The Role of Green Open Space in Mitigating Climate Change Impacts in Developing Countries: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Climate change, triggered by human activities such as fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, has become a global health emergency. Although the benefits of Green Open Space (GOS) are recognized, a comprehensive review summarizing its mitigation role across various developing countries remains limited. This study aims to synthesize the role of GOS in climate change mitigation strategies in developing countries. This study employed a narrative review method, conducting an independent literature search in April to June 2025 across three scientific databases: ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Eleven scientific articles from countries including India, Ethiopia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Ghana were selected and analyzed. The findings consistently demonstrate that GOS plays a crucial role in climate mitigation, primarily by acting as a CO2​ absorber, reducing the effects of global warming, mitigating flood risks, and enhancing environmental quality. This study concludes that GOS is a vital nature-based solution for building climate resilience in developing countries. The primary implication is the need for collaboration among academics, policymakers, and the community to formulate data-driven strategies for the optimal development and utilization of GOS.