A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Economic viability of urban greening as a climate change adaptation measure in cool-climate cities
Authors: Suomi, Juuso; Hyyrynen, Matti; Käyhkö, Janina; Käyhkö, Jukka; Juhola, Sirkku
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Publishing place: HEIDELBERG
Publication year: 2025
Journal: Regional Environmental Change
Journal name in source: Regional Environmental Change
Journal acronym: REG ENVIRON CHANGE
Article number: 95
Volume: 25
Issue: 3
Number of pages: 15
ISSN: 1436-3798
eISSN: 1436-378X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-025-02429-2
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-025-02429-2
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/499226474
This study explores whether urban greening through tree planting is an economically viable climate change adaptation measure in Northern Europe's climate. The analysis was conducted by modelling how increased tree canopy cover affects the urban heat island (UHI) effect and, in turn, reduces heatwave-related mortality among vulnerable populations. Using modelling data from 2022 to 2100 for three Finnish cities-Helsinki, Turku, and Oulu-the results suggest that, in some cases, tree planting can be an economically viable adaptation measure to reduce heat-related deaths. This requires that greening is applied in the most densely populated areas of the city. Among the three cities, greening proves most economically viable in Helsinki, which has the highest population density of the three study cities. Conversely, it is not an economically viable adaptation option in Oulu, the study's northernmost and least densely populated city. The effectiveness of greening in economic terms varies depending on the city, the specific climate change scenario, and the intensity of the greening effort. As a result, the net present value (NPV) of tree planting may be either positive or negative. Therefore, any greening initiative should be carefully evaluated within its local context.
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Funding information in the publication:
Open Access funding provided by University of Turku (including Turku University Central Hospital). Funding for this research has been admitted by the Finnish Ministry of Environment via the Finnish Climate Change Panel's SOIKE-Developing the indicators of adaptation project, grant Nr. 329239. Finalizing of the research has also been funded by the Research Council of Finland via the project Kestavat ilmastonmuutoksen hillintastrategiat energia-maankayttomateriaalit-systeemissa. The Geography Section of the University of Turku has financially supported the establishment and maintenance of the TURCLIM weather observatde ion network. The Urban Environment Division of the City of Turku has financially supported the maintenance of the TURCLIM weather observation network.
