Assessing Potential for and Benefits of Scaling up Nature-Based Solutions in Malmö

While many projects have demonstrated the potential of single Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to contribute to urban climate change adaptation, the challenge now lies in moving from demonstration projects to a full-scale deployment. The aim of this research is to assess the potential for a full-scale implementation of NbS in Malmö (Sweden), and the expected benefits and co-benefits. We developed six scenarios that simulate the current condition, the full-scale implementation of different NbS strategies (i.e., installing extensive green roofs, planting street trees, desealing parking areas, and enhancing vegetation in urban parks), and a combination of them. Then, we assessed the scenarios in terms of heat mitigation, stormwater regulation, carbon storage, biodiversity potential, and overall greenness, using a combination of spatially-explicit methods. Overall, the research reveals that the impacts of scaling up NbS depends on two factors: i) the existing potential to integrate NbS in the urban fabric, and ii) the capacity of each NbS type to deliver benefits in certain conditions.