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A master's thesis from Aalborg University
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Equitable Access and Justice: The Role of Accessibility in Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation. Insights from Køge Bugt Strandpark

Authors

;

Term

4. semester

Publication year

2024

Submitted on

Pages

152

Abstract

Climate change is already being felt worldwide and hits the most economically and socially marginalized urban residents hardest. This research examines the link between accessibility and justice in nature-based solutions (NbS) using Køge Bugt Strandpark as a case. Here, accessibility means that all community members—regardless of income, social conditions, or mobility—can reach and benefit from what NbS provide. This justice lens is used to assess accessibility conditions in the park. Data collection and a developed accessibility index reveal an uneven distribution of opportunities across the park, creating particular barriers for people with lower incomes. These disparities highlight the need for more inclusive planning. Strandparken’s modernization plans should therefore address accessibility to ensure fair enjoyment of NbS benefits. The study offers a framework to understand and tackle the equity implications of climate adaptation, aiming to promote justice through accessibility.

Klimaforandringer mærkes allerede verden over og rammer byernes mest økonomisk og socialt marginaliserede beboere hårdest. Dette studie undersøger sammenhængen mellem tilgængelighed og retfærdighed i naturbaserede løsninger (NbS) med Køge Bugt Strandpark som case. Her betyder tilgængelighed, at alle borgere—uanset indkomst, sociale vilkår eller mobilitet—kan få adgang til og drage nytte af de gevinster, NbS skaber. Denne retfærdighedsvinkel bruges som målestok til at vurdere tilgængelighedsforholdene i Strandparken. Dataindsamling og et udviklet tilgængelighedsindeks viser en skæv fordeling af muligheder på tværs af parken, som især giver udfordringer for personer med lavere indkomst. De påviste forskelle peger på behovet for mere inkluderende planlægning. Moderniseringsplanerne for Strandparken bør derfor styrke tilgængeligheden, så fordelene ved NbS kan deles mere ligeligt. Studiet tilbyder en ramme for at forstå og håndtere lighedsmæssige konsekvenser af klimatilpasning med fokus på retfærdighed gennem tilgængelighed.

[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]