Green corridors as climate-resilient infrastructure in smart cities: a systematic review using PRISMA guidelines

Abstract

Urbanization has accelerated climate change-related risks in cities, such as urban heat islands, flooding, loss of biodiversity, and loss of ecosystem services. Green corridors have been identified as effective multifunctional approaches for improving the sustainability of cities in addressing climate change resilience in smart cities. This study aims to systematically review the empirical evidence of the effectiveness of green corridors using the PRISMA approach, focusing on studies published in the Smart Cities and Regional Development Journal (SCRD) and other peer-reviewed journals from 2005 to 2025. After a rigorous selection process, 35 studies were included for this review. The results showed that green corridors have been effective in reducing temperatures in cities by 1 to 4 degrees Celsius, improving stormwater management, enhancing ecological connectivity, and improving air quality. The effectiveness of green corridors depends on spatial connectivity, width, vegetation density, and alignment of corridors with natural environmental conditions. SCRD studies have also demonstrated the potential of green corridors in addressing climate change resilience through the application of smart technologies, though this is still in its infancy.