This chapter explores urban nature-based solutions (NBSs) as an essential strategy for creating circular and liveable cities. NBSs leverage natural processes and ecosystems to address various urban challenges, including climate change adaptation, biodiversity loss, water management, and urban resilience. The chapter highlights how NBS can transform cities into more sustainable, resource-efficient environments while offering social, economic, and environmental benefits. Key urban NBSs discussed include green roofs, green walls, community gardens, permeable pavements, bioswales, urban forests, and constructed wetlands. These solutions not only contribute to mitigating the effects of urbanisation but also improve air and water quality, reduce the urban heat island effect, and enhance biodiversity. By integrating nature into urban planning, cities can become more resilient to extreme weather events and better equipped to manage natural resources sustainably. The chapter further emphasises the importance of policy frameworks and financial incentives to encourage the widespread adoption of NBS. Case studies from global cities illustrate the successful implementation of NBS and their positive impact on urban liveability. Ultimately, NBSs are a powerful tool in the circular economy framework, fostering healthier, greener, and more liveable cities that support both people and the planet.

Gardern, park, environments, politics of greening

Cities have become critical drivers of global socio-economic, behavioural and environmental changes far beyond urbanised borders; their transformative force was recognised with the endorsement of SDG 11 to ‘make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’. We provide an analysis of SDG 11’s impacts, considering global monitoring efforts and different local priorities linked to diverse urbanisation patterns. We focus particularly on the effects on forests and forest-based livelihoods, and propose a framework to assess synergies and trade-offs between SDG 11 and other SDGs, accounting for a range of city types. In terms of SDG 11 implementation, we found that countries tend to prioritise access to adequate housing and transport, with interlinkages to health, education and employment. Few countries enforce policies to ensure safe, green and accessible public places, or the protection of cultural and natural heritage in and around cities, despite the manifold benefits urban forests can bring. Little attention is given to building strategic social and environmental links between urban and rural areas. A more integrated approach to urban–rural territorial planning could have a positive impact by improving access to ecosystem services and socio-economic benefits generated by forests.