How can green infrastructure be defined?

Green infrastructure can be defined as a network that utilizes natural systems to manage stormwater and improve urban sustainability. This approach integrates natural processes with engineered solutions to enhance environmental quality, provide multiple ecosystem services, and create resilience within urban settings. By mimicking natural hydrological cycles, green infrastructure techniques—such as green roofs, rain gardens, and permeable pavements—help manage stormwater effectively, reduce urban heat, improve air quality, and support biodiversity.

The essence of green infrastructure lies in its holistic perspective, which aims to address environmental challenges through sustainable, natural methods rather than relying solely on traditional, mechanical systems. This not only addresses stormwater management but also contributes to the overall enhancement of urban landscapes, making them more livable and sustainable.

While other options may contribute to urban planning and environmental management in various ways, they do not encompass the multifaceted, nature-based principles inherent in green infrastructure. For instance, a system of artificial barriers could control flooding but lacks the ecological integration that characterizes green infrastructure. Similarly, a type of concrete construction focused on minimizing environmental impact would still not address the ecological and hydrological functions that green infrastructure provides. Finally, a method only focused on increasing green spaces without considering ecological interactions misses the critical aspect of connectivity and function