The role of urban forests in regulating air quality in the face of the effects of climate change

Abstract

This study aims to synthesize evidence on the contributions of the main component of urban infrastructure to air quality regulation in the face of climate change effects. It is an exploratory study with a qualitative approach, adopting a literature review, in which searches were carried out on the Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Portal Capes databases. Urban forests are essential for climate regulation, carbon sequestration, and environmental quality improvement, reducing air pollution and contributing to population well-being. The review shows that their benefits are widely recognized, but challenges persist regarding species selection, ventilation conditions, and urban morphology, factors that directly influence pollutant dispersion. It is also highlighted that the concentration of studies in major centers of the Global North indicates the need to expand research in Latin American contexts. This study reveals that urban forests are recognized as a decisive component of green infrastructure or within the sociological systems of cities. Thus, it reinforces the relevance of urban forests for achieving SDGs 11, 13, and 15 for sustainable development.