Urban agriculture as a strategy for climate adaptation: Contributions to more sustainable and resilient cities

Abstract

The 21st century is characterized by interconnected challenges such as climate change, population growth concentrated in urban areas, and the vulnerability of the global food system. Consequently, there is a global call for local solutions within the framework of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where cities play a key role in driving such transformation. In this context, urban agriculture has experienced a renaissance as a topic of interest, not only for its capacity to produce food but also for its contributions to urban sustainability through its socio-environmental benefits.

This Doctoral Thesis focuses on the relationship between urban agriculture and climate change, with a particular emphasis on the role of urban agriculture as a climate adaptation strategy through its cooling potential. In addition, the Thesis addresses complementary topics that enrich this analysis, such as the consideration of urban agriculture in sustainability indicators, climate action plans, and public policies.

Data collected in situ demonstrate that urban gardens —particularly allotment gardens—contribute to microclimatic cooling in Valladolid, Spain. These findings support the consideration of urban agriculture as a nature-based solution that promotes climate adaptation in cities increasingly vulnerable to rising temperatures. This is the case for Mediterranean cities such as Valladolid and Málaga —both examined in this Thesis— which experience particularly threatening temperatures during the summer. Through broader perspectives and analyses, this Thesis also shows that urban agriculture is present and valued within governance frameworks at the international, national, and local levels. In this regard, the findings offer original diagnostics —particularly focused on Spanish and Argentine cities— and provide useful recommendations for planners, policymakers, and researchers.

The analyses, findings, and results obtained in this Doctoral Thesis underscore the importance of integrating urban agriculture into public policies to address the challenges of climate change and promote a more sustainable and resilient future in cities.