Seeking solutions for cities through the spatial vulnerability lens
Ecological and social injustices encountered in cities are closely interconnected, yet they remain largely absent from spatial planning processes. Now, a study(opens in new window) published in the journal ‘npj Urban Sustainability’ has adopted a novel, spatial approach to the assessment of socio-ecological vulnerabilities and justice in cities. Conducted as part of the EU-funded INTERLACE(opens in new window) project, with additional funding from another EU-backed project called Commit2Green(opens in new window), the study investigates the complexities of urban inequality through its analysis showing the way to more sustainable and equitable cities.
Identifying the most vulnerable
Urbanisation, climate change and the mass extinction of species across the globe are creating new vulnerabilities for people and ecosystems, and increasing vulnerabilities that already exist. Urban areas – where more than half of the world’s population is concentrated – are especially vulnerable. However, the degree to which people and ecosystems are vulnerable is highly uneven in space, leading to spatial injustices. Strategic urban planning can help enhance socio-ecological justice, but for this to happen, the needs of cities’ most vulnerable people and ecosystems must first be taken into account. The study focuses on the Krakow metropolitan area, which includes the city of Krakow and 14 neighbouring municipalities. The area is inhabited by around 1.5 million people, over half of whom live in the city proper of Krakow, whose population density (2 465 inhabitants per square kilometre) is about nine times higher than the region’s average. Although the metropolitan area is quite affluent, there are significant income differences between various municipalities. In their study, the researchers integrate spatial data on demographic disparities, resource access and environmental risks in the area. Through this spatial vulnerability approach, they draw a detailed map of vulnerability that incorporates exposure to social and environmental hazards as well as social and ecological sensitivities. The vulnerability assessment conducted on Krakow incorporates 10 social and ecological vulnerabilities. These are vulnerability to the lack of recreational opportunities, air pollution, noise pollution and heat, to river flooding, landslides, wildfires and drought, and to habitat fragmentation and biodiversity degradation. The assessment relies on rich local data and employs 47 spatial indicators of hazards and sensitivities to show where each vulnerability occurs throughout the metropolitan area. The detailed assessment sets the stage for strategic urban planning in Krakow, with green spaces planned based on the social and ecological needs of the different communities. It also examines how social-ecological vulnerabilities differ across locations, while accounting for diverse preferences. The approach therefore offers a framework for identifying and addressing urban inequalities. The authors of the study supported by INTERLACE (INTERnational cooperation to restore and connect urban environments in Latin AmeriCa and Europe) and Commit2Green (Commit to Green: Participatory urban greening and renaturing towards climate neutrality and resilience in European cities (Commit2Green/C2G)) conclude: “Humanity has irreversibly altered life on the planet—urban areas only being an extreme case—and human vulnerabilities are embedded within and deeply interwoven with ecological vulnerabilities. Tackling shared social-ecological vulnerabilities simultaneously is the foundation for human and ecological flourishing alike.” For more information, please see: INTERLACE project website(opens in new window) Commit2Green project website(opens in new window)
