Clustering Comfort: A Cluster Analysis on Housing Conditions and Nature-Based Solutions in Polish Cities

As cities struggle to balance affordable housing, sufficient public green space, climate change, and rising temperatures, the urgency for planners to integrate nature-based solutions into urban strategies is magnified. In Poland, social inequalities and neighborhoods with limited access to green areas often characterize cities. Urban strategies are needed to increase environmental justice and mitigate climate change impacts. In a survey conducted in Poland (n = 963), a cluster analysis identified four groups based on their living situations, rating of green spaces, and climate change. The results illustrate differences in perceived impacts of heat waves with one group demonstrating a high tolerance towards heat waves, although they live in unfavorable housing conditions. Green space use varies depending on accessibility and distribution in their neighborhoods. Context-sensitive planning is required to ensure more equitable urban planning in Polish cities, which allocates for both the environmental and social needs of the city.