Nature-based Solutions to mitigate the impacts of heat islands on birdlife in urban areas

• Grant number: 24/23340-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Architecture and Town Planning - Landscaping
• Principal Investigator: Adriana Afonso Sandre
• Grantee: Maria Fernanda Del Giovannino de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo (FAU). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

With the rise of urbanization and the intensification of climate change, cities are increasingly challenged to conserve biodiversity-an issue worsened by unplanned urban expansion and the growing urban heat island effect, which impact both human well-being and local birdlife. The project aims to investigate strategies for conserving bird biodiversity in urban areas, relying on scientific methodologies and knowledge from architecture and urban planning to understand the impacts of heat islands on city birdlife and subsequently develop Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to mitigate these effects. The study will be conducted in two phases: (1) a literature review on the impacts of heat islands and heat waves on birdlife, as well as on NbS proposals, assessing their effectiveness and suitability for urban birds; and (2) the development of specific NbS proposals that meet the needs of birds in the face of rising temperatures and promote more resilient urban environments. This will be followed by the creation of a synthesized illustrative guide with the proposed solutions, including practical recommendations for implementation in urban areas. The expected results include identifying areas for intervention, developing replicable strategies for birdlife conservation, and creating more biodiverse and climate-adapted urban environments.