Dichotomies, Dilemmas and Divergent Pathways: Cities and Nature-Based Solutions

The complexity of today’s urban challenges is unprecedented. In a world battered by the COVID-19 pandemic, seemingly competing needs such as public health and economic recovery, the effects of global warming, air pollution, the need to accommodate more urban dwellers, social polarization and inequality problematise a scenario in which a balanced relationship with nature is achievable. Yet, nature and cities ought to be part of the solution. This paper reflects on the tendency in city planning to dwell on dilemmas, which often paralyse or hinder the comprehensive impacts of potential interventions for the lack of an integrative framework that resolves dichotomies. It then centres its attention on the concepts of green infrastructure and nature-based solutions as fundamental strategies to maximise ecosystem services. Finally, it argues for grey-green-blue strategies aimed at contributing to dissolving perceived dichotomous views of challenges and solutions to cities leading towards the development of new systemic and integrative frameworks.