Urban forests and nature-based solutions
We study trees, urban forests and green infrastructure as functional components of urban ecosystems. We assess their contribution to climate adaptation, reduction of heat exposure, biodiversity, human health and environmental quality, together with the limits and trade-offs of nature-based solutions.
Research questions
- By how much, and over what distance, do trees and urban forests reduce heat exposure?
- How can new urban forests be designed to withstand climate change, drought and soil constraints?
- How can biodiversity, health and ecosystem services be integrated into urban planning?
Approaches and methods
We combine microclimate monitoring, tree inventories, sensors, GIS and remote sensing, ecosystem-service assessment and afforestation experiments. Our analyses consider both tree performance and the spatial distribution of benefits.
Related projects
SUPERB · URSOILL · GOCCIA · Trees, forests and health · Modena · Cologno Monzese · Parco Italia · Parco Agricolo Sud Milano
Selected publications
- Saini M. et al. (2025). Mitigating urban heat: Spatial reach of cooling effect in nine urban forests of Milan.
- Gibertini C. et al. (2026). Afforestation priority for multiple objectives at national scale: Italy as a case study.
- Marchetti M. et al. (2018). Inference on forest attributes and ecological diversity of trees outside forest by a two-phase inventory.