World Environment Day 2026: Edoardo Croci highlights Nature-Based Solutions for climate-resilient cities

On the occasion of World Environment Day 2026, Professor Edoardo Croci, SUR Lab Director at Bocconi University, joined Radio 24’s Effetto Giorno to discuss the role of nature-based solutions in addressing climate change and enhancing urban resilience.

Nature-based solutions can simultaneously support climate change mitigation and adaptation by sequestering carbon, reducing urban heat island effects, improving stormwater management, and enhancing the quality of life in cities. During the interview, Professor Croci emphasised the need to increase the presence of nature in urban areas and highlighted the importance of policies aimed at restoring and protecting green spaces.

Referring to the ongoing implementation of nature restoration policies in Italy, Professor Croci noted that cities are increasingly called upon not only to halt the consumption of green areas but also to expand urban greenery. Such transformations, he explained, require rethinking the allocation of urban space, reducing areas dedicated to cars and asphalt in favor of green infrastructure and public spaces.

While these changes may initially raise concerns among residents, Professor Croci stressed that experiences from many cities demonstrate how urban regeneration projects can generate significant social benefits, including improved livability, stronger community engagement, and enhanced environmental quality. Effective communication, citizen involvement, and the monitoring of outcomes are essential to building public support and ensuring successful implementation.

Addressing the relationship between urban greening and cultural heritage, Croci also highlighted the need for balanced and context-sensitive approaches. Protecting the historical and cultural identity of cities remains a priority, requiring careful planning to integrate new green infrastructure while preserving valuable heritage assets.

The interview reaffirmed the growing importance of nature-based solutions as a key strategy for creating more sustainable, resilient, and people-centred cities in the face of climate and environmental challenges.