Finding space for nature in cities: the considerable potential of redundant car parking

Abstract Nature-based solutions (NBS) are recognised as a means to address challenges such heatwaves, flooding and biodiversity loss. Delivering these benefits at scale will require large areas of scarce urban land be converted into green space. Here we show an approach by which cities can make substantial progress towards their sustainability targets using NBS, converting redundant street parking biodiverse We demonstrate that up half in our case study municipality (The City Melbourne) could accommodated garages within 200 m, freeing for greening. Our modelling projects significant terms tree canopy over, stormwater ecological connectivity. These would represent strong number the city’s ambitious NBS targets. As many allocate extensive both off-street garages, this space nature is widely applicable.