Peripheral Public Spaces and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS):

alternatives to mitigate the climate crisis and enhance the quality of life

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the role of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in the revitalization of public spaces in Brazilian peripheral areas, discussing their potential for mitigating the climate crisis and promoting quality of life for populations in vulnerable territories.

Methodology: The study was conducted through a systematic literature review of academic databases and national and international technical reports, organizing the analysis into four main axes: urbanization and the growth of favelas; impacts of the climate crisis; the importance of public spaces; and applications of NbS.

Originality/Relevance: This research contributes to the debate by inserting the theme of Brazilian urban peripheries into the national and international discussion on NbS, highlighting the existing gap in the literature regarding the relationship between socio-environmental justice, informal public spaces, and climate resilience.

Results: The findings reveal that interventions such as community gardens, green roofs, and rain gardens can reduce heat islands, improve urban drainage, and strengthen community bonds. Likewise, it was found that continuous contact with nature can positively impact the physical and mental health of the population. The study also identifies advances in public policy in Brazil, such as the National Policy on Climate Change (PNMC), the Resilient Green Cities Program (PCVR), and the "NbS in the Peripheries" program, demonstrating governmental efforts to enhance climate resilience in vulnerable territories and integrate NbS into urban planning.

Theoretical/Methodological Contributions: The article reinforces the applicability of NbS as an analytical framework for sustainable urbanism studies, offering a basis for evaluating environmental solutions in vulnerable urban contexts.

Social and Environmental Contributions: The implementation of green infrastructures, such as NbS in peripheral territories, fosters the reduction of socio-spatial inequalities, promotes environmental justice, and enhances the resilience of cities to climate change, contributing to collective well-being.