Journal article
Evolving nature-based solutions for urban resilience
Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science), v 392(6799), pp 701-708
14 May 2026
PMID: 42133754
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Abstract
Despite growing investments in nature-based solutions for urban resilience, their design often overlooks a fundamental biological process: evolution. Populations of organisms that sustain nature-based solutions are dynamic and can evolve over time. Rapid evolutionary changes, driven by urban environmental stressors, such as pollution, climate extremes, and habitat fragmentation, can reshape species' traits, alter interactions, and shift ecosystem functions. We synthesize evidence of evolutionary change across systems that serve as nature-based solutions in urban contexts and show how evolutionary processes can enhance or undermine their performance. We propose four testable hypotheses linking evolutionary dynamics to nature-based solutions and outline design strategies to maintain adaptive potential. Integrating evolution into nature-based solutions is essential to ensure long-term and efficient functionality under accelerating environmental change.
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Details
- Title
- Evolving nature-based solutions for urban resilience
- Creators
- Marina Alberti - University of WashingtonNancy B Grimm - Arizona State UniversityEric P Palkovacs - University of California, Santa CruzMark C Urban - University of ConnecticutBrian C Verrelli - Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPippin Anderson - University of Cape TownElizabeth J Carlen - Washington University in St. LouisJennifer M Cocciardi - University of MississippiElizabeth M Cook - Cary Institute of Ecosystem StudiesMarie-Josée Fortin - University of TorontoKiyoko M Gotanda - Brock UniversitySarah E Hobbie - University of MinnesotaMarc T J Johnson - University of TorontoDaijiang Li - University of Wisconsin–MadisonAnna N Malesis-Dahm - University of WashingtonLindsay S Miles - Virginia TechJason Munshi-South - Drexel UniversityCristian Román-Palacios - University of ArizonaMegan Phifer-Rixey - Drexel UniversityDavid Salazar-Valenzuela - Pontificia Universidad Católica del EcuadorAmy M Savage - Montana Department of AgricultureRebecca Snyder - Arizona State UniversityKristin M Winchell - New York UniversityYuyu Zhou - University of Hong Kong
- Publication Details
- Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science), v 392(6799), pp 701-708
- Publisher
- American Association for the Advancement of Science
- Number of pages
- 8
- Grant note
- US National Science Foundation: DEB 1840663
This work was supported by the US National Science Foundation (DEB 1840663).
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science (BEES); Biology
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001767222600017
- Other Identifier
- 991022180458104721