This acknowledgment reflects the high-quality research and collaborative efforts of the URBAG team in addressing critical challenges related to climate change and urban ecosystems. We are thrilled to see our work recognized on such an esteemed platform and remain committed to producing impactful scientific contributions.
Title: Co-benefits of nature-based solutions: A health impact assessment of the Barcelona Green Corridor (Eixos Verds) plan/ With the complete implementation of the Eixos Verds, 183 premature deaths could be averted annually (178 preventable deaths due to increase in GS alone, 5 preventable deaths through GS heat reductions), underscoring the critical role of urban greening in improving public health.
Exploring Multifunctional Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Stormwater Management. Svetlana Khromova presented her work at the first annual event of the project "Nature in the City," focusing on nature-based solutions (NBS) and climate adaptation in urban environments. The event was organized by the Urban School of Science Po in Paris during 11 and 12th of December 2024.
Title: A Social-Ecological-Technological Vulnerability Approach for Assessing Urban Risks. Case Study of the Hydrological System of Barcelona, Spain / As urban populations continue to increase throughout the 21st century, a greater number of people are anticipated to face risks associated with extreme climate events. This study explores the intricate nature of water-related risks to urban communities through a Social-Ecological-Technological Systems framework.
Title: Heat and Drought Events Alter Biogenic Capacity to Balance CO2 Budget in South-Western Europe/ Heat and drought events are increasing in frequency and intensity, posing significant risks to natural and agricultural ecosystems with uncertain effects on the net ecosystem CO2 exchange. The current Vegetation Photosynthesis and Respiration Model (VPRM) was adjusted to include soil moisture impacts on the gross ecosystem exchange and respiration.
In December, the European Research Council (ERC) published a groundbreaking report addressing this vital question. URBAG joined forces with over 300 ERC-funded projects to shed light on the concept of transformative change and its potential to create a just and sustainable future. The report explores strategies to scale up sustainability while protecting the environment.
Gara Villalba contributed to Session 11 at the ICOS Cities event "Science meets City 2024": Quantification of urban greenhouse gas emissions - from novel monitoring to source identification. She presented the greenhouse gas monitoring network deployed by the URBAG group in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona.
The postdoctoral fellow will be working alongside the URBAG research team and will be responsible for the GHG monitoring network that has recently been developed and for developing a line of research that includes several of the following objectives, to be further defined by the candidate. Application Deadline: 8 January 2025. Work Location: ICTA-UAB (Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain). Contract duration: 24 months
Title: Effect of Land Use Changes on Air Quality: Impacts of Urbanization, Urban Vegetation, and Agriculture / Rapid urbanization in urban areas is transforming natural landscapes into impervious surfaces, resulting in changes to the physical properties of these surfaces. Changes in surface physical properties impact local temperature and convection, which in turn affects air quality.
Juan David Arosemena and Guido Evangelista presented their work at the LCA FOOD 2024 Conference held in Barcelona in September 2024. The main focus of this conference is to assess the sustainability of agrifood systems and guide them to improving their environmental performance. This forum also includes the social and economic pillars of sustainability.