Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Urban Greenery: A Comparative Analysis of Deciduous and Evergreen Performance in Pollution Abatement

Source abstract

Nature-based solutions (NBSs) are increasingly integrated into urban planning to enhance climate resilience and mitigate atmospheric pollution. However, the efficiency of urban forests is heavily dictated by the spatio-temporal dynamics of the selected plant species. This study proposes a conceptual and methodological framework to evaluate the potential contribution of deciduous and evergreen vegetation to urban pollution mitigation under different urban and environmental conditions. The framework considers seasonal vegetation dynamics and functional characteristics in relation to urban morphology, atmospheric conditions, and pollution sources, accounting for potential trade-offs between pollutant interception and air circulation. The proposed workflow integrates multi-temporal Earth Observation data, GIS-based spatial analysis, vegetation characterization, and atmospheric dispersion modelling. The proposed framework supports a context-sensitive evaluation of vegetation strategies for more adaptive and evidence-based urban green infrastructure planning.