Follow-Up Report on Health & Quality of Life in Urban Areas by Interfase_UAB

URBAN-NEXUS WP3 Follow Up Report. Health and Quality of Life

FOLLOW-UP REPORT HEALTH & QUALITY OF LIFE IN URBAN AREAS The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme [FP7/2007-2013] under grant agreement n 282679. This report forms project deliverable 3.2

WP3

URBAN-NEXUS WP3 Follow-Up Report. Health and Quality of Life

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URBAN-NEXUS WP3 Follow-Up Report. Health and Quality of Life

CONTENTS 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................ 3

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................................. 3

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 4 3.1

Background ................................................................................................................................. 4

3.2

Purpose of the Follow-up report................................................................................................. 5

4 MAIN ISSUES AROUND THE CONCEPTUALISATION OF HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN URBAN AREAS ......................................................................................................................... 5 4.1

Definition of QoL: emerging perspectives and complexities ...................................................... 5

4.2 Hypothesis and discussion on the relationship between Health and QoL in Cities: cross scale paradoxes or just standards for implementation? ................................................................................. 6 4.3

Gaps in science ............................................................................................................................ 7

5 TOOLS, PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTATION AND CHALLENGES: TACKLING PROBLEMS BY FIXING THE CAUSES OR MITIGATING THE EFFECTS? ........... 8 5.1

Urban planning and design to reduce environmental stressors ................................................. 9

5.2

The role of green & blue infrastructure and ecosystem services ............................................. 11

5.3

The economics of QoL: between causes and symptoms .......................................................... 12

DIALOGUE CAFÉ OUTCOMES ANALYSIS ............................................................................. 13

POTENTIAL FOR FUTURE PARTNERSHIPS ....................................................................... 20

LESSONS LEARNT ....................................................................................................................... 21

ABOUT URBAN-NEXUS ............................................................................................................. 24

10 LITERATURE REVIEW .............................................................................................................. 25 11 ANNEXES ....................................................................................................................................... 26 11.1

Key issues from the “Urban Climate Resilience” theme ........................................................... 26

11.2

Question queried through the ResearchGate platform ............................................................ 27

11.3

Results from session 3 ............................................................................................................... 29

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1 Executive summary In the framework of the FP7 URBAN-NEXUS project, a working process has been established based on open and structured dialogues with relevant stakeholders, aiming to approach challenges faced by urban regions in Europe to achieve sustainability. As a basis of those discussions, an analysis of the state of the art is undertaken for each of the project topics in urban areas: adapting to climate change; health and quality of life; competing for urban land; integrated urban management;, and integrated information and monitoring. The discussions help to identify key issues and other topics for further consideration and development in subsequent phases of the project. A broader, integrated stakeholder community evolves during this process. This report presents the summary and main conclusions of the Barcelona Dialogue Café workshop (held on 17th and 18th of October 2012, in Barcelona). This analysis of the discussions plus further examination of the literature contributes to building shared knowledge on improving quality of life (QoL henceforth) and health through processes of urban planning, design and management. Firstly, the main issues have been approached, beginning with the need to conceptualise the framework for health and QoL. Secondly, cross-scale linkages are presented. Thirdly, evidence gaps were examined, both in science and practice. These gaps encompass: the lack of integration between different sectors in relation to urban management; the need for effective and meaningful suites of indicators and standards; and the inadequacy of research funding, methodology and application. Fourthly, the discussion expands more generally as to how urban planning and design might help reduce environmental and/or social stressors that affect health and QoL, in particular the role of green infrastructure and the beneficial services provided by ecosystems. Lastly, we present the main topics of interest, including concerns, proposed solutions, and challenges, expressed by the Dialogue Café participants and the stakeholder community. Mobility is the main concern with private transport being the principal community interest issue as source of air pollution in the urban environment. Proposed solutions include incorporating more greenery (space and infrastructure) in urban planning and design towards creating and managing more people-oriented cities. Other challenges relate to economy and knowledge, mainly focusing on creating virtual spaces to promote the exchange of knowledge; its availability and accessibility.

2 Acknowledgments The authors wish to thank everyone who contributed to development of the synthesis report, the dialogue café, and this follow-up report. Special thanks to all participants and partners who provided a rich discussion on the relevant topics. Raquel Ubach, Lorenzo Chelleri, Núria Blanes, Miquel Sáinz and Roger Milego (Researchers), and June Graham (reviewer). UAB - Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, January 2013 (on behalf of URBAN-NEXUS).

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3 Introduction 3.1

Background

This report compiles the main outcomes from different activities related to “Health and Quality of Life in urban areas” in the framework of the URBAN-NEXUS project. A Follow-Up Report on “Urban Climate Resilience”1 identified some key messages. Many of these are pertinent going forward, both for the current theme of “Health and Quality of Life” and the subsequent themes of: “Competing for Land”, “Data and Monitoring”, and “Integrated Urban Management”. The most relevant key messages are represented in the attached Annex (11.1) to ensure that the project partners and interested stakeholders carry forward learning and build collective intelligence in a truly integrated manner, which is a key goal of URBAN-NEXUS. The Urban Nexus Dialogue Café on Health and Quality of Life in European Cities was held 17th and 18th October, 2012. The meeting gathered experts to discuss factors that contribute to health and quality of life in European cities and to share their knowledge from different experiences and projects. The meeting discussions and outcomes are the main subject of this Follow-Up Report. A synthesis report2 describing the state of the art on health and quality of life in urban areas served as a basis for discussions during the Dialogue Café. Citizens are the focus of the analysis as their quality of life is affected by the quality of the urban environment, which is shaped by policies, urban structure and related patterns and functions. Air pollution, noise, electromagnetic pollution and allergens are the main environmental stressors highlighted in the report. Road transport is, by far, the main source of pollution in most of the cities analysed. In addition, air pollution is a major environmental risk to human health impacting respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, and reproductive systems. Climate change will compound some health impacts, in particular respiratory problems which are exacerbated by heat stress and increased air pollutants such as ground-level ozone. Climate change will also increase exposure to allergens and infectious disease. More discussion on the health impacts of climate change are presented in the URBAN-NEXUS Synthesis report on Urban Climate Resilience3. Proximity and access to green infrastructure is recognised as a strong factor in improving health and quality of life in cities. Green infrastructure also provides a range of coincidental benefits in building urban climate resilience. Socio-economic factors and cultural stressors generate social health inequalities in urban society in relation to social class, gender, geographic area and ethnicity. Some policies can increase inequalities especially in vulnerable groups, while social mix can be a successful alleviator2. Urban structure, land use and the resultant dynamics also affect citizens’ quality of life. It is through governance and policies that stressors and alleviators can be highlighted or minimised according to policy priorities.

The Follow-up Report on “Urban Climate Resilience” was published following the first URBAN-NEXUS Dialogue Café, held May 2013 in Glasgow. 2 http://www.urban-nexus.eu/www.urban-nexus.eu/images/Health and Quality of life Synthesis Report WP3.pdf 3 “Urban Climate Resilience Synthesis Report”, URBAN-NEXUS September 2012. http://bit.ly/VjnCAm

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3.2

Purpose of the Follow-up report

The purpose of this report is to develop the main outputs of the Dialogue Café. In addition, we have also included suggestions collected from partners and the stakeholder community in response to the Synthesis Report. No distinction is made throughout the report as to the specific source of any contribution. Firstly, it is explored a broad conceptual framework for health and QoL in urban areas. This is followed by an analysis of the complex relationship between the two main concepts: health and quality of life. Here, it is also presented an exposition of the current gaps in science. After an introduction on theory, it is discussed the application of tools and practical solutions. This includes urban planning and design to reduce environmental burdens. This is followed by a discussion of the deeper relationship between green/blue infrastructure and the multiple services and natural processes provided by ecosystems. Then, these topics are contextualised in the present economic situation. A further section looks at proposals for future learning and activities around common concerns, solutions and challenges identified by the Café participants. A correlation analysis of terms helps to identify existing relations and emergent conceptual clusters. To conclude, some actions are proposed to facilitate networking and promotion of future partnerships.

4 Main issues around the conceptualisation of health and quality of life in urban areas In this chapter key issues relating to the concept of quality of life and cross-scale relationships are developed, and perceived scientific and knowledge gaps are commented.

4.1

Definition of QoL: emerging perspectives and complexities

There are different interpretations and definitions of QoL. As documented in the Synthesis Report on Health and QoL in Urban Areas, the broad spectrum of perspectives on QoL extends from collective to individual wellbeing, the built environment, physical and mental health, education etc. Ensuring QoL in cities should be related to the availability of determinants and standards with regard to public services, employment, shopping, sport facilities, greenspace and living conditions (EEA, 2009). However, during the Dialogue Café, complexities and paradoxes emerged from the discussions around the definition of QoL and (environmental) sustainability, and around QoL and relevant indicators. On the one hand, as QoL relies on both a subjective perspective of lifestyles and on material goods and living standards, people usually link QoL with unsustainable patterns of urban development, e.g. having a private garden and swimming pool, eating imported food and having one or more cars per household. This point of view should be seen as an imperative for changing behavioural, subjective and social aspects related to what we consider to be QoL. Concerns emerged during the Dialogue Café on how to measure QoL, using which standards and indicators? For urban environments, individual QoL is usually measured and associated with access and proximity to services and facilities, e.g. access to open and green spaces. However, a deeper understanding of QoL identifies key societal features. Urban regeneration programmes (if successful) generally improve health and living standards of the local environment 5|Page

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which can indirectly stimulate gentrification dynamics. Such subjective and culturally oriented interpretations of QoL show the need to work on a definition that goes beyond a spatial planning and socio-economic perspective, incorporating aspects of social and environmental equity. Wellbeing assessments have traditionally been based on GDP and other integrated macroeconomic indicators but local (site specific) and equity oriented (inclusive) approaches need to be integrated within urban planning and management practices. As previously mentioned, appropriate parameters and definitions would help to transform behaviours and stimulate transitioning around QoL perceptions and promote more sustainable development and lifestyles.

4.2 Hypothesis and discussion on the relationship between Health and QoL in Cities: cross scale paradoxes or just standards for implementation? Health can be considered as a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing (World Health Organization 1948), a step beyond simply the absence of disease or infirmity. This means that urban physical structures and functions also contribute to creating healthy (or unhealthy) environments. Therefore, building codes and urban planning contribute indirectly to health and wellbeing. Accordingly, a broad definition of health should also consider, among others, (1) urban metabolism and ecological footprint concepts, which directly affect transport and energy production, and are indirectly linked to healthy-unhealthy environments; (2) cultural and social identities; (3) climate impacts and adaptation; and (4) land uses and changes. This broad concept of healthy environments is difficult to define by a set of indicators, not least due to the dangers of attempting to standardise cultural, or even individual, happiness. Human health is easier to quantify objectively and frame within suites of standards. Indeed good social care and sanitary programmes, increased health budgets and qualitative research programmes, improvement of hospital standards and decreased social isolation of the elderly are all good indicators of assessing peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health. QoL is also related to the concept of health in the urban environment. This is based on the protection of society, especially vulnerable people, from sources of pollution (such as traffic, central energy production systems, waste treatment plants etc., all of which can cause air, noise, smell, water and land pollution). Evident links emerge between such pollution sources and spatial planning, since a healthy urban environment is highly dependent on land use management; building density and type; mixed occupancy; the design of public or open spaces, etc. For example, Barcelona has witnessed the positive influence of allotment gardens on health and diminished healthcare costs, particularly for the elderly. Even where green or blue spaces, community gardens or sports facilities are introduced primarily for physical health they also have important mental and psychological benefits that nurture wellbeing. The dimensions of such spatial interventions overlap urban physical and administrative boundaries, highlighting cross-scalar issues that influence peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health. Air and water pollution (and depuration) impacts (and benefits) flow across administrative boundaries (regional, national, even continental). They are dependent on human and ecosystem functioning and interactions. Therefore, any urban health related policy must face the challenges of coordinating and managing cross-scalar and cross boundary issues. Food production and consumption is another health related example that has cross scalar/boundary aspects. It is strongly linked with urban-rural system dynamics and the broader economy. It indirectly drives tradeoffs on the health of the rural environment, it affects local working conditions and the local economy, and it also influences land use practices and sustainability in the production regions. In the urban environment, it can provide healthy food for consumers. Therefore, both environmental health (rural and urban) and human health are dependent on: 6|Page

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

social behaviours and education, influencing and shifting demand for healthier food , e.g. less intensive agricultural production and more organic farming, though this may be challenged by agro-industry and farming lobbies. market forces, whereby a pre-existing resilient network of intensive farmlands, and vested interests in the agribusiness and food industries corner the market at competitive prices.

With such insights on cross-scale, market forces and social behaviour dependencies, health improvements, arising from both the social and physical environments, emphasises not only the integrated approach necessary to address health-related issues, but also the context dependency of any intervention. Determinants of feelings, cultural aspects and more general social and behavioural aspects deeply influence the concept of a healthy environment and, in turn, QoL. Such determinants are site specific and can completely differ from town to town or from region to region. In the European context, such differences can imply geographical paradoxes in trying to address specific standards for defining environmental health. For example, open or greenspace is viewed normatively as bringing added value, but in some geographic or socio-cultural contexts it may represent unsafe space, e.g. if it is not associated with intensive social use, complemented by facilities and services. As security, cultural belonging and identity behaviours are site-specific elements driving the perception of QoL and the value provided by the environmental or health improvement intervention a specific environmental health standard can simultaneously enhance (for some people) and diminish (for others) their QoL perceptions. Practical examples provided in the next sections include tools, solutions, challenges, and comparisons with other measures, e.g. the United Nations (UN) “happiness index”4, or the Commission on the Measurement of Economic Performance and Social Progress in France5. Notwithstanding such possible geographical and site specific misunderstanding and complexities surrounding some health and QoL related interventions, it is mandatory to ensure and frame the reduction of environmental pollution (air, water, soils). This is undoubtedly a key aspect for enhancing both health and QoL in any urban system.

4.3

Gaps in science

QoL and creating healthy environments are big, multidisciplinary and complex issues which cannot be addressed solely by urban planning and policy. The gaps in dealing with these concepts emanate from: 

the lack of integration between policy sectors dealing with different aspects related to urban management;



the lack of data and proper indicator suites; and



the lack of qualitative research and application of the results in practice.

The most urgent and relevant gaps for addressing QoL in European cities seems to be the need for a coherent, site specific and culturally respectful definition of QoL, since the concept and measurement of happiness is not properly taken into account, or linked with the current indicators and definition of economic wellbeing and QoL. Once the different criteria framing the definition are established, their effective integration in urban planning and management should demonstrate the social inclusiveness and equitable development of building QoL in practice. Unfortunately QoL (like happiness and wellbeing) is a useful slogan with different political aims, which proves to be a challenging concept to 4 5

http://www.oecd.org/statistics/betterlifeinitiativemeasuringwell-beingandprogress.htm http://www.stiglitz-sen-fitoussi.fr/en/index.htm

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put into practice. Experiences are usually fragmented, due to a lack of data, political willingness, or effective communication between sectors, which compromises integrated approaches. We should pursue consistency of indicators and monitoring methods. Reliable, harmonised data is needed to support advocacy on urban issues, especially those affecting QoL. Urban planners, government structures (such as cadastre and infrastructure agencies, statistical offices, etc.), regional and municipal administrations, and private companies amongst others need various data and thematic maps, sometimes at a detailed scale. Different spatial databases must be accurate and harmonised (Directive 02/2007/EU-INSPIRE). Therefore, simple, clear and efficient recommendations for data harmonisation are needed and should be enhanced in accordance with ISO standards and the EU INSPIRE Directive. Gaps also exist for health and for building healthier environments, mainly concerned with need for qualitative research. For example, whilst there is empirical data and evidence confirming the importance of the environment to health and wellbeing, gaps exist between research (or funding for research) and implementation (or funding for development). Furthermore, important gaps are identified where much of the knowledge regarding healthier urban environments concerns high-tech solutions, which may be complex, extremely expensive or not cost-effective to put into practice, especially within the ongoing European economic crisis. More ecologically oriented approaches (fostering ecosystem services functions, for example) are often cheaper and easier to put into practice, but are hindered by knowledge gaps concerning ecological functions and services (e.g. cross scalar implications and unexpected feedbacks when operating within ecosystem services). Lastly, a major gap is identified between general scientific knowledge and business as usual practices. Multi-criteria analysis and other evaluation assessments could provide and inspire different, innovative and more sustainable policies. Little is known in terms of social experiments, socio-economic tipping points and alternative regimes on organising our social and political systems around long term variables. That is why the short term business as usual perspective remains the most used doctrine, which, in the main, avoids changes. A deeper understanding of such regimes and the potential for change is investigated in the next section.

5 Tools, practical solutions implementation and challenges: tackling problems by fixing the causes or mitigating the effects? Having explored the definitions and complexities arising from a theoretical framing of Health and QoL, we now consider practical examples and methodological approaches. Health and QoL improvements often occur as secondary results of other policies and solutions; a broader discussion has been developed following three consequential steps: ď&#x201A;ˇ ď&#x201A;ˇ ď&#x201A;ˇ

Firstly, by considering general views on how to make sense of planning and design concepts in light of reducing environmental stressors; secondly, by applying a more specific focus on green infrastructure and the role of ecosystem services; and finally, by arguing how implement these changes in practice, taking into consideration the current economic crisis time. 8|Page

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5.1 Urban planning and design to reduce environmental stressors Environmental stressors can be classified from two main sources, the first, human and the second environmental (and climatic) induced. Living in a globalized socio-ecological system, civil society should be aware of the complexity and scales of interactions of all humans and ecological and/or climatic variables. We recognise such systems and stressors interdependencies (e.g. urban air pollution is not a direct result solely of transport emissions, but is a variable sum of cumulative impacts from emissions, urban ventilation, air depuration from ecosystems, etc.). However, we need to separate different stressor sources in a simplified and absolute way, in order to address them at the source and not just look at complex symptoms. The environmental stressors considered are mainly:   

climate change potential impacts6 (flooding, heatwaves, droughts, etc.), environmental impacts (windy events, low temperatures, etc.), and anthropogenic impacts (pollution in all its forms, land and ecosystems, degradation, unsustainable consumption leading to scarcity of natural resources, such as water and fossil fuels.

Planning and design define the shape and structure of our cities, influencing urban functions and dynamics. At a macro scale, cities are effectively unsustainable as is our pattern of globalized urbanisation (UN, 2011; Ernstson et al., 2010). Urban planning during recent decades has largely followed a business approach, with design driven by cost-benefit analysis or architectural vanity projects with questionable regard for resource efficiency or even, in some cases, the QoL of future occupants. QoL and healthy environments reflected economic incomes with private ownership commandeering the best spaces in terms of natural resources such as green-blue infrastructure or productive agricultural land. Lessons must be learnt from such examples of poor practices and questionable principles to avoid future replication. In fact, much effort is spent nowadays by researchers to develop best practices, techniques and manuals which may be difficult to apply in practice due to lack of resources and organisational capacity. Gaps between research, policy, and economic forces are other constraints that can inhibit changes in planning and the adoption of new models for the built environment. However, learning and understanding how to alleviate (or mitigate) environmental stressors, at both the macro and micro scales can be incorporated. Adequate satellite imagery can show different land cover and development types allowing comparative analyses of urban land use patterns, changing land use and trends. The main challenge is how to derive the links between land cover and land uses. Once scenarios are built from the macro land cover and changes analysis, evidence of trends can be used to improve regional and metropolitan planning. At the micro level building design codes can be used to identify and mitigate each of the previously mentioned stressors. However, complexity at the local level is twofold: firstly, there is the need for sectoral integration since stressor mitigation requires a multilevel (and cross-sectoral) integrated approach, and secondly, there is the need to establish new models, roles and organisational criteria for vertical integration across all tiers of governance from global to local institutions. In the European urban context we work with both top-down and bottom-up processes. Although in past decades spatial planning and urban design have been influenced more by global economics7 than

6 7

See Follow up Report on Climate Resilience see the homologation in term of shapes and building codes of our global-cities architecture (Muñoz, 2010)

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by local identities or context-specific cultural and environmental needs, urban managers have been prompted to set an agenda for city governance and design by a raft of European Union policies , in order to meet specific environmental standards and requirements. These include, amongst others, policies on integrated river basin management, most notably the Water Framework Directive8 (WFD), on noise pollution9, and on air quality10. Whilst some policies have direct implications for urban planning, land use and regional planning strategies (e.g. integrated river basin management plans required by the WFD) others require compliance with specific environmental standards and have less direct influence on urban planning and how our cities evolve. The European Environment Agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (EEA) recent collaboration with the Noise Abatement Society offers a practical example of how environmental quality has a direct effect on health and QoL. The EEA introduced an annual award11 in 2011 to raise awareness about the health impacts of noise and to reward European initiatives that can help reduce excessive noise. Over 40 different projects have been submitted in the last two years. Those which can demonstrate multiple health benefits and that can be easily replicated in other towns and cities are highly favoured. Eye on Earth12 is another EEA tool, which aims to bridge scientific and bottom up environmental observations and experience by gathering opinions and observations from citizens. People can post their opinion and upload data for a specific location in relation to three themes of water, air and noise pollution. This initiative reinforces the importance of citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience of the city, whether about the sounds that surround them or their impression of local air quality. Some useful examples do already exist on how to address noise and air pollution by means of local regulations, such as banning night flights in certain cities, lowering speed limits in some districts (which also causes less accidents), locating commuter railway lines closer to the city and freight train lines closer to the highways. Similar regulations restrict private transport in the city centre. This has enabled increased pedestrianisation of city streets, greater numbers of bicycles lanes and more use of public transport. This is a good example of implementing an intermodal sustainable mobility strategy and transit oriented development (TOD) planning. Whilst the space, funding and will to adopt such holistic approaches is more evident for new conurbations example from Germany demonstrates that it is not impossible for more traditional urban areas either. Design-oriented solutions have to deal with specific stressors at the local micro scales, such as air turbulence and heat. Architects can use ad hoc software for designing wind-proof public spaces between buildings. Urban street design and building fabric influences the urban heat island effect. Green and blue space, such as parks and ponds are good urban heat regulators that bring other benefits such as improved natural habitat, increased urban biodiversity, air purification, water filtering and flood retention etc). In essence, they contribute to a healthier urban environment. This key role must be considered in urban planning and design in order to improve QoL and health. This role is examined in the next section.

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/index_en.htm http://ec.europa.eu/environment/noise/home.htm 10 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/review_air_policy.htm 11 European Soundscape Award http://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/noise/the-european-soundscape-award 12 http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/explore-interactive-maps/eye-on-earth-old 9

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5.2 The role of green & blue infrastructure and ecosystem services Healthy environments are permeated with natural features. Green and blue space should be considered as an essential physical attribute of good urban environmental quality. The discourse around the values of green and blue space, both urban and rural, has been enriched by a deeper knowledge of the ecological processes and services that they provide, referred to as ecosystem services (ES). Regional planning and design has always recognised the importance of green areas for the provision of better air quality and leisure/recreation space for urban populations. Scientific knowledge is developing a rapidly evolving perspective on the multiple benefits and services that ecological processes and ecosystems confer on anthropogenic environments. An open green space can filter air pollutants, increase biodiversity and improve natural habitats, filter groundwater, balance water flow to minimise flood and drought, influence wind patterns, provide microclimate regulation etc. It thereby contributes not only to climate resilience but also to human cultural, spiritual and physical needs. These emerging values have increased awareness of the potential role of natural spaces designed within urban space, since a deeper qualitative analysis of the provided services can fix or alleviate environmental stresses (from noise to heat waves, etc.). This explains why literature and research on ES increasingly promote the use of green and blue infrastructure when referring to natural space: because of the potential for multiple beneficial functions. Examples of the application and efficiency of urban ESs are numerous. From very specific micro scale applications in Germany, where urban tree typologies reflect their resilience to future climate change scenarios; to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;1 million trees campaignâ&#x20AC;? which aims to improve water quality for New York city by undertaking a large-scale tree-planting programme in the entire watershed. Both examples introduce the importance of qualitative research needed in order to have clearer and deeper knowledge of the inter-links and multi-scale feedbacks which occur between ecological and human processes. These aspects are extremely important mainly in relationship to the design of green and blue infrastructure, enabling understanding of its functioning and integration within the urban environment. Green and blue infrastructure simultaneously produces a set of indirect social benefits related to the cultural and social dimension. Leipzigâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brown field regeneration programme improved public access to attractive space which helped enhanced social cohesion in the city. Amongst many initiatives in the UK, Mersey Forest13 and the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network14 regenerate former industrial land through partnership funding involving the public and private sector. They involve local people, provide training for green jobs, and building community pride. Istanbul has projects to establish forest areas with sports facilities, while in north European countries kindergartens and schools use woodlands for education, as exposure to nature in young years has been proven to create lifelong habits of experiencing and enjoying nature. Of course the cultural dimensions of ecosystem services is deeply influenced local factors, for example the relative safety of green open spaces, or the financial costs of maintaining green and blue infrastructure which can be dependent on water availability and prices, and finally the political willingness to promote them. By making people more aware of the benefits of green and blue infrastructure it would encourage their involvement in their care and maintenance, an activity of itself which can be socially and spiritually rewarding, e.g. the popularity of green gyms for individuals and communities seeking natural exercise, social interaction and general escape from daily urban stresses. Shortage of urban land and space can be another barrier green and blue infrastructure development, but micro-interventions such as green roofs can be an option, although they may incur 13

http://www.merseyforest.org.uk http://www.gcvgreennetwork.gov.uk/

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higher financial costs. Nevertheless, despite any site-specific constraints the positive role of green and blue infrastructure should be a routine consideration for urban planning and design given the multiple benefits that they bring at different urban scales.

5.3

The economics of QoL: between causes and symptoms

QoL is a more subjective and so context-specific concept than health which is more readily measured and quantified across a range of parameters, services and facilities. Notwithstanding such differences, both concepts are related to economics and market logic (cost-benefits, private versus public development, maintenance strategies, etc.). This has direct and indirect (e.g. externalities or rebound effects) implications for the individual, family, community, neighbourhood and wider society. Therefore, when QoL is correlated with economic income and the availability of facilities, lower income groups are more vulnerable as they usually live in lower or sub-standard housing and vulnerable groups are often separated from the flow of resources designated for QoL improvements. Urban quality improvements are usually driven by the needs of the middle and upper classes. The availability of high quality space and accessibility to services shapes urban areas and their functions. Moreover, when QoL improvements are oriented towards neglected neighbourhoods, indirect consequences may occur, e.g. improving the condition of buildings and public space increases the locations attractiveness which can lead to gentrification, causing a rebound effect of pricing local occupants out of the area. Bottom-up approaches involving the local residents and community, together with education that promotes attitudinal and behavioural change in relation to QoL popular perceptions can help drive actions and practices towards more equitable outcomes. Bottom-up initiatives are happening worldwide as individuals and groups react to different top-down approaches, or what is considered inequitable and non-participatory practices. This mainly concerns empowerment of people, bridging top-down practices with local needs, values and perceptions. Involving local communities within any urban transformation scheme is an alternative way to keep such transformation sustainable, avoiding conflicts or gentrification effects. Social movements are often more innovative, bringing new ideas and new perspectives into practice, and establishing or reinforcing longstanding social mores such as learning by doing or influencing behaviours thanks to demonstrative actions. Ultimately, even if bottom-up approaches to urban transformation are proved less effective in the short term they contribute nevertheless to innovation, social cohesion, collective learning and behavioural change. It may be argued that, in any event, local involvement is more effective in building a sense of place than solutions imposed from on high as part of wider metropolitan or regional development strategies). Berlin’s Neighbourhood Management tool, developed as part of the Social City Programme, calls on substantial local area budgets to improve social fabric15, similar to the European urban living labs approach16 or Glasgow’s “Go Well“ programme17. Each initiative provides an umbrella of integrated approaches for engaging communities, improving transparency and equity as part of urban innovation and transformations to improve the urban environment. Such initiatives, and more radical ones such as “Transition Towns” and degrowth approaches (both of which offer new models of self-sufficiency as part of community development), constitute a step forward achieving a really new urban and social transition to healthier, more resilient and liveable communities, overcoming practices dedicated solely to integrating bottom-up and top-down perspectives. 15

See http://blog.inpolis.com/2012/03/05/urban-development-and-the-creative-economy-in-berlin-part-1/ See http://www.climate-kic.org/fileadmin/climatekicorg/all/global/_innovation/Eurbanlab.pdf 17 See http://www.gowellonline.com/ 16

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The definition of QoL and health (in healthy urban environments) embraced by the more radical approaches seek to move away from current unsustainable urban systems and functioning, towards more sustainable, local and equitable development. Some of the innovations being promoted include establishing tighter links between food producers and consumers, greater energy self-sufficiency through managing local energy demand and introducing renewable energy schemes, developing social programmes and cooperative actions to tackle the issue of peak oil, and building resilient, greener and more liveable communities to tackle climate change. Behind such initiatives there is a willingness to demonstrate the power of communities and social movements in decreasing the neoliberal perception of QoL, linked to material commodities and oil dependency. The main focus is not about “being green” but about embracing societal, structural and functional change. There is a danger that over-reliance on technology to find solutions to environmental problems will encourage a “business as usual” attitude to development. This may result in a greener built environment but will not necessarily improve QoL and equity. The social movement transition initiatives usually “fix causes, not symptoms” prompting radical changes in urban systems and enhanced functioning. For example if air pollution is an issue, reducing traffic speed is a policy which fixes the symptom by reducing vehicle emissions but it does not fix the cause of the problem. The issue for debate is not about finding the most effective solutions for addressing QoL and Health issues, but about identifying the philosophy (transformative or conservative) behind the actions/tools being implemented. In contrast with conservative solutions which mostly fix symptoms to maintain system integrity and “business as usual” transformative ones are riskier, aiming at re-organizing the system at a functional level to address causes not symptoms. In times of deep economic crisis, the most radical solutions usually emerge spontaneously as bottomup and uncoordinated adaptation to challenges. In this context, political willingness is crucial to leading urban transition, in fostering coordination and integration between bottom-up initiatives and in promoting technological solutions and improvements. Planning authorities may have had little power to influence market trends over the last two decades of increasing globalisation, however, within the current economic crisis, local institutions can now play a key role in leading more equitable and QoL oriented transitions, in terms of both new economic and urban development.

6 Dialogue café outcomes analysis The Dialogue Café combined expert presentations with different breakout sessions in order to facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences between participants. The first breakout session involved general discussion of the Synthesis Report to identify gaps and areas for improvement, particularly gathering more case studies. The discussion points focused on three thematic areas:   

environmental stressors and alleviators; socio-economic stressors and alleviators; and urban structure and urban management types.

The second breakout session was designed to gather city experiences dealing with health and quality of life. Participants were asked to define and integrate the concept of “quality of life” in urban policies and planning across administrative and geographical scales. They were also asked to discuss specific issues for applying tools and solutions in a time of economic crisis.

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Image 1. Round-table discussions held during first session of the Dialogue Café

Afterwards, participants visited the Delta del Llobregat which exemplifies a matrix of multiple land uses. As part of Barcelona’s metropolitan area, the estuary is a meeting point for nature protection, transport and industrial infrastructure (including Barcelona el Prat airport, the Port of Barcelona and a sewage treatment plant amongst others), agriculture, sports and leisure. Taken in combination, this mix of activities and uses present a range of conflicts and challenges. The final breakout session, based on earlier discussions and reflecting on the site visit, helped to identify common interests and future opportunities for building long term partnerships and expert networks involving a wide variety of urban stakeholders. Outputs from the breakout sessions are presented below. Special attention is given to the last session which effectively summarised the preceding discussions and the participants’ ideas (see complete list in Annex 11.3). In groups of six to eight people each participant had to propose three concerns, three solutions, and three associated challenges concerning health and QoL in urban areas. Each proposal was developed, in turn by two or more people within each group followed by group discussion and agreement of topic priorities. Analysis of each topic illustrates the main concerns, solutions and challenges related to health and QoL in urban environments, as perceived by the Dialogue Café participants. In the case of participants’ concerns (Figure 1), aside from the common terms of “society”, “space”, and “public” there is a clear pre-dominance of “pollution”, followed by “transport” and “city”. All these terms relate to the negative impact of transport as a source of air pollution. When talking about solutions (Figure 2), participants show a stronger preference for green solutions and planning. Transport is also important issue here. ”Economy” and “knowledge” are seen as challenges (Figure 3) to improving health and QoL in cities.

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Figure 1. Bar plot of term frequency for concerns (top 10 terms)

Figure 2. Bar plot of term frequency for solutions (top 10 terms)

Figure 3. Bar plot of term frequency for challenges (top 10 terms)

A simple frequency analysis of key terms and words across all three criteria (concerns, solutions and challenges) shows, unsurprisingly, the pre-dominance of “society” (Figure 4). Of course, this makes sense given the social context of human health and wellbeing. Accordingly, “society” encompasses such terms as citizens”, “inhabitants”, “people”, “population”, “human”, “mankind”, “social” and “societal”. Society, with a term frequency of more than 120 times, is followed by “public” (67), “city” (59), “space” (54), and “knowledge” and “planning” (46). This underlines the main objects (city and space), the 15 | P a g e

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attributes (public), and possible vectors (knowledge and planning). All of them are around the concept of “social” when expressing QoL and Health.

Figure 4. Word cloud of all participants proposals including concerns, solutions and challenges.

Another interesting analysis is to find higher correlations between terms and the topic keywords “health” and “QoL” (Figure 5). Health shows a higher correlation with “necessarily”, “benefits”, and “help” (and also related to “QoL” and “need”). Other terms like “activity”, “gym”, “recreation” and “physical” are linked with the idea of physical activity to improve health conditions of citizens. “Financial” appears highly related to “health”, same as “long-term” probably due to the idea of funding actions and programmes with a long-term approach, in the same line as “impact”, “information”, “campaigns” and “priority”. While “medical”, “prevention”, “incapacity” and “urgencies” are words associated with the sphere of medicine. “QoL” shows a higher correlation with the concepts of “multi-ethnic”, “inequalitites”, “standards” and “socio-economic”. Other interesting relations are noted with “policy-maker”, “culture” and “health”. All these attributes emphasise the social context of QoL, in contrast to a natural perspective, the built environment or economic contexts, amongst others.

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Figure 5. List of correlated terms for “health” and “qol”, with a correlation >= 0.15

Finally, the correlation between higher frequency terms has been plotted to facilitate the analysis of existing relations and emergent clusters (Figure 6). We can identify 5 main groups, related to: Mobility, Greenspaces, Information and Knowledge, Sustainability, and Participation. These groups, coloured in the plot to facilitate their identification, are formed by terms which are at least directly correlated to two other terms in the same group. Both groups to the sides of the plot, Transport and Participation, are more clearly defined and populated with terms. Groups become more fuzzy towards the centre of the plot. Some concepts are cross-boundary by nature and have been left clear as they could fit within several clusters. This is the case for “Urban”, which gives context to transport, green spaces and participation groups, “Quality of Life” related to information and knowledge, “Planning” which is closer to decisionmaking processes and directly linked to education as a driver of sustainability, and finally, “Awareness” which is an umbrella term with connections to all of the groups. Other concepts such as “need”, “change” and “increase” are cross-grouped. A first group is related to transport in cities referring to both public and private modes, but with special attention to cars (as evidenced by emerging results). Pollution and noise are environmental stressors defined in this group. Public and private refer to the management typology. In any case, transport is the main topic that appeared in the brainstorming exercise carried out by the Dialogue Café participants. It has been referred to in many different forms, but the idea of eliminating private cars from the city centres is recurrent. Suggestions include: creating car-free zones with enjoyable pedestrian and cycle lanes in attractive corridors and spaces with good environmental conditions. This can be accompanied by removing free parking from city centres, increasing car taxes, reducing public transport fees or introducing car-sharing schemes. Public transport improvement in terms of connectivity and frequencies has also to be considered. Car sharing can be an alternative too. Other proposals are related to new working practices that can have a bearing on transport. For example, more homeworking would help avoiding daily moves from home to the office and backwards; a reduced or compressed working week, which also means a distribution of employment and increasing care time. In conclusion, the paramount concern is that cities should be designed for people, not for cars (vehicles) and that walkable cities must be a target for decision-makers and the stakeholder community. A second group is defined by greenspace which can help people connect with nature and also improve the quality of urban environments. For this reason, connection can act as a social stress alleviator and as an environmental stress alleviator. The synthesis report states that green and blue infrastructure helps tackle climate change impacts, improves air quality, absorbs noise, and provides habitat to shelter urban adapted species. The insufficiency of green and blue infrastructure in cities emerged as a strong message during the Dialogue Café. This can be addressed by creating green areas in streets, buildings, walls, roofs and vacant spaces. The provision of green and blue infrastructure needs to be planned and it is beneficial to have community involvement at all phases, from design to planning and management. 17 | P a g e

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The next group refers to research, knowledge, and information. Access to information and knowledge helps to promote a better environment by increasing people’s awareness and understanding. It helps reducing health problems and increasing people’s QoL as does access to urban greenspace and nature which fosters healthy habits in the form of outdoor activity. The creation of “spaces” to share people’s knowledge and experience was a common point raised during the Dialogue Café. Improved links between research and practice was also highlighted with a need for more support to be given to interdisciplinary work. A fourth group is centred on sustainability as a solution to economic problems, including the reduction of resource consumption. To achieve this, education plays a key role. The connection between individual behaviour, its consequences, and personal responsibilities is invisible. Large-scale infrastructure projects etc. are more appealing to politicians who want to realise significant results within a short timescale rather than longer, less “glamorous” sustainability projects. There is an urgent need to reinforce and highlight the causal links between behaviour, impacts and responsibilities for society in general. A social change of mindset is required. Ironically, the present economic situation can help as it forces a change in thinking: today we have to do more with less resources. on the other hand, investment in innovation should be a priority. The last group is characterised by decision-making, participation, and empowerment. There is a clear need to involve citizens in decision-making at all scales of governance. The distance between politicians, management, and community has grown. The only way to reduce this is by enhancing easy access to quality information and facilitating genuine participation by local communities and stakeholders in decision-making. New forms of participation may be needed incorporating new technologies. This is also linked to raising awareness about individual behaviours and responsibilities within in a community or society context. Participation is a central concept here, directly linked to decision-making, society and community. Exploring more connections between groups; participation is directly connected to education. This is an important mutually reinforcing concept. There is no participation without education, participation in decision-making implies responsibility. The consequences of own decisions must be understood, particulary in roles of governance. Education without participation misses an important role of society, as participatory processes provide learning experience for socially engaged citizens. Another conceptual connection is that research must be related to use and to awareness. It is important, therefore, that researchers and practitioners who define the use of spaces work together, exchanging knowledge and experience. Health and education is another interesting connection, mentioned several times during the cafe. There is an urgent need to educate people on how their habits (eating, relaxation, exercise etc.) influence their health.

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Figure 6. Graph showing correlation between 50 most frequent terms with a frequency >= 20, grouped by colours with a minimum of two links with the rest of the group. In white, those terms that have many links with terms in different groups.

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7 Potential for future partnerships One of the goals of the URBAN-NEXUS project is to foster strategic partnerships to enable long-term cooperation and knowledge exchange on developing integrated approaches to improve urban sustainability. The last session of the Dialogue Café was intended to help participants identifying common points of interest. These were discussed in the context of: concerns, solutions, and challenges in relation to health and quality of life in urban areas. In relation to concerns, different proposals emerged: 

Socio-economic challenges not seen as opportunities,



Socio-economic regimes lock,



Decision-making and leadership to implement future visions,



Provision of pedestrian ways for daily activities (work, shopping, etc.),



Lack of promotion and awareness of good and worst examples to learn and improve H&QoL, and



No responsibility without power.

Proposed interest points referred as solutions: 

Intelligent architecture (including urban design and comprehensive building),



Reinvent democracy through participatory process,



IT solutions for public transport involving stakeholders,



Make research better connected to practitioners and involve partners from all Europe in consortia,



Urban planning towards more pedestrian cities, building walking corridors through the city, and



Subsidiarity of knowledge production and governance.

And, the ones related to challenges: 

Implement degrowth theory,



Municipal procedures do not involve citizens very much. A shift to participation in decisionmaking is required,



Socially inclusive and environmentally comprehensive policies, and



Balance local/global problems and dynamics, making local and global perspectives and solutions work at the same time, a local perspective enables to balance the needs of people, while from a local perspective global market dynamics can be tackled.

All these proposals have been thematically divided, obtaining the following interest groups, where the participants of the Dialogue Café were asked to join depending on particular interest or interests of the institutions they were representing:

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Socio-economic challenges; lock-in effects of established socio-economic regimes; turning challenges into opportunities; implementation of degrowth theory. Citizen participation; leadership and decision making; reinventing democracy through participatory processes. Urban planning towards more pedestrian-centred cities; promoting walking corridors through the city, providing pedestrian access for daily activities (work, shopping, etc.). Learning from experience; promotion and awareness of good and poor examples and case studies as tools for learning. Intelligent architecture (urban design/comprehensive building) Research connected to practitioners, involving EU-partners in consortia. Building and improving opportunities for dialogue between researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers. Socially inclusive and environmentally comprehensive; inclusion of the excluded. Local/global balance of problems and dynamics.

Considering some of the proposals that arose along the Dialogue CafĂŠ which aimed to create new discussion spaces where stakeholders could share information and experiences, the topics above were re-formulated as discussion topics within the URBAN-NEXUS group18 on LinkedIn in November 2012. This provides a space for CafĂŠ participants, project partners and the wider stakeholder community to continue discussions and share knowledge. Membership of the discussion groups is open to all, and discussions will hopefully evolve during the project life-time. Using this available tool, advantage can be taken to its potentialities like an easy way to connect people from different sectors and backgrounds, including people that has an interest on them but could not participate in the Dialogue CafĂŠs. Additionally, the same groups can be promoted in the form of mailing lists or organised discussion groups, in order to include the maximum number of participants in the easiest possible way.

8 Lessons learnt There is a pressing need to develop coherent definitions and parameters for health and QoL that would help to promote lifestyles according to sustainable development, taking account of site specificities and respecting cultural differences. The more subjective and site-specific aspects of QoL lack standard definitions. Accordingly, appropriate metrics for measuring and assessing QoL must be developed. Health metrics are more clearly defined and have numerous established indicators. It is quite different when talking about health, as it is clearer defined and some sets of indicators already exist. In any case, Health and QoL would benefit from a broader definition that incorporates other criteria such urban metabolism and social and cultural specificities. So, most urgent and relevant gap deals with finding coherent definitions and parameters for health and QoL, which would help to promote lifestyles according to sustainable development, considering site specificities and respecting cultural differences. In addition, funds are needed to support more applied research and learning. A critical gap exists between scientists and practitioners. The creation and promotion of space for open discussion and fluent dialogue would help improve links between research and practice, allowing researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers to share ideas and good practice on urban health and quality of life issues.

LinkedIn URBAN-NEXUS subgroups can be joined at http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=4360599&trk=anet_ug_hm

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People’s QoL is directly affected by the quality of the urban environment and policies that determine urban form, structure and function, as described in the Synthesis Report. Policies addressing health related issues must consider cross-scalar and cross boundary aspects and take an integrated approach which acknowledges the context dependency of local interventions. It is important to monitor trends in different environmental stressors such as air pollution, noise, electromagnetic pollution and allergens as part of urban planning and management. This is especially the case for those health and QoL impacts which will be compounded by changes in climate such as respiratory problems, heat stress, infectious disease and allergies. Investment in access to green infrastructure and responsible management of the services provided by ecosystems will help to alleviate negative trends and impacts. However, socioeconomic and cultural factors must not harbour inequalities by restricting access to resources that benefit urban health and QoL. The main concerns expressed during the Dialogue Café related to the negative effects of air pollution, particularly in relation to transport. Proposed solutions included increased greenery and having a people (not private transport) centred approach to urban planning and design. Greenspace was another popular discussion topic in light of its importance not only environmentally but also socially, spiritually and culturally, allowing people to connect with nature. Greater availability and accessibility of green and blue infrastructure in urban areas was a common plea from participants. Major challenges were identified in relation to the market economy and also to improving the means of knowledge exchange to facilitate learning from others, both successes and failures. A similar range of issues featured in responses to a question19 posted on the ResearchGate platform that asked which policies influence people’s health, (see full answers in Annex 11.2, from 21/09/2012 until 17/01/2013). Cultural aspects, also commented in the dialogue café, such as diet and associated diseases (e.g. obesity and diabetes) were mentioned, as was the role of urban planning in enabling walking and making open public spaces more attractive to promote greater physical activity. The ratio of green space per person and easy access to green areas were noted as key parameters. Perceptions of personal vulnerability and safety were also raised, especially in relation to the use of public parks. The promotion of mixed use and functionality of urban space would reduce the demand for daily travel to work, study, shop etc. Increased spatial density would not only improve efficiency, but also increase temporal occupation of space, reducing the sense of vulnerability in terms of personal safety. Another interesting issue being highlighted is the provision of water supply and sanitation, and although this is not a big concern in Europe nowadays, it can be locally or even regionally important during certain climate events like draught periods or floods. Some other aspects of urban health and quality of life which have emerged throughout this synthesis and dialogue process have issues in common with findings from the “Urban Climate Resilience” theme, re-presented in Annex 11.1. Of specific relevance is the need to focus on the means of facilitating the necessary changes, rather than simply regurgitating the changes required. Development of relevant determinants, indicators and standard methodologies to enable data harmonisation and comparative analysis is also a common priority. Agreed standard methodologies and data harmonisation will allow comparability of results and will also favour knowledge exchange. The need for simple decision-making tools and mechanisms is emphasised under both the climate change and health/QoL analyses. Both themes also agree that challenges must be seen as opportunities to promote new benefits and potential solutions and not just be seen as threats or problems. Likewise, strong leadership and vision is required in the stakeholder community to engender new forms and methods of governance.

https://www.researchgate.net/post/Which_policies_do_have_influence_on_peoples_health_in_urban_areas

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In conclusion, it has to be highlighted the strength of the current analysis as it has drawn on opinions and discussions from the stakeholder community actively involved through different means of participation (synthesis report contributions and critique, researchersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; online network, and participation in the DiaIogue CafĂŠ). URBAN-NEXUS will continue to promote and encourage selfsustaining discussions amongst the wider stakeholder and urban community. As progress is done through subsequent themes, it is hoped to build more integrated perspectives on the challenges and approaches to improving urban sustainability. A key objective for URBAN-NEXUS is to help create and consolidate strategic partnerships that are interested in addressing these challenges in an integrated manner by sharing knowledge and exchanging experiences. On the contrary, weakness is derived by the fact that the wider community network, beyond the project partners consortium, is still not very active in the creation of self-dynamized discussions. It is expected that this will evolve together with the strengthen of network relationships during the project life. Finally it needs to be highlighted that innovation is presented by the methodology applied, which is the basis to collaboratively construct the discussion on main issues related to health and quality of life in urban areas, framing out our common understandings on this topic.

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9 About URBAN-NEXUS URBAN-NEXUS enables knowledge transfer and stimulates dialogue to form long-lasting partnerships amongst researchers, practitioners, policy makers, civil society and SMEs. It promotes integrated approaches to sustainable urban development. URBAN-NEXUS is a Coordination and Support Action funded by European Framework Programme 7 from 1st September 2011 until 31st August 2014. urban.nexus@nicis.nl

www.urban-nexus.eu

The project consortium Co-ordinator Platform 31 Netherlands

Mistra Urban Futures Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden

Sniffer, UK

EUROCITIES, Europe

UAB – Autonomous University of Barcelona, Catalunya

ICLEI – Sustainability Management and Urban Governance, Europe

FORMAS – Swedish Research Council for Environment and Spatial Planning, Sweden

ADVANCITY French competitiveness cluster on ecotechnologies and sustainable cities, France

UWE- University of the West England, UK

SIRS – Information System and Spatial Reference, France

ASDE – Agency for Sustainable development and Euro-Integration, Bulgaria Bauhaus Dessau Foundation, Germany REC – Regional REC Environmental Centre for Central and Eastern Europe, Hungary

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10 Literature review EEA. 2009. Ensuring quality of life in Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cities and towns (EEA Report 5/2009). Tackling the environmental challenges driven by European and global change. Luxemburg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities Ernstson, H., van der Leeuw, S. E., Redman, C. L., Meffert,D. J., Davis,G., Alfsen, C., Elmqvist,T. 2010. Urban transitions: on urban resilience and human-dominated ecosystems. AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment 39, 531 UN, 2011. The 2011 Revision of World Urbanization Prospects. Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat WHO, 1948. Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization as adopted by the International Health Conference, New York, 19-22 June, 1946; signed on 22 July 1946 by the representatives of 61 States (Official Records of the World Health Organization, no. 2, p. 100) and entered into force on 7 April 1948.

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11 Annexes 11.1 Key issues from the “Urban Climate Resilience” theme The following key issues are re-presented from the follow-up report on “Urban Climate Resilience”20 produced after the first URBAN-NEXUS Dialogue Café held May 2013 in Glasgow. It is not an exhaustive re-statement but a synopsis of those messages considered most relevant to the work of URBAN-NEXUS going forward, in particular identifying where and how we can add value to knowledge exchange across different sectoral, professional and practical boundaries and enhance partnership building.

1. Greater focus is needed on the “hows” and “whys” rather the “whats” in relation to stimulating necessary changes; e.g. how to balance trade-offs and take account of uncertainty in decision-making and make strong justifications for changes that are needed. 2. Development of enabling mechanisms and simple tools offers more direct benefit and support to decision-makers and influencers than e.g. complex models which require specialist knowledge and expertise, are often resource intensive and reduce transparency in decision-making. 3. More efficient and effective means of sharing knowledge and experience are needed, in particular learning from failures and past mistakes, not just success stories which may often gloss over the critical issues and learning points. 4. The process of inquiry needs to become more fluid and interactive amongst researchers, policymakers and practitioners without becoming politicised. Trust and mutual respect are critical to developing effective relations that will support open exchange and positive outcomes under challenging and often adverse circumstances, such as the current economic austerity measures. 5. Realise the potential opportunities and benefits rather than obsessing about problems and threats, e.g. highlight the multiple benefits of green infrastructure in addressing climate change risks whilst improving health and quality of life. 6. Strong leadership and vision are essential to engendering engagement and a sense of collective ownership which, in turn, call for new forms and methods of governance, both horizontally and vertically. 7. Transparency and accountability are paramount, particularly in ensuring that economic factors and interests do not burden or exclude the poor and vulnerable whether through environmental, social or economic inequities. For example, the demonstrable benefits to health and wellbeing from access to greenspace risk being ignored or outbid in a market-led economy where land competition can inflate prices. 8. Data collection, quality, assessment, harmonisation and access are critical factors, particularly in relation to land-use and land-use change.

Dowload the full report at http://tinyurl.com/b83lrrz

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11.2 Question queried through the ResearchGate platform

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11.3 Results from session 3 proposed ideas - results session 3 1

Obesity of children Diet for children and access to active environments healthy eating and opportunities for activity Improve alimentary education and food-link with land-use and sectoral activity

Air quality in urban centres Pollution from cars and transport Necessity to improve land planning local and regional and collective transport

Knowledge of deficit regarding healthy food Changing habits is a concern How do we educate but also change cultural alimentary practices Collective and individual challenge More education and information is needed

Air quality management must be improved Traffic regulation Promote public transport

Open green areas are not enough Access to green areas Quality of multisensorial and multifunctional green areas Work play eat produce recreate enjoy

Traffic increased Public transport efficiency Affordable transport

Availability of healthy affordable food Need to create awareness and change in habits Lower possibilities for sport for poor people

8 9

Environmental hazards impact disadvantaged and vulnerable communities disproportionately General hazards also exist Difficult to address Non adequate living conditions for vulnerable groups Individual QoL vs Collective Importance of QoL in relation to socio-economic aspects Need for good local policy of support for cultural events

Socio-economic inequality How to bridge gaps Spatial segregation education and culture for everybody Economic growth or degrowth Change of paradigm

Unemployment How to place people in the centre of policies Governance and economy Change of paradigm distribute work work less more work places

Housing affordability and quality The importance of land use Social housing

Noisy environments Not enough bike lanes Bike lanes alone are not the solution Promote other transport congestion charge measures Master plan approach

Social ghettos Air pollution generated by industry in the city Relation of socio-economic situation and QoL is a ticking time bomb

Tourism pressure Waste collection to be improved Need for better waste management

Complexity Recognize concentred actions Decision-making leadership democracy participation empowerment

Scalar issue Importance of local but necessary to take into global Global local integration cohesion Concern about local scale justified as always good This is not the case

Conflict time issue long term short term Future visions paths to improve QoL for all Decision-making and leadership Implementation of future visions without leadership decision-make

Thermal comfort Specially where people look for want to find places to stay Including all age groups

Air pollution Keep citizen informed about air quality and strategies to improve it Considering the consequences for health of long-term exposure to pollutants

Nosie pollution Linked to sustainable mobility strategies Addressed to different users

Dominance of private motorised transport Different social classes don't have the same opportunities negative for health Strategies to make public transport attractive Mixed uses to reduce the need of moving

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Social inequality Quality of greenspace Possibility to clean the air provide thermal comfort Good quality of public service Opportunities to improve the interest between social communities

Poor quality derelict greenspace Design of greenspace with attention to people that is using it Rise the value of greenspaces Keep them clean and safe

Give to citizen options to recover from daily stress Create comfortable spaces by public consultation and encouraging community decision and participation in all the design and management process design time to spend in daily duties according to increase well-being

Give access to citizen to relevant services reducing mobility negative consequences providing basic services facilities in each neighbourhood so increasing proximity And also removing mobility barriers in streets including these elements in urban planning to increase well-being

Environmental quality and access to nature elements for all citizens and by different means providing public transport no-motor vehicles lanes walk paths Decrease noise pollution congestion Increase greenspace biodiversity

Competition for land create deprived areas in the cities Need to find ways of improving deprived areas that don't just displace poor people to even worse situation cities municipalities need to encourage more liveable cities not the mainly sensitive for big investors

Transport Air pollution needs to be improved in most cities Need to encourage other transport modes for other co-benefits not just technical solution greener cities provide multiple solutions Nowadays not enough investments in greenery

More research is needed for electromagnetic pollution wifi

Crime unpopulated areas problematic for safety reasons

Air pollution - Nox PM10 Private car transportation closing city centres to private cars Need good infrastructure for walking cycling public transport too

Water supply quality and quantity Long term health effects on who cannot afford buying bottled water Water scarcity related to green-infrastructure in European southern cities Get multiple benefits from well-designed green-infrastructure

34 35 36

Waste Street pollution education on recycling Reduction of waste with more educational programmes at school Also reduce packaging at source and make it easier to recycle Pollution noise CO2 congestion water street garbage dog excrement urines bad odour Healthy city reduction of environmental stressors Biodiversity green city elements and high density concentration in specific areas not emalgamation of the elements throughout the city Accessibility to greenspaces equality

Mobility congestion compactness of urban services traffic congestion Road safety Car sharing to improve mobility

Availability and accessibility of quiet areas for all citizens Availability accessibility and provision of public services to population Encouragement of citizens to make use of existing resources also at shortish distance from home

Greenspace quality and connectivity linking people and the environment Frequency and availability to visit greenspace Greenspace and climate change Incentives for individuals to actively seek and or maintain greenspaces

Provision of pedestrian ways for our daily activities going to work shopping Quality of walking around to get daily provision of goods and services and social relationship Quality of air in walking areas Healthier option suggested to people

Human scale of new interventions Human scale is something that permits social relationship We are lacking this Inhabitants should get more power

Climatic problems Change of environmental condition could change distribution of people Distroy equilibrium Not enough green-infrastructure solutions in cities

Transport Public safety Mobility Change modal shift is a must to permit abide QoL too many silly trips by private car

Air pollution Especially from private motor vehicles Problems to combine private and public interests

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Noise pollution mostly from transport from neighbourhoods as well

Capacity of the local and national government to plan and take into account wellbeing health social and green departments must take get more responsibility power and the inhabitants have to get power Incapacity of different stakeholders to establish common objectives on health and QoL

Inequalities of health linked also to independent causes ie tradition culture Build more health and gym recreational centre throughout central areas

Liveability clean safe healthy comfort behaviour Different concepts of liveability according to different groups community improve street quality surface street cleaning street lighting seating ie hard and soft landscape measures

Sustainability food transport energy resources environmental comfort Lack of promotion efforts to show example of good practices Work more closely with city and private authorities

Too much private motor vehicles Not promotion bicycles and pedestrian streets New concept consider geographic and local tradition

Too much noise and pollution Problems with combination of uses of urban area Better planning

Not enough high quality green quiet areas Water scarcity in southern countries should be taken into consideration Administration care

53 54

Car traffic and parking Banish from city central areas Improve public transport there and control fare prices Electric cars bicycles but giving everybody easy access and mobility Not sufficient public greenspace Create green streets and develop found space ie gap sites demolished buildinds roof areas Protected quiet areas and planning to protect them

Not sufficient waste avoidance ie compost Improve health ordenances and services Education and public awareness

Traffic in the cities Better organization of traffic lights Improving public transport Less parking areas

Public space for people Bigger space for entertainment

Technologies to help elder people Transport available Public volunteers organized to help Sustainable support mechanism People awareness and education

Social inequalities Decreased life expectancy and increase burden of disease Deprived neighbourhoods with bad environmental conditions Practical barrier to change situation resistance from bettter off people

Good governance people awareness and education participation to governance Public support participation ownership of problems co-creative society mix of top-down and bottom-up difficult to implement in practical cases power remains in local administration

Sustainable transport system zero emission reduced ecological footprint comfort zones air pollution noise quiet areas education and awareness of benefits showing good examples

Good strategy for administrative health and QoL It requires integrated policies and multidisciplinary initiatives scale problem inadequate data requires public sector participants Best practices worst practices learning

Medicine development Less chemical solutions Suitable plan Spatial planning education

Planning organization Complex problem requires regulatory mechanism Multidimensional approach Multi-actor participation

Urbanisation increased noise and pollution Data and monitoring Because garbage in garbage out

66 67

Focus on economic capitalist way of thinking Sustainable building reduce the cost of health and the electricity demand But economy was the first one to accept sustainable development paradigm Climate change increased heat rain will harm quality of health and QoL Is this natural phenomenon or a human activities impact If second then global solution but new climate change conditions do not introduce real new ones that mankind had never to face one place or another

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Individual behaviours Generational behaviours integration

Retroaction ie between scales All planning and foresight must be related to potential capacity Participate democracy for guiding urban management

Speeding up transitions needed Speeding we can loose quality of understanding and neglect dangerous tendencies economic crisis Improving QoL with which transition Technical transition economical transition degrowth high-tech

Reliable and sufficient information access to information and data European data indicators will never be fully supported by all Member States Incompatibility will always exist

Goog planning and links to local regional capacity Communication between scales and levels European and nations regional local European and national governments will never have the same interests as cities or regions

Monitoring the result data indicators Data harmonization between regions countries

Too different lifestyle between EU countries and regions Differences in behaviour can make it difficult to come up with shared solutions Different cultures

Car dependency People need to adapt to new transport modes sustainable awareness

Lock in socio-economic regimes Sustainable thinking not in the minds of lower socio-economic groups Sustainable thinking in the school teachers

77 78

Urbanisation both a threat and an opportunity Need of strategy planning foresight and predictions also simulation modelling what-if Why nobody predicted the economic crisis Water level water resources scarcity is a geared concern Water management has to become a priority on national regional and European level Saving all types of water catchment

Farmaceuticals in water New or modern pollutants in water that haven't been troubled yet Not only in water also in air soil food

Density too many stones people and functions Land use conflicts Improve quality of dense urban space all kinds of qualities

Traffic causing noise puzzle disorientation Air pollution problems between citizens about the use of public areas infrastructures Improve equal access to urban qualities thus decreasing traffic and transport

Speed pressure from too many things happening at the same time and spot Social pressure to do as many things as possible to in as many places as possible Causing stress and other health problems Good access to qualities means more time to spend on relaxing

Overall QoL Participation of all our resources Spoiling public resources for not knowing better for anger and helplessness How to make good use of resources

Good access to health services for all Access to health information for all societal and vulnerable groups Some may need help to live healthy Ask for help accept help

Urban environment that is open pleasant and accessible how to establish a doing economy The biggest concern then is the wrong economy

How to improve health and QoL through efficient interaction across sectors Lack of reliable data that could be used by different players between sectors Technological networks

Political will versus market Community empowerment

What about happiness

Unemployment stress exclusion resources Lack of personal resources money knowledge strategies to perform personal strategies for QoL

Education Education to population but also to the powerful Few of participation of knowledge self-oriented approaches

Environment pollution noise air water and built environment Good infrastructure provisions to all areas of a city and places of relaxation open to all

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92 93

Environmental protection Increase biodiversity to offer pleasant experiences of the environment Respect Unequal distribution of power Wellbeing depends on the ability to determine the way one lives Loss of control diminishes wellbeing Empowerment of citizens is a complex issue

Unequal access to resources Struggle for public resource other have superflows

Air pollution ultrafine particules PM25 PM10 Deal with through technology or change of lifestyle Change the thinking of people

Noise Develop quiet spaces that are accessible for all near work and housing

Greenspce bluespace Conflict with massive trends of urbanization globally but shrinking cities in some places Urban sprawl

Overall QoL Good access to health services for all Urban environment that is open pleasant and accessible

Quality and quantity of greenspace Design should be linked to community participation Spaces that enable differences with tolerant cities

100

Noise pollution Information about health problems to citizens The value of things beyond price and their overall effects upon environment

101

Quality of the build environment Warmth cool comfort Acces mixed use affordability

102

Enable empowerment in real sense not manipulative More transparency More knowledge Information Decreasing capacity of local and national government to act

103

Balancing individual rights and collective responsability More democracy but not only representative democracy participation Lack of harmonization of labour and environmental regulations at global level

104

Political Willingness Necessity to develop a vision of future Innovation How to give space to new ideas

105

To improve democracy and participation People are busy we need to energyze Again need to create more awareness Sense of urgency

106

To develop green economy To use technology in a smart way Smart cities clean technology

107

To really implement the integration of policies and multi-scale approach To enable meaningful ways of share lessons across place see for information being synthetic Knowledge exchange is not the big challenge Implementation of knowledge into practice

108

Social justice social equity There will always be injustice and inequality Acceptable level Narrow the gap It is wide

109

Raise happiness index Take health and QoL index seriously Respect cultural difference Challenge nationalism protectionism

110

Make cities self-sufficient in terms of energy Cities as producer of energy they consume Beware of localization as an end in and of itself

111

What is participation Real involving of public in decision-make process Making people feel they can decide

112

Who participate Clever politics Create a network of stakeholders to decision-make

113

Who decide Democratic procedure for take decision Incentives for people participating in decision-make

114

Develop a realistic vision for prosperity without growth Implement degrowth theory Transition to green economy

115

Sustainable transport in city centre Education people to awareness public transport should be used To convince drivers to use public transport

116

Awareness of the general public of health and qol issues Children education programmes on health and qol To change habits

117

Green economy growth Growth versus development More creativity New economy More based on immaterial activities

118

Integration of vulnerable groups Isolation of groups Social cohesion gender age ethnic Inclusive city The right to be different

119

Incomes increasing Increasing gap between rich and poor people EU regions and cities Change the standard of lifestyle

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120

Our current economic system Change to globalization rules and market forces Justice and democracy for everyone and cities The long live legislation

121

Happiness index not being used New indicators and databases Psychological comfort

122

Power relations Global market forces decide NGOs public sectors vulnerable groups have power Changes to globalization rules Public approval decision

123

Equality for all groups Limited private property Good social teams of volunteers Real mix of different social groups in an urban area

124

Revolution on medicine and health system Access free for everyone Doctors and pill free of pay Accessibility to hospitals not only in big urban areas

125

Free public transport Better connection strategies High speed trains connecting all Europe

126

New technologies In schools and in public parks Open access Intelligent smart technologies Learn from best practises

127

Best concepts Change mentality Especially in mobility Advertise benefits and values Seduce people to make transition

128

Free media access Share knowledge between professionals in a real way LinkedIn groups Science policy society communication

129

Science in policy and administration Lack of training local administration in different sectors than their background Training Education participation and team work above all

130

Bottom-up and stakeholder coalitions Promotion using smart and new mechanisms Also invite hands-on approach by all the actors

131

Reduce administrative limitations Bottom-ip increase influence and support How is the biggest challenge

132

Include elder people in the communities Give elder people more power Healthy ageing policies Help elder people communicate their messages

133

Transform cities for citizens Economic vital but also social inclusive and environmental sound like people want Change the mind set

134

Cities without private cars Invisible parking areas underground High-tech sustainable public transport Build parking areas around outside city main entrances

135

Raise public awareness to health issues related to the environment Courses in school in university capacity building for officers People realising that physical activity local production Social benefit their own health Awareness

136

Environmental quality A multidisciplinary approach to environmental health in the planning documents To be implemented Not only for documents

137

great and beautiful space and place making Quiet areas protected and preserved by real action plan Money set aside also for maintenance

138

Electric car in quiet areas Cheap electric cars available at the market Cheap electric cars to promote the use of electric cars

139

Regulations with limits for noise Promotion of new vehicle Environmental friendly public transport Free public transport system to promote public transport

140

Design cities for people and not for cars A city where children can play in the streets Limited private property Children play in the streets in the city

141

Resistance from local community General resistance to changes Listen and learn Raise awareness in schools from primary upwards Create new university courses Clear to citizen power to promote actions New political participation of people

142

Political sensitivity to invest in smart solution as often as regarded expensive Invite politicians to not just listen but act Listen learn act Transfer knowledge and measureable effects

143

Physical structure of city Better plans through better planning education Interdisciplinary studies in universities

144

Change of decision-make process by government bodies Increase human resources in consultation Ensure priority is given to wellbeing of people not to economic considerations Dare to put a price on human health and compare it in a cost benefit way in decision-make

145

Encourage of individuals to participation in or make use of green projects Involve people in design of greenspace Ensure more likely to be used more respected Let people design their garden themselves The architech is more a guide that supports citizens to design

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146

Raising awareness of how lifestyle affects both health and environment More spending Also raise awareness of how environment affects lifestyle as physical activity Raise environmental awareness by design bluespace greenspace revealing design show natural process

147

Cope with high density and provision of services Use of existing spaces by changing their application use user group abandoned spaces Creativity high density areas that are well design desirable good greenspaces

148

Create a sustainable biodiversity model within the city Maintaining the biodiversity based on model throughout time effects of new change external factors Green-infrastructure with multiple benefits biodiversity noise air quality

149

Increase quality of education as a way to increase wellbeing Include awareness of sustainable energy resources in education Relate to how this add the creation on wellbeing Reducing inequalities in status power more opportunities between different groups of people

150

Creating communities with mix of population groups that support community cohesion The challenge is how and where to do this Something we all have in common Food production community gardens Understand the social need of being in a community Avoiding ghetto Create dialogue

151

Ensure physical regeneration is accompanied by social regeneration The challenge is not to forget social structures in a neighbourhood They are important Involve inhabitants of the old part in the vision of regeneration

152

Balance interests of different groups with different amounts of power Create a city that contains a variety where all different groups find their place Assume minorities have voice in the processes

153

Communication The need necessity of human wellbeing to policymakers Increase the social participation concern on public issues Use new tools information on the internet and consultation processes through the network

154

Implement knowledge coming out of research how to use it in daily practise Build improve opportunities to dialogue between researchers and policy-makers Focus on research Create and consolidate networks partnerships Use of new tools like linkedIn researchgate social and professional networks

155

Work with the complexity of inclusive urban planning design Empower minorities in the decision-make process with a multidisciplinary team approach

156

Improve the process of governance consider new ways of participation including street revolutions Strengthen the ties between decision-makers and social groups

157

Crisis less money to spend Not big and unefficient inversion Time for thinking Include encourage local participation like ideas contests for certain projects Reform local governance to increase social efficiency

158

Energy manage the city to reduce energy consumption Detailed assessment of energy consumption sources and alternatives available Think about natural ventilation as a source of decrease energy consumption

159

Economic situation leave space for creative solutions Find solutions by distribution of wealth Encourage creative thinking to provide solutions that are sustainable reduce budget and increase feeling of empowerment hence wellbeing

160

Integration of different information sources nowadays available to find policy make strategies gathering different sources The use of all collected information following

161

Easy access to information provide s the building of new tools Who has to build the tools for transparent society Does access and availability guarantee action up it

162

Lock out established regimes Appropiate strategy potential dialogue More local based socio-economic development for QoL

163

Find ways to speed-up transitions Organize interaction for multiscale governance Balance between centralised EU regional and national governance network Introduce participative and adaptative governance to enhance local socio-ecological wellbeing

164

re-introduce quality in overall water cycles Need of integration between national regional and EU action plans transborder transnational Reframe water management avoiding pollution and fight for better access

165

Economic crisis Apply degrowth practices integrated with technical transitions No make technical transition an economic activity on its own Transition as the new economy

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166

Lack of common priorities and adequate information Define criteria and standards for QoL complementing health standards Not possible because of different local individual perceptions

167

Balance between market economy and public of an environmental interest Balance local people needs for qol and global market dynamics

168

Political Willingness Be aware that too strong leadership may ignore individual aspiration and freedom Integration and cooperation between political Willingness citizens awareness and business support

169

The results from reports Noise Explicit them in such a way that they may become portofolio of solutions to be implemented To use the created potential in future target expert groups reports to be dissemination use in concrete project

170

Media Transform new knowledge into something media may dissemination without Dissemination and public awareness must be supported more actively by EC

171

Stubborn politicians the same goal the sustainable city But them squeezed by education people

172

Change our economic way of thinking Local versus global or local versus global Make individual behaviour be responsible one versus sustainability issues

173

Learn from each other as local contexts always different Produce reports that everyone can read or a dummy for politicians Make assessment of inoperation that report on what where applied

174

Apply urban smart city and qol standards within economic crisis So much possibilities to be a smart city policy-make are browned in information Dissemination of results of sustainable investment Reduce the cost and improvement in qol

175

Unequalities in access to qol standards Different ways to think of qol for different socio-economic groups qol is different in culture multi-ethnic cities

176

Difficult to change behaviours Challenge is to make efforts for better qol interesting for citizens Communication Get sustainable learn as a priority

177

Create participation approaches participation and power drive to change How to involve wider public

178

Give political processes appropiate times and spaces Challenge short-term so we and future generations have a reasonable qol

179

Awareness and comprehension vulnerabilities for negotiation and action Build trust and be aware of risks across time

180

To shift power from the rich and powerful Empower citizens education include knowledge and social empowerment Be aware of the distribution of power take on power speak up loud go and do things Action

181 182 183 184

To overcome I live a comfort life and need no change To recover the feeling of community Disturb the comfort of those being in comfort pictures stories to convey the need of change Distance to problems today and here Social responsability neighbourhood responsability Global responsability other people and natural environment portrait the proximity of problems Development of new tools processed dynamics need to test them try them allow failure learn from it appreciative practices Time-consuming solutions results will not be noticed one day after starting the process Openmindedness to follow experiments dealing with parallel but different realities processes

185

Lack of clear knowledge guidelines scientific knowledge more need sometimes promote gratify trial and error encourage finding out what is the respective value of knowledge skills and competencies

186

Habits we always did it so acknowledge the quality and resources of habits and then go develop it and visionalise beyond Some habits make sense in context others are just repeated important to know the difference

187

Recognise the new when it is still very small innovation from experimental niches Support regional and local qualities craft products agricultural products cooperation structures build up from the local be modest but achieve change again appropiate scales and expectations

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188

Local government too much responsability too litter power and resources find ways to get more power get it from more participatory systems

189

Flows of power outside place Localization Power and knowledge

190

Willingness to admit of ignorance and not ignore or deny to balance ignorance concerning both local and global issues

191

administrative boundaries and economic forces also crossborder relationships implement equity

192

Improving cities planning free public transport teleworking

193

Children adult education for health life Tax financial transaction promote and support ngos abd voluntary associations

194

increase participation of local community in cities governance Cross subsidize local food production participation in budget lines distribution

195

Draw out relationships between culture and daily practicxe and sustainability explore the role of the place territoty and culture of change

196

Examine economic policy of growth rebuild social safety net green economy multifunctional change the consumption behaviour growth should take the environmental impact into account revise growth indicators

197

Re-invent democracy through participatory process which enables difference conflict more government at local level involvement of people at regional level city region at global level resources

198

Increase role of state in the benefit of citizens Subventions and penalties change of awareness of public

199

big society and big state need to harmonize participation in decision-make process Set clear priorities for improving qol in the city

200

vacant housing redistribution tackle speculative practices renting policies oblige owners to rent improving living conditions for vulnerable groups

201

develop green economy in the city change tax system for polluters and environment unfriendly products eliminate tax for sustainable energy products

202

put people in the centre of decision-make governance local and global doubts that people in general always want to pursue a green world awareness is a key political leadership participatory governance

203

More integration of policiess real integration scale sectors better politicians change political systems to enable more party involvement

204

health and qol should be part of school programmes teach cooking skills based on heritage but diverse cultural experiences Food need to be analised all the consequences environment and economy of our food consumption

205

food prices reflect environmental burden of food products use symbols to enhance purchase preocess we need to change behaviour of consumer

206

higher taxes on scooters especially in cities implement progressive tax that change based on capability to pay more collective transport at low price to compete individual transport

207

reduce public transport prices strong standards for air quality reduce working week to 3 days more employment distribution more free time more qol

208

link research and urban planning more open green areas free bicycles

209

introduce subventions for green investments green thinking of public cross subsidize energy solar green

210

urban planning should be comprehensive and include wellbeing as a key part include sustainable measures in building solar panels green roofs to educate people in the use of natural resources and their health benefits add sustainable measures to building codes and practices

211

increase urban wellbeing by increase sustainability decrease emissions decresase stressors such as overcrowding noise ecological barriers also decrease emissions create car free zones

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212

implement flexible governance top-down implement flexible governance top-down and bottom-up decisions and bottom-up social participation evaluate willingness for government bodies to open up and provide training information to ensure successful approach mechanisms to consider health during planning process

213

community participation tools to decide on public actions of local government flexible governance among agents public private and social reduce the barrier between government bodies and communities feedback to locals what has been the effect of their involvement

214

evaluation and assessment of green-infrastructure available increase relationships among green spaces grey fields and population improve already existing green resources

215

walkable paths to go to schools urban planning towards more pedestrian cities increase safety by presence of volunteers

216

open decision-make process to suggestion from citizens a physical box in every city hall and an internet email address to promote different ways of participation to introduce all opinions in the decision-make process

217

promote car sharing strategies by local taxes reduction in the circulation tax and provide preferential lanes high occupation vehicle lane rationalize public private transport

218

closer collaboration of urbanism department and environment department at the municipality though the organisation of dialogue cafĂŠs at regional level so different local authorities share knowledge and experiences comprehensive urban planning strategies

219

waste collection recycling and reduction of waste on the street to be achieved through information provision and participatory activities to clarify benefits for environment and human health to community involve communities in design of greenspace and other public spaces start with small interventions that prove to have a good influence then use it at a larger scale cost effective

220

local authorities to implement changes to improve water quality based on long-term health and economic benefits not necessarily most short-term financial cheap need mechanisms to consider long-term health benefits and also need to give health more priority than money long-term solutions need assessment on financial way

221

reduce cars on the roads car free areas stimulate the use of bicycles and walk by provide more attractive space for them build walking corridors through the city with good environmental conditions

222 223 224 225 226

use health impact assessments of urban policies and communicate risks of bad urban planning and design show urgencies need awareness of people about how open is the health concept community involvement in design of local greenspace not only information to the public but let them be the right hand of the designer involve people in the strategy they will maintain the conditions green cities provide multiple solutions than more vulnerable cities keep green areas clean safe with good environment quality apply assessments and monitoring programmes densify our cities in a smar way concerning both environment and social aspects design multinodes in the city that offer district services and facilitate connections by public transport bicycle lanes and walk paths cities should be design for people not for cars alternative to private cars walking access public transport car sharing do it cool and remove parking areas in the city centre increase car taxes

227

people participation on decision-make mechanisms people awareness good governance better awareness in administration learn society science and policy bridge gaps

228

improve green spaces per capita green-infrastructure smart planning organize scientific disciplines and planning experts interface

229

promote alternative transports bicycle walk the pedestrian space concept walkable city good traffic concepts urban areas without car parking visible

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230

eliminate traffic from city centre areas improve public transport lanes for bicycles and walking streets sustainable participatory urban planning improve the length of bicycle lanes education to media and children

231

create green streets green roofs and walls more public greenspace support mechanisms to these initiatives and city forests better planning

232

more power to the inhabitants especially vulnerable groups to support ngos understand minorities and ethnic groups good governance better legislation

233

eliminate private cars from centre areas improve public transport fees to access and remove parking free public transport enjoyable pedestrian lanes and bicycle lanes

234

where possible find any space for green development action plans to really transform solutions more power to green and blue departments

235

maintain historic structure urban architechtural traditions help people to maintain traditions with public strategy and build up establish new traditions like in Malmรถ

236

education for all levels people officers policy-makers why not change roles officers should live sometime in the areas they desigh education for people and awareness education for liveability city education for governance levels

237

fight individualism push for social participation how to achieve it education to understand the others minorities participatory planning mechanisms promote ngos

238

more money for health and education cooperation between researchers professionals and inhabitants cooperation between all sectors

239

improve medical care health promotion campaigns health information lifestyle impact knowledge exchange dissemination of prevention measures

240

smart architecture creation of architechts environment experts and city planners show practical examples of successful implementations

241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248

discover and implement best practice collect information advertise best and worst practices open mindset for failures train local officers how to transmit practices to local community mainstream with spatial planning and sustainability involve local communities and other strakeholders get local approval sensitive city centre development plans common early vision and ambitions in urban planning engagement of professionals and experts from different backgrounds of course imaginations or as Disney puts it imagineering multi-actor business plans and funds include other factors than just pure economic short-term solutions with comprehensive public participation listen learn act show and promote of good examples education and grass-roots awareness generate more inclusive and coherent public participation schools for everybody education and public participation green-infrastructure wherever possible after detailed impact assessment preferably green and blue developments both for sustainability and prettify ask to people what they need increasing constrain car par parking in urban zones remove them entirely give other possibilities for mobility capacity-building combine practical approaches and theory aims at the production of thoughts that accord with reality whilst practice aims at the production of realities that accord with thought

249

empowerment with information open and not flooding action

250

localized power power decentralization appropiate scales

251 252 253

provide develop spaces for share knowledge meet go to the people not call them to the town hall try to find ways to get close to them to make them feel that you are part of the community too acknowledge daily life experiences and competencies in planning process small successful steps encourage people to keep the action path try more demanding things big picture is aslo important participation processes people must stay the masters of their development process but professional scientific knowledge also must have a place

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254 255 256

income and wealth redistribution basic income strategies share common use reduce working time increase care time for everybody formation of new forms of governance through urban commons define productivity of a society governance of commons is reorganise the division of labour cooperation and decision-make actions at appropiate scale supranational to local strengthen social networks on local national and supranational levels subsidiarity of tasks needs appropiate subsidiarity of means to fullfill them

257

government decentralization with capacity and capability to effect change with populations identity and related policy strategies

258

introduce new interactive programmes in schools and work place educational institutions in general and enforce regulations on corporate responsabilities health promotion and sustainability as integrated strategy in organisations

259

problems tackled by different specialists experts working together expertise different democracy lay voices participation and realisation of input integration professional and daily life knowledge competencies

260

improve communication between different actors action based dialogues use harmonized data management decision-make

261

educate different social groups learn by practise more better education on the consumption and production topic

262

let creation to fly find new ways of contact between different social professional groups between citizens in general establish new ways of urban renewal process with direc engagement of all stakeholders engagement of the wider public

263

people are experts of their wellbeing take them serious listen to them but also explain them new concepts administration and professionals point of view balance local and global knowledge

264

green the city if there is a need to do so brown the city more buildings

265

eliminate private cars from centre at the same time that you give other ways to move bicycle lanes public transport

266

integration city management plans at national regional EU programmes take into account local differences about qol when planning adn establish upper scales standards use EU wide measurement parameters but allow local different norms or application

267 268 269

more and better information and accuracy of research putting sensors on the correct place make research better linked to practice and involve partners in research consortia all over eu monitoring of results adn permanent citizens involvement in decision-make process participative democracy make effective local people needs generalize urban model to speed up transitions modelling and prediction simulation supports the appropiate action plan and strategy scenarios buildind for citizen awareness

270

adopt integrative approaches on local scale but with global assessment for deal with issues even on local level we have to think global but economy resources and human potential break lins between economic growth and qol

271

develop collaborative approaches researcher practitioners private in research work to obtain exploitation of results interdisciplinary work and public awareness

272

high goals and long-term goals integration multiple time-scale approaches always realistic action plan and sinergy between different actions

273 274 275

sustainable building reduce the cost and reduce emissions find private business to exploit result at building level better understanding on new materials and technologies better legislation is easy to follow needs to define better laws regulations to be harmonise and their implementation monitoring education and local empowerment start lessons about health and qol importance at all schools from very early age force people to act socially sustainable learn as a school must

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276

find cheap and user-friendly solutions for neglected or poor neighbourhood produce policies for energy efficiency use the reduce of cost for sustainable instruments

277

e-work and local farming increase green roofs at community level national funds for sustainable projects

278

increase green-infrastructure blue urban spaces and create links on a regional scale too urban rural legislation of green areas and green roofs in the city green factor make sure how solutions context are considered too

279 280

allow room for neighbourhood initiatives provides both services and social cohesion projects involving citizens and their qol need to synchronise social measures and develop proper infrastructure promote walk bicycle and use of public transport more health and more space for other urban activities information campaigns with clear and easy repport about noise air pollution

281

create win-win situations but chose long-term goals and short-term gains teach moderator approach and technics in schools

282

combination of top-down action plans and grass to initiatives politicians with ideas visions citizens with chance to vote on concrete proposals

283

personal responsibility don't wait for the state city to provide for you how about people in deprived neighbourhood believe in people they are ready to select waste to save water Barcelona to use public transport Vitoria-Gasteiz

284

citizen empowerment politicians find this too dangerous investors want quick procedures politicians like the role of wise almighty wise ruler inform citizens of the possibilities they have to influence decision-makers

285

car free city centres politicians still think that it is for losing votes involve the local community inhabitants businesses in implementing car free zones

286

social mix especially children i want a class for my daughter without too much gipsy children theory reality public spaces can encourage social interact exchange mix but provide guidance programmes to do so

287

public gardening gardens in unexpected places roof tops parks pocket parks in small under-utilized urban areas

288

better public transport services increase public transport reliability and attractiveness affordable long-distance public tranvel transport

289

eurostar high speed train to EU newcomers Bulgaria Romania Hungary Poland concentrate european transport corridors on rail rather than highways revamp highways for multiple types of public transit vehicles while discourage personal transit vehicles

290

plant on vacant and polluted property grows automatically by nature greenspace has to be properly planned designed and managed

291

improve public shipping and transport essential for every city invest more in public transport try out new I-T solutions in cooperation with stakeholders

292

cost effective solutions ti sustainable public housing should be support by government programmes learn from practices and research

293

bicycle friendly cities able to bicycle and able to walk cities need to avoid too much traffic from private cars

294

increase capability to walk via green corridors walkability green and well designed pedestrian areas within city centres make me feel better

295

market sustainable transport options increase availability of public transport options

296

action plans for private research citizens not only municipality

297

lighthouse projects properly monitoring andevaluation so we can learn from them

298

impose new laws regulations not effective to all problems environmental problems to a certain extent democratic

299

convince mayors at local parliaments lots of mayor and local parliaments are already on the move they are the winners this is not a challenge voices of local parliament and mayor should be heard at national and eu level

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300

find financing for all changes which have to be done without compromise the future economic efficiency while aim for long-term change cheap solutions

301

reach whole population not possible the vast majority is good enough reach all citizens and let themselves feel part of community

302

government structure opposed to changes have to find ways that approach to politicians

303

public perception needs to become better make campaings campaigns are short life long-life perception change minds and behaviours needs involvement of stakeholders

304

available funding for change is never enough and lacks in many cases not all changes need lots of money sometime you can make wonders with small budget

305

high educated versus low educated people simple messages slogans visual adverts social media use difficult to get to all audiences on a tight budget

306

ageing use the capacities for elderly people gardening street cleaning tourist guidance in many cities elderly are socially marginalised

307

more sustainable culture together instead of competition capitalism is individualism common challenges common solutions social thinking community is not mainstream in politics

308

municipal procedures that do not involve citizens in decision-make balance by information available past

309

reduce public budgets mostly based on global economy avoid to attend many problems

310

no investment in raising public awareness there is investment it comes from outside sources impossible to apply changes in population

311

overcome present financial crisis focus on traditional solutions not first buy approach

312

keep promoting long-term sustainable solutions overcome financial crisis without only looking at economic short-term politics believe in the rise of energy prices that will con vine all

313

the emerging chemical society with new products unknown long-term effects regulation chemical concern and multiaction encourage innovation while punish a social consumer return to traditional procedures avoid all chemicals

314

no money even when there is money it is rarely investment in sustainability projects economic challenges face local governments to make tought choices

315

no political support for new approaches for any changes long-term plans long time before results are visible no incentives for politicians to propose change majority of public opinion need for politicians to accept the challenge and open discussion

316

politicians prefer mega-projects like new highway new metro lines measures in the sustainability field have low visibility sustainable projects are also private funding and may not get too much public exposure

317

car oriented infrastructure can not be sustained in long-term social level be forced to develop new solutions to sustain on insustainable ideal

318

greenspaces threatened by developments do not give always priority to developers investors sometimes greenspace can be enhance with proper planning and investment

319

little use of green-infrastructure people fo not know the benefits of green-infrastructure research and development for green-infrastructure is still in development stages

320

car dependency difficult to change people mindsets social economical challenges can give opportunity to change minds

321

citizen involvement depends on the local administration devolved inclusive traditional modes collapsed new methods are needed involvement

322

quiet areas in urban areas quiet areas threatened by development pressures curb change the power of development investment

323

heat especially in south

324

pollution industrial pollution deal with traffic how to make it sustaible

325

noise different noise and sound definition of noise also voice of people freedom versus people responsability

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URBAN-NEXUS WP3 Synthesis Report. Health and Quality of Life

326

financial crisis budget cut new sustainability through culture need for innovation do more with less

327

long-term unemployment how to encourage access to jobs who is responsible green jobs are not always considered by politicians

328

pollution and congestion caused by traffic car dependency motor vehicles sharing forms infrastructure investment needs considerable knowledge and money

329

water shortage and excess heavy rain flooding health impacts

330

personal city health mental physical

331

heating increasing problem far away from being solved vulnerable groups need extra attention

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