Urban greening and water strategies are key to adapt Australian cities to climate change and urban growth

Urban greening is increasingly recognized as a key strategy for climate adaptation in cities, particularly in regions with variable climates. This paper explores how Australian cities are pioneering strategies that integrate urban greening with water-sensitive urban design (WSUD), offering valuable lessons for other areas facing similar challenges. Drawing on examples from diverse climate zones, from Darwin’s tropics to Melbourne’s temperate and Perth’s Mediterranean conditions, we analyse how local climate and water availability shape greening strategies and WSUD implementation. The study evaluates technologies such as bioretention basins, tree pits, green roofs, and vertical greening, highlighting successes, limitations, and locally adapted solutions. Key challenges include mismatches between water supply and demand, high maintenance requirements, and the need for community engagement. By reviewing modelling tools and metrics used in Australia to assess the benefits of urban greening, we assess their applicability and limitations. The paper offers valuable lessons from the Australian experience for other regions facing similar climate and water challenges, emphasising that integrating water management is essential for the long-term success of urban greening in building climate-resilient cities.