Fuzzy-based multicriteria analysis of the driving factors and solution strategies for green infrastructure development in China.

• Global push, environmental benefits and economic benefits are key drivers. • Integrate national policies with GID, urban development and land use policies. • Green Infrastructure Strategy for Urban Areas is one of the most important solutions. Global efforts are underway to mitigate and adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change. Green infrastructure development (GID) has been a centre of attention for the policymakers, experts, and the governments as an indispensable development. Similarly, The Chinese government has also put forth serious policy initiatives to promote GID in the economy. However, there is immense potential to turn traditional infrastructure into green infrastructure. For this objective to achieve, the identification, analysis, and prioritization of driving factors and strategies for GID is imperious. The present study serves this purpose by identifying 10 driving factors, 38 sub-factors, and 5 alternative solution strategies to GID in China. The study uses a fuzzy-based multi-criteria decision support framework for the analysis. The Fuzzy AHP analysis revealed global drive to GID, environmental benefitting factors, and economic benefits as leading driving factors of GID.. The evaluation and prioritization of alternative solution strategies for GID through Fuzzy WASPAS concludes the strategy of green infrastructure (GI) in urban areas as the best strategy to develop GI. The study provides a comprehensive and more in-depth understanding of GID in China. The findings of the study would support the policymakers, managers, and governments to stimulate the GID process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]