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- Green infrastructure can help cities address climate change and improve the health of residents.
- Urban greenery can offer many economic, social, and environmental benefits.
- Challenges include funding, stakeholder buy-in, and outdated city codes — but partnerships can help.
Many cities are implementing green infrastructure plans to address climate change and improve the health of their residents.
Expanding Urban greeneryFor example, it helps cities manage stormwater, reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, increase the quality of life for residents, and reduce the risk of flooding. Urban heat island effectLocal economies can be boosted by these efforts.
Gail Hansen
“A lot of cities have begun to be more concerned about the effects of climate change on their environment,” such as sea-level rising, saltwater intrusion, and more severe tornadoes. Gail HansenInsider was told that he is an associate professor at the University of Florida’s Environmental Horticulture Department.
She said that one of the biggest trends is resilient city plans. Green infrastructure is a big part these plans to protect cities and prevent them from stressors.
31 mayors signed the agreement last spring, including those from Los Angeles, New Orleans and Seattle. C40 Urban Nature DeclarationTo show their commitment to green infrastructure
The cities pledged to convert up to 40% of city surfaces to green or blue, that’s water-related features, infrastructure by 2030 — including trees, urban forests, ponds, and parks with sustainable drainage systems — and ensure that 70% of their residents have access to green or blue public areas, such as wetlands or ponds, within a 15-minute walk or bike ride.
Hansen stated, “Cities must be very future-oriented.” Green infrastructure investments can help make communities more resilient and environmentally healthier. This creates opportunities for residents and businesses to thrive.
Cities are increasingly looking at green roofs and other infrastructure as a focal point.
One green-infrastructure trend that is on the rise is a Green roofA layer of vegetation that is placed on top of a waterproofing system. Rainwater is prevented from running off the roof by plants that absorb it.
Steven Peck
“Cities see their green roofs and other infrastructure benefits as an opportunity to help us future-proof cities against climate change,” he said. Steven PeckFounder and president of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities.
According to the report, the benefits include providing shade and reducing a building’s energy consumption. US Environmental Protection Agency. The temperature of a green-roof roof can be 40 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than traditional roofs, and it can reduce the city’s temperature by approximately five degrees.
Peck said that managing heat islands will create more equitable communities as low-income areas are most likely to be affected by overheating. This results in poorer air quality, which can lead to diminished health.
Chicago has been a Leader in green roof installationsThe US has More than 500Such roofs can be found in the city. San Francisco, New York City, TorontoSome buildings must have green roofs.
Peck said green roofing that incorporates biodiversity — where plants are used to attract insects, birds, and wildlife — is an emerging trend. The Javits Center green roofNew York City is an example of this, as it’s home for honeybees and many species of birds and bats.
Biodiversity and other green spaces Encourages wildlife habitsHansen stated that it promotes cleaner air, water, and a healthier environment. Some projects use native plants to support local ecosystems. Trees or urban forests boost biodiversity and provide canopy coverage.
Biophilic designHansen stated that green landscaping projects are also using this material. Hansen explained that biophilia is the human innate need to be in touch with nature. Hansen stated that city governments see adding greenery, walking and biking trails and parks as a way of improving residents’ mental and physical health.
She said that many cities are looking at ways to provide more opportunities for people to interact with nature, even if it is a small pocket park. “They are also looking at ways these landscapes can be used to meet the diverse cultural needs of a community.”
Phoenix, St. Louis, Miami, Washington, DC, etc. are just a few of the cities that are part of The. Biophilic Cities networkThey are demonstrating their commitment to improving connections between residents of the city and nature.
Green infrastructure has many benefits for the environment, society, and economy
Hansen stated that urban greenery filters water and air, making communities healthier. Research shows that increasing green space access is beneficial. Reduced mortalityThat urban green space Reduced stressImproved mental and physical health.
Green infrastructure can also help boost local economies by attracting developers and encouraging tourism dollars. Green roofs can be used to prevent flooding and heat loss and provide recreational space. Peck stated that adding amenities and making properties more sustainable could increase property value and help residents and businesses.
Hansen said that the transformation of old industrial structures into parks, such as abandoned rail lines, could help cities revitalize and drive economic growth. Hansen cited New York City’s example. High LineAs an example, take the, a linear park with a trail system that was built on an old railroad line.
Hansen stated that funding, stakeholder and community buy in, as well as outdated ordinances and codes, are some of the major challenges cities face when implementing these projects. Hansen stated that some cities are overcoming these challenges by creating public-private partnership and using data to show the benefits of green infrastructure for the city and its residents.
Still, incorporating green infrastructure into their resiliency plans is imperative for cities, she said, adding, “It’s almost become a must-have for cities to figure out how they’re going to weather — no pun intended — a lot of these big issues.”
