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Theme

6. Sustainable urban nature

Urban nature and urban structures sequester carbon, and the city is prepared for climate change.

Description

The aim is to keep and develop forests and the blue-green infrastructure of the urban environment as functional, diverse and vibrant elements, even as the city grows. This will sequester carbon from the atmosphere while mitigating climate change. In addition to the carbon sink and carbon storage impact, forests and blue-green structures provide a wealth of other benefits. For example, they provide habitats for different species, as well as fostering the well-being of city residents and providing them with a pleasant environment. In addition, they help in the adaption to climate change through stormwater regulation and a cooling effect.

Nature reserves are also carbon sinks. Establishing nature reserves will strengthen the ecological network and thus support adaptation to climate change.

Adaptation to climate change and the adverse effects of urbanisation can be managed through the blue-green infrastructure. Blue-green infrastructure includes natural areas such as forests, streams and small bodies of water, as well as built green areas such as parks, green roofs, street greening and stormwater structures. Vegetation areas and the green swales and water-absorbing soil layers in them reduce flood risk, noise, wind and vibration, lower surface temperatures, act as a carbon sink, cool and clean the air, and improve the comfort and health effects of urban space through ecosystem services.

In accordance with the city’s stormwater pro-gramme, nature-based stormwater solutions will be devised for the development of diverse urban nature in different areas of the urban environment. Riverbeds will be restored and piped riverbed sections will be opened to control stormwater and improve water quality.

Objectives

  • The carbon sink impact of the forests and city green infrastructure in the Tampere region will cover a significant percentage of the emission offsetting requirement.
  • The carbon sink in city-owned forests (growing stock and soil) will cover about 20% of the emission offsetting need of the 2030 goal.
  • Sudden abundant rainfall has been prepared for by increasing stormwater absorption structures in urban areas and diversifying the green structure.
  • The heat island phenomenon will be mitigated and heatwaves will be prepared for by developing green areas, increasing canopy cover and structural shade sites, and by communicating to residents about their own preparation opportunities.

Benefits in addition to emission reductions

  • Positive ecosystem impacts
  • Increased biodiversity
  • Health effects such as the cooling effect of the blue-green structure and health benefits of contact with nature
  • Communications and resident participation related to adaptation and preparedness improve the resilience of residents, resulting in better overall preparedness
  • Improved environmental safety and reduced risks
  • Adapting to a changing climate can bring savings in the future
  • Measures related to increasing the blue-green structure will increase the comfort and attractiveness of the city from a perspective of residents and tourists
  • Reputation as a climate-resilient city
  • Comfort of the urban environment