should be secured and expanded, if possible, to establish a healthy and diverse urban ecosystem network. Urban forests can also act as corridors for clean and cool air, as well as a shield against heavy winds. Urban forests, parks, and green roofs create both comfortable spaces and buffer against urban flooding. 

In the changing climate, the foraging areas of the various species can change. The adaptation of species to new environments requires ecological corridors enabling the migration or expansion to new or more suitable areas. Present ecological services should be guaranteed for future generations as well. 

Promote solutions that create green comfort and recreation zones

Allotment gardens, community gardens, roof gardens and other small scale agriculture near the cities provide urban space for gardening and producing food locally. The need for travel decreases when summer cottages or gardens are located within the public transportation network. Allotment gardens are usually built for leisure-use, thus requiring a lighter centralised infrastructure than housing areas. However, pressure for changing these areas into permanent housing will bring the need for heavier infrastructure and services and thus can lead to a scattered spatial structure. 

A comfortable and healthy environment also includes recreation areas. Forests and cultural and historical landscapes should be preserved for this purpose as well. Green areas, nature parks etc. can also benefit local tourism in addition to local residents.

See also other categories in planning for climate change mitigation and adaptation:

» Local climate and the future climate scenarios
» Compact and diverse urban structure
» Sustainable transportation
» Energy efficiency
» Public participation and stakeholder involvement
» Strategic planning
» Costs