ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the intricate relationship that exists between ecological properties and cultural ecosystem services (CES) in urban settings, highlighting the critical role that CES plays in climate change adaptation in the Global South. Ecological properties, such as green parks, household-associated greeneries, street trees, and lakes are crucial to the provision of CES. These green and blue spaces offer recreational opportunities for city dwellers and habitats for a variety of wildlife. The chapter examines different urban CES for climate adaptation, including those that are latent (existing but not used), sustained (used for a long period), and novel (emerging from transformative social and biophysical properties). The chapter emphasizes their diverse roles in climate adaptation such as increasing environmental awareness, environmental stewardship, mental wellbeing, and collaboration and community engagement from long-practiced activities such as urban farming to more recent activities such as rooftop gardening. The findings highlight how important it is to comprehend these activities in the context of urban planning, especially considering the expansion of cities. Drawing on a case study of Dhaka, Bangladesh, including CES in urban development planning is crucial for climate change adaptation. One way to create strong and enduring paths for climate adaptation could be to recognize and strengthen cultural and spiritual linkages to the environment. This strategy demonstrates employing the CES framework may support the development of resilient and sustainable urban ecosystems, which has significant implications for further research and the creation of public policy. Future research should also focus on developing techniques for assessing and quantifying the impact of CES on climate change adaptation since this will provide crucial data for evidence-based policy decisions.
