Danielle MacCarthy

Postdoctoral Researcher

My research interests lie at the intersection of equity and nature-based solutions (NBS) in the urban environment. I draw on my background in psychology, urban studies, urban planning and environmental planning to consider and examine drivers of socio-spatial inequalities. I am currently working as a postdoctoral researcher in a European Driving urban transitions (DUT) project with PI Jannes Willems on the GREEN-INC which focuses on Inclusive climate actions. Specifically within this project, I am investigating climate proofing, urban care, and socio-spatial justice, involving NBSs role for vulnerable communities and more-than-human ecosystems. I conduct spatial mapping and  empirically driven  mixed methods in three of the project cities, including Amsterdam, Brussels, and Bucharest, to assess how concepts of care and NBS can be understood through an examination of intersectional social and environmental vulnerabilities.

At the core of this research lies the contestation that ‘Green is (always) good’ yet at the same time, is underpinned by ideas that explore how the ecological crisis can ultimately be harnessed into opportunities that create progressive, cohesive, antiracist, and socio-ecological and climate proof communities.

Beyond this, my interests lie in exploring creative methods that reexamine our relationship to the built and natural environment and co-facilitated storytelling and NBS workshop in Berlin for the nature of cities festival in 2024. Alongside this, I am involved in running film in research masterclasses for the Amsterdam School of Planning community and curating a series of workshops entitled REMA, showcasing and engaging with colleagues’ research practice and developing a community of care.

Projects