The research used an "eco-indicator," created to measure urban sustainability, that integrates several factors, including trip generation, road traffic emissions, weather pattern modelling, and air quality.

As cities grow, they can expand in a dispersed manner, occupying large areas, or develop in a more concentrated way. “Each model has advantages and disadvantages, with research showing that urban morphology plays a decisive role in the vulnerability of cities to climate change,” states a press release about the study.

Applied to the Aveiro region, the study concludes that scenarios with greater urban concentration reduce road traffic emissions.

“The scenario designated ‘Independent City’ was identified as the most favourable model for future development, as it promotes shorter distances and less dependence on the automobile,” it emphasises.

Conversely, “the ‘Spread-Out City’ model showed the worst overall performance in terms of air quality and resilience to climate change.”

The study was conducted by a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies and the Department of Environment and Planning at the University of Aveiro.

The aim of the work is “to support policymakers in defining strategies that promote more balanced and healthy cities for populations.”

The research team included researchers Bruno Augusto, Ana Filipa Ascenso, Joana Ferreira, from the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies and the Department of Environment and Planning (DAO) at UA, Margarida Coelho, from the Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, and Sandra Rafael, Secretary-General of the Institute for Environment and Development (IDAD).