ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY AND GIS MODEL OF URBAN GREENING IN KHMELNYTSKYI UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE CONDITIONS

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive study of the ecological and economic efficiency of urban greening in the city of Khmelnytskyi under the increasing influence of climate change in the context of sustainable development of urban ecosystems. Particular attention is focused on identifying the key ecological functions of urban green areas, which ensure microclimate stabilization, improvement of air quality, regulation of the water balance, and maintenance of local biodiversity. The study highlights the importance of green spaces as elements of the city’s natural–ecological framework that contribute to enhancing the resilience of the urban environment to growing anthropogenic pressures.

An ecological and economic assessment of the effectiveness of greening is carried out, including an analysis of electricity consumption for street lighting, heating, and cooling of buildings, which is especially relevant under martial law in Ukraine and the deficit of energy resources. Special attention is given to examining the environmental impact of motor vehicles and determining the role of green infrastructure in reducing negative consequences of transport loads. The results demonstrate a significant ecological and economic effect of expanding green areas, particularly due to reduced pollution levels, lower incidence of diseases among residents, increased living comfort, and an overall improvement of the urban environment.

Using GIS technologies, a spatial model was developed to analyze objects of the nature reserve fund, recreational areas, and green plantings, enabling the identification of disproportions in their distribution, determination of territories with insufficient greening, and justification of priority directions for green infrastructure development. The research findings may be used to form urban climate adaptation strategies, improve planning decisions, and enhance the ecological resilience of urbanized territories.