Nature-based solutions to capture atmospheric pollutants in urban ecosystems

Atmospheric pollution is a social problem reflected in cities due to pollutants contributing to various adverse effects on society.

Over the last few years, experts have been arguing that cities may play a positive role in the resilience and adaptation strategies against atmospheric pollutants and climate change effects. Recently, Nature-based Solutions (NBS) started to be implemented, focusing on solving environmental problems in place of sole human intervention. The main purpose of this contribution is to apply NBS solutions in Mexico City and the City of Calgary, as well as to compare their effectiveness in both countries.

Our contribution begins with previous research conducted about the most feasible NBS to be applied to those cities. The selected solution was the Ecosystem-based adaptation through pocket parks. Consequently, six pocket parks were visited in both cities and a database was created with descriptions of each park. In addition, a historical air quality database of those cities was created too, with the purpose of studying if NBS positively contributes to the decrease of atmospheric pollutant concentrations especially in the areas where pocket parks are placed.

These databases were processed through data visualization software, which concluded that the area of the pocket parks, the quantity, and the species of trees in each park may have an important influence on pollutant reduction through the studied NBS.On the other hand, pocket parks have additional features that maintain their importance on the NBS since they have social benefits and contribute against the effects of climate change on cities. This study concludes by recognizing the importance of creating as many recreational spaces as possible that include features that address the needs of cities and citizens in building a better urban environment.