Circular economy – a new approach in the understanding of the human–environment relationship. The work presented the assumptions of the circular economy as a new concept of the economy functioning with the method of production “from cradle to cradle” constituting the opposition to the commonly used linear economy approach (take, make, dispose). Work discussed also the impact on the quality of human life and the management of environmental resources. Functional assumptions of the circular economy and its territorial dimension were presented, especially in urban areas where the green economy and sharing economy mechanisms are used. The potential for economic growth and the creation of new jobs was also emphasized due to the implementation of circular economy in the EU countries.

Green walls, along with green roofs, parks, and vertical gardens, belong to the green infrastructure of cities, which will encompass the majority of humanity in the coming decades. Green infrastructure benefits both urban residents and nature in the urban landscape, although there is no scientific consensus on the extent to which green walls, especially green facades, impact biodiversity in cities. This study examined the influence of green facades on the richness of mammals, birds, and invertebrates, considering the species and age of the plants comprising the green facade in a medium-sized city located in southwestern Poland. It was found that the implementation of green facades significantly enhances species’ biodiversity compared to non-vegetated walls. Four synanthropic bird species were nesting on green facades: Eurasian collared dove ( Streptopelia decaocto), blackbird ( Turdus merula), house sparrow ( Passer domesticus) and woodpigeon ( Columba palumbus). For the beech marten (Martes foina), the green facades are a hunting ground for birds and their eggs. This simple and effective method of creating green walls provides benefits to local wildlife by creating habitats, shelter, and foraging opportunities for selected species. However, it is difficult to determine whether green facades contribute to the formation of ecological corridors in urban environments. The study also examined the social aspect related to the establishment and maintenance of green facades on the surveyed buildings.

The high numbers of residents and dense urban fabric of buildings and infrastructure found in cities mean that extreme weather events have a particularly severe impact on them. Furthermore, urban development is itself an important element of climate change.

European cities face urban, demographic and climate challenges. According to forecasts, annual extreme phenomena will intensify – including torrential rains. Comprehensive solutions (also those based on nature), climate adaptation strategies, runoff management, incorporation of new design (e.g. sponge cities) are urgently required in order to strengthen urban resilience and to minimise the effects of extreme weather events (droughts, floods or heat islands).
The aim of the research was to develop a methodology for activating selected elements of blue-green infrastructure within areas of natural and cultural protection as an adaptive tool of urban planning. Modelling of infiltration possibilities, programmed with SCALGO Live Poland software, was performed as a case study based on a research city – Sandomierz (in Poland). Selected parameters (stormwater surface runoff, chosen runoff areas, land cover) are strongly correlated with urban indicators relating to the vegetation coverage (biologically active area – BAA).
Results pointed out urban units, which BAA is lower than 25% (e.g. Old Town Square, courtyards of tenement houses). Modelling was carried out for these units by concentrating on the undeveloped area for which the BAA was increased. The enhancement assumed values in the range of 41–45%. In analysed cases, an improvement (decrease) in runoff volume was obtained, even by 8.69%. Simultaneously, infiltration increased by 19.61%, calculated over entire runoff area. Implementation of solutions based on these results, in the form of appropriate planning provisions, can raise the quality of environment (e.g. improving water infiltration) and life (e.g. more effective air cooling on hot nights).

The development of cities and peri-urban areas is exerting an increasingly strong impact on the natural environment and, at the same time, on the living conditions and health of people. Problems and challenges that need to be addressed include increasing air pollution in these areas, formation of a surface urban heat island (SUHI), water management disruptions (water scarcity or excess), and the destruction of natural habitats. One of the solutions that contributes to climate change mitigation is the introduction of blue-green infrastructure into the city space and urbanised areas. The research objective was to identify spatial features (geodata) that determine the optimum location of selected blue-green infrastructure (BGI) components, acquire them, and then use the Geographical Information System (GIS) to determine their optimum locations. As the first step, cartographic models were developed which indicated areas that enable the development of selected blue-green infrastructure components in the Olsztyn city area, Warmińsko-Mazurskie Province, Poland. The models were juxtaposed with other two models developed by the authors, i.e. a surface urban heat island model and a demographic model that showed the age structure of the city’s population. Consequently, maps with potential locations for the blue-green infrastructure were developed, while taking into account reference data from the National Land Surveying and Cartographic Resource and Landsat 8 images.

In the contemporary world, where globalization and industrialization are progressing, there are no large cities that do not generate noise. Noise is usually connected with industrial areas, airports, circulation spaces or city centres. However, it is increasingly felt in places that have previously been associated with peace and quiet, such as suburban housing estates, recreational areas, urban forests, and parks. Noise penetrates public space, robbing this landscape of silence, pleasant sounds or positive sounds. The negative impact of noise on the life processes of humans and animals is worrying. Sound quality should be treated as an element of landscape quality, therefore it should be considered in planning processes or urban space development projects. The aim of this paper is to present an analysis of the soundscape in city space and of the level of noise in Centralny Park in Olsztyn, Poland. Guidelines were also drawn up for the proper management of park space in terms of reducing noise impact, and a model (recommendation) for analysed areas was formulated. The study consisted of:
– measurements of sound pressure levels (SPL) at selected points in two periods,
– interviews with park users and the preparation of a mental map,
– preparing a design scheme for a redesign of the park.
The results confirmed the difference between SPL in the leafless and leafy period. They also showed a clear relationship between the perception of sounds and well-being in the park.