Over the course of human history, the perspective and value of our planet has evolved. We benefit from globalisation through increases in connectivity, technological advancements and economic integrations bringing improvements to the quality of life through the implementation of efficient transport systems and ensuring accessibility to services like healthcare and education.
Globalisation has also resulted in increase in pollution from chemicals and waste, exploitation of natural resources, land- and sea-use changes and the spread of invasive species, further causing and exacerbating social inequalities, biodiversity loss and climate change.
Climate change is a fundamental threat to the survival of our planet, species and livelihoods. The impacts of climate change are both global and local in scope and unprecedented in scale. Each increment of warming rapidly escalates hazards such as intense heatwaves, heavier rainfall, prolonged drought, wildfire and storm events which both directly and indirectly impact infrastructure, human health, ecosystems and therefore the way that we live.
To adequately address the crisis we must urgently reduce and mitigate greenhouse gas pollution, - carbon dioxide (approx. 75% of all emissions), methane (16%), nitrous oxide (6%) and fluorinated gases (2%) and prepare for and adapt to the consequences that we are facing today and will continue to face in the future.
“Mitigation means making the impacts of climate change less severe by preventing or reducing the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere. Adaptation means anticipating the adverse effects of climate change and taking appropriate action to prevent or minimise the damage they can cause, or taking advantage of opportunities that may arise.’’
One method to combat the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis and improve social capital is the implementation of nature-based solutions (NbS).
According to the EU (European Union) Commission, NbS are:
“Solutions that are inspired and supported by nature, which are cost-effective, simultaneously provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help build resilience. Such solutions bring more, and more diverse, nature and natural features and processes into cities, landscapes and seascapes, through locally adapted, resource-efficient and systemic interventions.”
What does NbS in look like in practice?
The benefits of NbS are highlighted below:
Benefits of NbS in the transport sector
Heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides destroy roads, highways and rail infrastructure making them inaccessible and resulting in costly compensation, repairs and maintenance. Appropriate revegetation through re-establishing of native trees, hedgerows, shrubs and grasses can reduce erosion and enhances the ability of the soil to absorb water during heavy rainfall events, thereby providing natural stabilisation of soils and natural buffer zones and reducing the risk of landslides and flooding.
In addition, planting of trees (mini forests), shrubs and more biodiverse habitats can result in carbon sequestration, clean air, improvements in biodiversity and wildlife, reduction in urban heat island effects, and temperatures and wind protection.
In built up areas, during heavy rain, grey infrastructure, pavement and hard road surfaces function as an umbrella over the area, leading to flooding if the water does not have anywhere to go. Demineralisation is the un-paving of mineral surfaces through the removal of concrete or asphalt which makes pavements more permeable allowing water to be infiltrated and absorbed into the ground below.
NbS such as swamps and bioswales (channels designed to concentrate and convey stormwater runoff) can absorb and infiltrate the water, while grey solutions push it away, leading to problems elsewhere.
The transformation of concrete road corridors to green-blue corridors improves air quality by acting as a natural air-conditioner, with vegetation and water bodies contributing to a reduction in temperature, open watercourses allowing for resilience against flooding and an increase in aquatic ecosystems, birds and insects. In addition, the expansion of green-blue corridors is often associated with the modal shift to walking and cycling due to improvements in comfort, safety and experience of journeys, with expansion of and utilisation of public transport services like buses, light rail and subways.
Coastal flooding and erosion threaten both road and rain infrastructure. Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, sand dunes and coral reefs act as natural flood elevation and shoreline armouring. Beach grasses like marram and Lyme are effective erosion controls which help to stabilise the sand and prevent the sand from blowing away. This improves natural sand dune formation which further enhances resilience against coastal flooding and erosion, also providing carbon sequestration and supporting marine habitats.
Unlike traditional grey engineering approaches that require retrofitting and replacing, NbS naturally adapt when conditions are suitable. However, it is important to remember that for nature to take care of us we must take care of nature. Nature should remain intact where possible and hybrid solutions should be explored (i.e. it is more beneficial to retain the tree than move it elsewhere).
In addition, the implementation of NbS strategies to upgrade transport infrastructure networks requires a voluntaristic multiscale and multistakeholder governance.
This approach includes several regional agencies (mobility, environment, public works, etc.), local authorities, urban developers (private and public), multiple technical experts (urban planners, landscape designers, ecologists, hydrologists, engineers) and local communities. Partnerships and effective communication of the benefits of NbS is crucial. Understanding the local context and socio-economic benefits ensures proper design and maintenance of NbS and empowers local communities and key stakeholders.
Find out more about WSP’s approach to Nature-based Solutions here
Annual membership of Women in Transport is £60 per year providing access to professional development and networking opportunities. We very much welcome guest blogs from our members - a great way to share the incredible diversity of opportunity in transport, raise your profile and connect with our community. Join us today.
Follow us @transportwm on Twitter, on Linkedin at Women in Transport and at @transportwmn on Instagram for events, news and updates.