Building Resilient Cities: Climate Change and Health Interlinkages in the Planning of Public Spaces

Greenhouse gases emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels are worsening air quality and affecting the climate system. While climate change impacts on meteorological variables affects air quality by altering the concentration and distribution of pollutants, air pollution significantly influences the climate, leading to negative impacts on human health. Due to the combination of high temperatures, air pollution, and high population density, cities are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. The planning and design of public spaces aimed at climate change mitigation and adaptation can result in multiple co-benefits for human health, while reducing social inequalities. To address the major research gaps in the communication between health and planning experts, and the lack of capacity among public sectors and policy makers, it is necessary to promote capacity building and knowledge sharing between the planning and health sectors. The purpose of this article is to develop preliminary recommendations for a process that allows a comprehensive assessment of the interlinkages between climate and health, social, environmental, and economic vulnerabilities, and the quality of the urban spaces, to support local governments, policymakers, and education institutions in making informed decisions for public spaces. The methods applied were a literature review and interviews with experts.

Automated summary

This article discusses the impact of greenhouse gas emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels on air quality and the climate system. It emphasizes the negative effects of climate change and air pollution on human health. To address these issues, the article proposes recommendations for capacity building and knowledge sharing between the planning and health sectors, and comprehensive assessments of the interactions between climate, health, and the quality of urban spaces to support informed decision-making for public spaces.