ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the contemporary state of assessment methodologies for evaluating nature-based solutions (NBS) in urban environments. As urban populations are projected to reach 70% by 2050, cities face challenges related to environmental hazards such as pollution and limited access to natural spaces, impacting public health. Evidence suggests that integrating natural environments, such as green and blue spaces, can mitigate these adverse effects by enhancing physical, mental health, and overall wellbeing. This chapter discusses how NBS—like green roofs, urban gardens, and trees—can address urban heat islands, reduce air pollution, and improve noise levels, thereby supporting public health. It details the methodology for assessing NBS impact using a pre-post design with control sites, incorporating tools like the General Questionnaire (GQ), NBS-visitor questionnaire, and SOPARC (System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities) to measure general health, mental wellbeing, and physical activity. Case studies from Dortmund and Turin illustrate the application of these tools in evaluating changes post-NBS implementation. This chapter underscores the importance of robust evaluation to understand NBS benefits and guide future implementations. It advocates for health impact assessments (HIA) to project benefits and facilitate city-to-city exchanges for scaling effective NBS interventions.
