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Natural infrastructure in sustaining global urban freshwater ecosystem services

Author

Listed:
  • Min Gon Chung

    (Michigan State University
    University of California)

  • Kenneth A. Frank

    (Michigan State University
    Michigan State University)

  • Yadu Pokhrel

    (Michigan State University)

  • Thomas Dietz

    (Michigan State University
    Michigan State University)

  • Jianguo Liu

    (Michigan State University)

Abstract

Rapid urbanization throughout the globe increases demand for fresh water and the ecosystem services associated with it. This need is conventionally met through the construction of infrastructure. Natural infrastructure solutions have increased to provide freshwater ecosystem services, but little global research has examined the intricate relationships between built and natural infrastructure for providing freshwater ecosystem services to cities across the globe. Using network analysis, here we examine the interrelationships between built and natural infrastructure in 2,113 watersheds for 317 cities worldwide, focusing on four key freshwater ecosystem services: freshwater provision, sediment regulation, flood mitigation and hydropower production. Our results indicate that protected wetlands contribute to sustaining freshwater provision to cities. Forest cover in protected areas can improve the capacity of large dams in reducing sediment loads and producing hydropower, but cities mainly depend on reduced impervious surfaces and more green spaces within urban areas for flood mitigation. Improved understandings of the role of natural infrastructure in urban water networks must underpin strategic decision-making to sustainably provide freshwater ecosystem services to global cities.

Suggested Citation

  • Min Gon Chung & Kenneth A. Frank & Yadu Pokhrel & Thomas Dietz & Jianguo Liu, 2021. "Natural infrastructure in sustaining global urban freshwater ecosystem services," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 4(12), pages 1068-1075, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natsus:v:4:y:2021:i:12:d:10.1038_s41893-021-00786-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41893-021-00786-4
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    Cited by:

    1. Yu, Shuying & Peng, Jian & Xia, Pei & Wang, Qi & Grabowski, Robert C & Azhoni, Adani & Bala, Brij & Shankar, Vijay & Meersmans, Jeroen, 2023. "Network analysis of water-related ecosystem services in search of solutions for sustainable catchment management: A case study in Sutlej-Beas River systems, India," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 63(C).
    2. Ma, Shuai & Wang, Liang-Jie & Chu, Lei & Jiang, Jiang, 2023. "Determination of ecological restoration patterns based on water security and food security in arid regions," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 278(C).
    3. Hachaichi, Mohamed, 2023. "Unpacking the urban virtual water of the Global South: Lessons from 181 cities," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 210(C).
    4. Ziwei Yu & Xuming Jin & Yang Guo & Qian Liu & Wenyu Xiang & Shuai Zhou & Jiaying Wang & Dailin Yang & Hao Bin Wu & Juan Wang, 2024. "Decoupled oxidation process enabled by atomically dispersed copper electrodes for in-situ chemical water treatment," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.

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