The Benefits of Green Spaces in Cities

How Green Spaces Can Protect Citizens

Urban settings are becoming more difficult to live in due to climate change. The phenomenon has resulted in higher temperatures, water scarcity, and extreme events like heat waves, droughts, and floodings. But there is a way to help protect citizens from the consequences of these threats, says Steven Rindner, a bio student.

One of the solutions is the development of green spaces. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as an essential resource for providing healthy and sustainable living environments. Some examples of green spaces are parks, green areas, and watercourses. What matters is that green spaces are occupied by plants, trees, or shrubs and provide people with leisure or decoration activities.

Listed below are some of the benefits of green spaces.

Boost for the Mental Health

Many studies have already established that access to nature positively impacts mental health. It can reduce stress, increase happiness, and help people focus. This is especially helpful for adults confronted with stressful situations daily because of their work. Even children and the elderly benefit from green spaces in the city.

Reduced Pollution

According to Steven Rindner, bio pollution has affected not only the environment but also the physical health of people. Pollution can cause asthma, chronic coughs, and in extreme cases, cancers. But did you know trees can retain more than five million metric tons of carbon dioxide and 20 kilograms of dust in a year? This fact underscores the need for more urban landscapes and greeneries.

Rainwater Management

Recently, news of flash floods in developed cities all around the world has been making rounds. With the massive amount of concrete covering the ground in urban places, it is no wonder that cities have low absorption capacities and rainwater pollution. Incorporating green city planning can help manage urban water woes and rainfall runoff.