The Role of Green Infrastructure in Urban Resilience: A Study of European Cities

Abstract

Green infrastructure (GI) plays a critical role in enhancing urban resilience, particularly in the context of climate change and rapid urbanization. This paper examines the role of GI in improving urban resilience across several European cities, including Milan, Paris, and Berlin. Through a combination of spatial analysis and interviews with urban planners, we explored the benefits of GI in mitigating the effects of heatwaves, floods, and air pollution. The findings indicate that cities with well-integrated green infrastructure systems experience lower urban heat island effects, improved stormwater management, and enhanced biodiversity. However, financial and political barriers limit the full potential of GI in many urban areas. The paper advocates for stronger policy frameworks and cross-city collaboration to support green infrastructure development and resilience building.