Mass urbanisation presents one of the most urgent challenges of the 21st century. Rapidly developing and changing industrial activities, uncontrolled urban sprawl, large, concentrated and often culturally diverse populations have created numerous complex social and health problems.

Cities and urban communities have to cope with challenges related poor air quality, heat island effects, increased flood risks, increased frequency/severity of extreme events (floods, droughts, storms, heat waves, etc.), derelict industrial sites, dis-functioning urban areas, increased criminality, social exclusion, inequalities, marginalisation, poverty and degraded urban environments.

These challenges have serious impacts on human health, quality of life, well-being and security of citizens, particularly among the less privileged social classes.

Proposals may address the following topics:

SCC-02-2016-2017: Demonstrating innovative nature-based solutions in cities

SCC-03-2016: New governance, business, financing models and economic impact assessment tools for sustainable cities with nature-based solutions (urban re-naturing)

SCC-04-2016: Sustainable urbanisation

 

For more information, see the Call in Participant Portal.