Climate Resilient Green Cities of the Future Building Evidence for Action

Urban areas are increasingly vulnerable to climate change, with rising temperatures, extreme precipitation, and flooding posing significant risks to human health and infrastructure. Urban green infrastructure (UGI) has been identi fied as a key strategy for mitigating these effects. Despite research demonstrating the bene fits of UGI, its implementation faces challenges, particularly in densifying cities where land is scarce and urban development pressures are high. In response, the Centre for Urban Ecology and Climate Adaptation at TU Munich has investigated, in various research projects, how UGI can enhance climate resilience in urban environments. This paper presents the findings from two projects exploring how evidence of UGI's role in climate adaptation can be contextualized for neighbourhood-scale applications. Using Munich as a case study, the research applied scenario-based microclimatic simulations and hydrological modelling to assess the effectiveness of UGI in mitigating urban heat and stormwater risks. Results demonstrate that urban tree planting signi ficantly enhances outdoor thermal comfort. However, tree loss due to densi fication-related underground car parks can worsen heat stress and diminish cooling benefits. Therefore, strategies that reduce cars in cities are a key prerequisite for transforming cities via UGI. Implementation challenges include conflicting land-use priorities, restrictive building regulations, and limited financial incentives for private greening investments. The research underscores the value of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches, particularly through urban labs. Lessons from these projects emphasize the need for early integration of UGI in urban planning, regulatory reforms, economic incentives, and citizen engagement in UGI. Ultimately, transitioning to climate-resilient cities requires systemic governance transformations, sustained research, and integrated urban planning strategies that prioritize multifunctional green infrastructure.