Review article: Re-viewing Berlin's Urban Parks from the Perspectives of Socio-Economic Inequality, Climate Resilience, and Sustainable Management   

Abstract. Berlin, known for its rich history and lively cultural tapestry, boasts an extensive network of urban parks that serve as vital lungs for its residents, providing recreational opportunities, ecological services, and respite from urban life. These green spaces face multifaceted challenges from shifting socio-economic dynamics and escalating impacts of climate change. This review article delves into the intricate interplay between socio-economic conditions and the impact of climate change on Berlin's urban parks.

More than 200 research articles, reports, and policy papers on urban parks, green space management, biodiversity, socio-economic challenges, and climate change are reviewed that explores how the combined impact of socio-economic vulnerabilities and climate change intensifies the need for sustainable, equitable, and resilient urban ecosystems. By adopting an intersectionality perspective, it examines the complexities of these issues and reviews current management practices and policy approaches. The review emphasizes the importance of inclusive green space planning, social engagement, and targeted policy interventions to address these challenges.

Socio-economic disparities play a significant role in shaping unequal access to urban green spaces, highlighting the broad relationship between social inequality and the use of these public resources. The imbalances in access, quality, and affordability of these spaces, examining their implications for different communities are explored. Gentrification, often driven by the appeal of green neighbourhoods, raises the spectre of displacement and social exclusion, making the intersectionality of socio-economic and environmental issues ever more pressing. Simultaneously, climate change poses new and escalating threats to urban parks in Berlin, with rising temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss challenging these green oases. Case studies reveal innovative approaches, such as community-driven transformations and climate-resilient park designs, that hold promise for achieving sustainability.