By Joel Martinez
Image of the schematic overview provided by the researchers showing key variables within their modelling framework
Figure taken from O'Keeffe Et al. 2022
Natural capital has been recognized to play an extremely important role in sustainable development and provides valuable ecosystem services, which include the reduction of air pollution, reducing flooding, and aids in urban production. Production of natural capital and ecosystem sercices is noted in urban areas that may provide plenty of benefits, but poorly planned urbanization creates a significant challenge to the provision of ecosystem services. Green Infrastructure and Nature Based Solutions are aiming to use natural capital as a means of green growth, as well as sustaibable development. Athough largely recognized as a positive element, urban natural capital is difficult to actually measure and makes it difficult for a justfication of urban (re)development to be provided.
The Thamesmead Waterfront Development in London was used as the area of study, and a system dynamics model was used to help grade and assess the performance of natural capital in the development using different scenarios. Researchers partaking in the study used the Natural Space Performance to evaluate the capacity of this space to be able to provide ESS using natural capital. The capacity of the model was also used to show the ways in which development affects natural capital and ESS.
Researchers found that using the SD model was useful in concpetualising natural capital and its usage in development projects. The evaluation of natural capital and their inclusion in future projects can enhnace blue and green space in cities and enhance the quality of life for citizens and improve overall urban sustainability.
Original Article:
O'Keeffe J, Pluchinotta I, De Sterke S, Hinson C, Puchol-Salort P, Mijic A, Zimmermann N, Collins A M. 2024. Evaluating natural capital performance of urban development through system dynamics: A case study from London. Science of The Total Environment 824: 153673 - 153684. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153673
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