Ecological Research Monographs Green Infrastructure and Climate Change Adaptation Kartoniert (TB)

This open access book introduces the function implementation and governance of green infrastructure in Japan and other countries where lands are geologically fragile and climatologically susceptible to climate change. It proposes green infrastructure as an adaptation strategy for climate change and biodiversity conservation. In the face of climate change dams levees and floodways built as disaster prevention facilities do not sufficiently function against extraordinary events such as mega-floods and tsunami disasters. To prevent those disasters and loss of biodiversity in various ecosystems we should shift from conventional hard measures to more adaptive strategies using various functions that natural and semi-natural ecosystems provide. Green infrastructure is an interconnected network of waterways wetlands woodlands wildlife habitats and other natural areas that support native species maintain natural ecological processes sustain air and water resources and contribute to the health and quality of life for communities and people. Green infrastructure has mainly been discussed from adaptation strategy perspectives in cities and urban areas. However to protect cities which are generally situated at downstream lower elevations we explore the preservation and restoration of forests at headwater basins and wetlands along rivers from a catchment perspective. In addition the quantitative examination of flood risk biodiversity and social-economic benefits described in this book brings new perspectives to the discussion. The aim of this book is to accelerate the transformative changes from gray-based adaptation strategies to green- or hybrid-based strategies to adapt to climate change. The book provides essential information on the structure function and maintenance of green infrastructure for scientists university students government officers and practitioners.