What are some GIS-based tools for climate change mitigation in urban areas?

1 Carbon mapping

One of the first steps to mitigate climate change is to measure the sources and sinks of carbon in urban areas. Carbon mapping is a GIS-based tool that can estimate the carbon emissions and sequestration of different land uses, such as buildings, transport, vegetation, and soils. Carbon mapping can help identify the hotspots and coldspots of carbon in urban areas, and evaluate the potential of low-carbon strategies, such as green roofs, urban forests, renewable energy, and public transit. Carbon mapping can also help monitor the progress and effectiveness of climate action plans and policies.

2 Climate modeling

Another GIS-based tool that can help mitigate climate change is climate modeling. Climate modeling is a process of simulating the future climate scenarios based on different emission pathways and socio-economic factors. Climate modeling can help project the magnitude and frequency of climate hazards, such as temperature, precipitation, and extreme events, in urban areas. Climate modeling can also help assess the vulnerability and exposure of urban populations and infrastructure to climate risks, and identify the adaptation and mitigation options that can reduce the negative impacts and enhance the positive opportunities of climate change.

3 Green infrastructure

A third GIS-based tool that can help mitigate climate change is green infrastructure. Green infrastructure is a network of natural and semi-natural features that provide multiple benefits for urban areas, such as stormwater management, air quality improvement, biodiversity conservation, and recreation. Green infrastructure can help mitigate climate change by reducing the urban heat island effect, increasing the carbon storage, and lowering the energy demand. GIS can help design, implement, and evaluate green infrastructure by mapping the existing and potential green spaces, analyzing the ecosystem services and trade-offs, and engaging the stakeholders and communities.

4 Urban metabolism

A fourth GIS-based tool that can help mitigate climate change is urban metabolism. Urban metabolism is a concept that compares urban areas to living organisms that consume, transform, and release resources, such as energy, water, materials, and waste. Urban metabolism can help measure and optimize the resource efficiency and circularity of urban areas, and reduce their environmental impact and ecological footprint. GIS can help visualize and analyze the flows and stocks of resources in urban areas, and identify the opportunities and barriers for resource recovery, reuse, and recycling.

5 Spatial planning

A fifth GIS-based tool that can help mitigate climate change is spatial planning. Spatial planning is a process of coordinating and integrating the spatial aspects of various policies and activities that affect the development and use of land in urban areas. Spatial planning can help mitigate climate change by promoting compact, mixed-use, and transit-oriented development, and by preserving and enhancing the natural and cultural heritage of urban areas. GIS can help support spatial planning by providing data and tools for scenario analysis, impact assessment, stakeholder participation, and policy evaluation.

6 Citizen science

A sixth GIS-based tool that can help mitigate climate change is citizen science. Citizen science is a form of public participation in scientific research that involves volunteers collecting, sharing, and analyzing data on various topics, such as air quality, biodiversity, and climate change. Citizen science can help mitigate climate change by raising awareness, empowering communities, and generating useful and relevant data. GIS can help facilitate citizen science by enabling the collection and visualization of georeferenced data, and by creating platforms and networks for collaboration and communication.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?