With climate change, public health, and biodiversity loss emergencies, there has been an increasing focus on forests and trees as ‘nature-based solutions’. Cities as the places where most of us live are in specific focus, providing excellent opportunities for urban forestry. This presentation introduces some of the latest developments and advancements in urban forestry across the world, from governance to innovative practice and smart approaches. Increasingly urban forests are connected to other policy areas, from urban resilience to creating healthier places to live, work, learn, and play. The role of science and evidence-based approaches will be stressed. A truly global community of urban forestry experts has emerged, as exemplified by global initiatives, meetings and networks. How can local urban foresters benefit from these developments? What are some of the next frontiers for our field, including a move from nature-based solutions to nature-based thinking?
