A new report from the European Commission, entitled "Nature-based solutions for microclimate regulation and air quality", highlights the combination of environmental and social benefits offered by different types of nature-based solutions (NBS).

The report, published at this address (also available for download) on the EU website on July 31, is written by Carlo Calfapietra, director at the CNR of the Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET). The Italian expert highlights different types of nature-based solutions that help improve air quality and microclimate regulation and that feature a combination of other environmental and social benefits, including mental health. The report then provides an overview of the results of EU-funded projects related to nature-based solutions and how they support policy implementation in relation to microclimate regulation and air quality. NBS can also be very useful in reducing the urban heat island effect, which is affecting the thermal comfort but also the carbon footprint of our cities.

In 2021, the European Commission will adopt a zero-pollution action plan for air, water and soil and it is known that air quality has the most important consequences on human health and premature mortality. This report highlights the combination of environmental and social benefits presented by different types of NBS. The role of NBS, including green and blue spaces, stands here as an opportunity to achieve the ambitious sustainability goals of the European Green Deal.