Green Privilege? Exploring the Spatial Relations Between Nature-Based Solutions and Cocial Vulnerability in Nordic Cities
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2026
DOI
10.1080/13549839.2026.2639069
Publication Title
Local Environment: The International Journal of Justice and Sustainability
Pages
1-22
Abstract
Nature-based solutions, which integrate natural processes into urban environments to address societal challenges, are increasingly promoted for enhancing urban sustainability. However, their distribution and accessibility remain uneven, particularly in marginalised communities. While most research emphasises their ecological performance, less attention has been given to how nature-based solutions relate to patterns of social vulnerability, especially when considering both their quantity and quality. This study investigates the intersection of nature-based solutions characteristics and social vulnerability in Oslo, Helsinki, and Stockholm, applying a composite social vulnerability index, cluster analysis, and comparative methods. The findings reveal that socially vulnerable communities frequently coincide with areas of reduced nature-based solutions coverage and lower-quality green spaces. High Gini coefficients and significant spatial clusters indicate a persistent inequality in both the quantity and quality of nature-based solutions across urban landscapes, even within cities known for strong welfare and environmental planning systems. These findings suggest that current urban greening strategies often remain insufficiently attuned to social vulnerability and may unintentionally reinforce existing spatial inequalities. The study highlights the importance of integrating social vulnerability into nature-based solutions planning and evaluation, moving beyond generalised greening toward approaches that explicitly consider where, how, and for whom urban nature is delivered.
Rights
Copyright © 2026 Informa UK Limited.
ORCID
0000-0003-1656-8912 (Razzaghi Asl)
Original Publication Citation
Asl, S. R., Azadgar, A., & Nyka, L. (2026). Green privilege? Exploring the spatial relations between nature-based solutions and social vulnerability in Nordic cities. Local Environment, 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1080/13549839.2026.2639069
Repository Citation
Asl, Sina Razzaghi; Azadgar, Anahita; and Nyka, Lucyna, "Green Privilege? Exploring the Spatial Relations Between Nature-Based Solutions and Cocial Vulnerability in Nordic Cities" (2026). Political Science & Geography Faculty Publications. 93.
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/politicalscience_geography_pubs/93