Policy Solution
Parks and open space
Commitment
Summary
Converting vacant, non-vegetated land into parks and open spaces is a heat mitigation strategy that cools the surrounding temperature and also provides social co-benefits.
Implementation
Develop and adopt parks plans and capital plans to fund park networks.
Considerations for Use
Parks can be capitally-intensive to design and construct; but offer many opportunities for funding through increased property values and financing solutions. Parks require ongoing maintenance.
Overview
Climate:
Hot/Dry, Hot/Humid, TemperatePolicy Levers:
CommitmentGovernments set ambitious goals or targets to guide prioritization and investment.Trigger Points:
City planning processesIncludes city initiatives such as the development of climate action plan, pathway to zero-energy, master plan, transit plan, energy mapping etc.Evaluating or initiating major city infrastructure projectsIncludes projects such as city transit, street or utilities construction / re-construction etc.Intervention Types:
Green/natural InfrastructureSectors:
Informal Settlements, Parks
Case Studies
Impact
Target Beneficiaries:
Heat-vulnerable communities, Property owners, ResidentsPhase of Impact:
Risk reduction and mitigationMetrics:
Area of green space or parks
Implementation
Intervention Scale:
City, DistrictAuthority and Governance:
City governmentImplementation Timeline:
Long-term (10+ Years)Implementation Stakeholders:
City governmentFunding Sources:
Grants and philanthropy, Private investment, Public investmentCapacity to Act:
HighBenefits
Cost-Benefit:
MediumPublic Good:
HighGHG Reduction:
MediumCo-benefits (Climate/Environmental):
Improve stormwater management, Preserve biodiversity, Provide flood protection, Reduce air and water pollutionCo-benefits (Social/Economic):
Build social cohesion, Improve human health, Improve the public realm, Increase property values