Nature-based cooling solutions for cities

As cities across South Asia face rising heatwaves and the growing burden of urban heat islands, this special issue brings together global, regional, and local experiences to explore nature-based solutions (NbS) for urban cooling. It presents NbS not only as an environmental necessity but as a climate justice tool—especially for those living and working in heat-stressed informal settlements, small businesses, and high-density areas.

The issue features 16 valuable contributions from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Jordan, Kenya, and the wider BIMSTEC region. These include:

• Urban forest patches, wetland restoration, green corridors, shaded schoolyards, and high-albedo surfaces as practical and scalable NbS strategies.
• Heritage-based solutions such as stepwells, courtyards, and vernacular architecture that traditionally offered natural cooling.
• Youth-led urban greening efforts across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
• Policy frameworks and pilot programs from India’s Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT, and National Cooling Action Plan.
• Scientific evidence showing that nature-based cooling can lower local temperatures by 2–10°C and contribute to public health, mental well-being, and biodiversity.