Helder Nunes
Life Sciences
Helder Nunes’s fascination with botany began in childhood, sparked by the nectar of hibiscus petals and the soothing aroma of the medicinal teas his grandfather prepared for the neighborhood. An eclectic scientist who also studied art and design and enjoys solitary trips to the movies, he holds a degree in environmental management from the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, a master’s in ecology from the Federal University of Viçosa and a PhD in biodiversity and conservation from the Federal University of Juiz de Fora. When not immersed in research, he enjoys singing with his cat, Luther, as his audience.
His research lies at the critical intersection of conservation science and urban planning, exploring the critical role of urban green spaces in mitigating climate change. Recognizing that the uneven distribution of these spaces can lead to unequal access to their benefits, Nunes seeks to understand how the structure of urban vegetation influences ecosystem services. This knowledge will help shape public policy for more equitable urban planning.
Projects
Urban green spaces are critical in making our cities more resilient to climate change. These green spaces provide a wealth of benefits known as ecosystem services, including cleaner air, temperature regulation, and improved water management. However, access to these green spaces and their associated benefits is often unevenly distributed across a city. Globally, wealthier neighborhoods tend to have more green space, while marginalized communities, often with higher proportions of black and brown residents, may have less. This raises important questions about equity and environmental justice in Brazil’s largest cities: Are the benefits of urban green spaces distributed equitably? Does the type and quality of vegetation in these spaces influence the ecosystem services they provide? How can we use this knowledge to inform urban planning and policy to ensure all residents can access a healthy urban environment? Could access to the benefits of nature be considered a luxury good in Brazil’s urban centers?
