Mitigation and adaptation strategies for flooding and Urban Heat Island in Mediterranean cities: a systematic review

Abstract The Mediterranean region is among the areas most affected by the climate crisis, particularly its urban centers, where a large share of the population resides and built-up areas continue to expand. The escalating impacts of climate change make basic infrastructures increasingly vulnerable to extreme hydrometeorological events such as heat waves, droughts, and intense rainfall. As a result, many urban areas are highly susceptible to both the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect and urban flooding (UF). This article presents a comprehensive literature review of sustainable interventions, emphasizing Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) as best practices for mitigating UHI and UF, both individually and in combination. The review explores the analytical tools used for risk assessment, such as GIS and hydrological modeling, while evaluating the technical mechanisms and operational challenges of integrated interventions. Drawing on international case studies, the paper underscores the necessity of multi-functional design and hybrid governance models to enhance climate resilience and foster transformative urban sustainability.