Review article: Reviewing Berlin's urban parks from the perspectives of socio-economic inequality, climate resilience, and sustainable management

Abstract

Berlin, renowned for its rich history and vibrant cultural tapestry, possesses an extensive network of urban parks that function as vital lungs for the city, providing recreation, ecological services, and respite from urban life. Yet, these green spaces confront mounting pressures from shifting socio-economic dynamics and escalating climate-related impacts. This review investigates the intricate interplay between socio-economic conditions and climate change in shaping the resilience, accessibility, and sustainability of Berlin's parks. Drawing on more than 200 research articles, reports, and policy papers, it synthesises insights on park management, biodiversity, governance, and socio-economic disparities, with particular attention to their intersectionality. The findings highlight those socio-economic inequalities strongly influence patterns of access, quality, and affordability of green spaces, exposing disadvantaged communities to uneven benefits and environmental burdens. Processes of gentrification, often intensified by the appeal of green neighbourhoods, exacerbate displacement and exclusion, underscoring the need to integrate social justice into green space planning. Simultaneously, climate change introduces new threats, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss, which compound urban vulnerabilities. Case studies from Berlin illustrate innovative strategies – ranging from community-driven initiatives to climate-resilient park design – that demonstrate pathways towards inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable management of urban parks in the face of complex socio-environmental challenges.