Europe could achieve net zero carbon emissions over the next 10 years by incorporating nature into its urban infrastructure. A recent study published by researchers from Sweden, the US and China in the scientific journal Nature Climate Change shows how 54 European cities could reduce carbon emissions by an average of 17.4 percent using nature-based solutions such as parks, street improvements and roof gardens. "Nature-based solutions not only offset part of the city's emissions, but can also contribute to reducing emissions and resource consumption," said Zahra Kalantari, co-author and Associate Professor of Water and Environmental Engineering at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology. in the media report. For example, city parks, greenery and trees encourage more walking, cycling and other environmentally positive habits. Other examples of nature-based solutions that Kalantari and her co-authors explored include urban agriculture, permeable pavements that allow rainwater to be absorbed into the ground, narrower roads with more greenery and trees, and wildlife habitat protection. (Megan DeLaire)