The effectiveness of nature-based solutions to address climate change in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Amid escalating climate change impacts, urban areas like Dhaka face heightened vulnerability to extreme weather, rising temperatures, urban heat island effects, and associated physical and psychological consequences. Nature-based solutions (NBS) emerge as a prominent strategy to address these challenges. This study examines urban residents' perceptions of ecosystem vulnerability, socio-economic factors, and the effectiveness of existing NBS approaches in reducing climate vulnerabilities. Data were collected through in-depth interviews of forty-five urban residents (equal ratio of male and female residents) in Gulshan and Banani, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Findings showed several factors such as increased temperature, change in rainfall pattern, physical and mental health issues, lack of proper management and space, and implementation of increased vulnerability. NBS can reduce the ecosystem, socio-economic vulnerability features, and impacts of NBS on residents and urban areas. Among the identified NBS approaches, rooftop agriculture and balcony gardens were considered the most helpful and feasible NBS approaches, offering cooling effects, reduced heat stress, and better air quality. Respondents emphasized government and community roles over individuals and collaborative efforts to manage urban green spaces. Our study implies that adopting NBS in urban areas can enhance urban resilience to climate change, positively impacting residents and future efforts in maintaining sustainable green space management.

Keywords

• Climate change
• Urban residents
• Ecosystem vulnerability
• Socio-economic vulnerability
• Nature-based solutions (NBS)