How can Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) help create cleaner, quieter, and healthier cities?
Urban air and noise pollution are among the most significant environmental health challenges in Europe. They contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, stress, sleep disturbance and a reduced quality of life. Nature-based solutions (NbS), such as street trees, green roofs, vegetated corridors, pocket parks and green noise barriers, are increasingly recognised as effective ways of improving urban environments while delivering significant health and well-being benefits.
On 4 June 2026 from 12:00 to 13:00 CEST, the Net4Cities and MI-TRAP projects will jointly host a public webinar to explore the latest research, experiences and challenges related to implementing NbS to reduce air and noise pollution in cities.
The webinar will begin with short introductions to both projects, followed by presentations from the MI-TRAP and Net4Cities teams. There will then be a final Q&A session with participants.
What to expect:
MI-TRAP presentation “Co-designing Nature-Based Solutions: MI-TRAP labs in Milan, Athens and Lisbon” – Maria Stella Lux (Politecnico di Milano) and Stavroula Kopelia (Politecnico di Milano) will present how the Horizon Europe project MI-TRAP is testing participatory methods to involve students and teachers in the co-design of NbS around schools in Milan, Athens, and Lisbon.
Their presentation will explore how educational activities, environmental monitoring, and co-design processes can empower young people to actively contribute to healthier and more sustainable urban environments while addressing mobility-related air and noise pollution.
Net4Cities presentation – The Net4Cities team will present insights from the project’s ongoing work on NbS and their role in mitigating air and noise pollution in urban areas.
The presentation will discuss the current scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of NbS, including the challenges associated with measuring their impacts on pollutant concentrations and urban soundscapes. It will also highlight the broader health and liveability co-benefits associated with green infrastructure in cities. The webinar will conclude with an interactive Q&A session.
Who should attend?
The webinar is open to:
Members of the Net4Cities and MI-TRAP projects
Representatives from cities and local authorities
Urban planners and environmental practitioners
Researchers and public health experts
City networks and stakeholders working on NbS, air quality, and environmental noise
Anyone interested in healthier and more sustainable cities
Participation is free, but registration is required:
https://eveeno.com/nbswebinar2026
After registration, participants will receive the Zoom link in their confirmation email.
The webinar will be held in English.
