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The implementation of green spaces can bring numerous benefits. Due to the climate change in the last few years, most cities in the world are experiencing environmental changes that include but are not limited to poor air quality, water pollution, and rising temperatures. It is well known that human activity is the cause of much of the disruption and drastic alterations in the environment that affect essential ecological services, but there are things that can be done.
Scientific studies have demonstrated that the presence of open green spaces in urban areas, such as gardens, parks, forests, and green belts, provide a variety of social and psychological benefits to residents while also benefitting the environment. Below, we mention some examples of these benefits.
Social Benefits
Urban green spaces are proven to provide a more attractive environments to residents.
Green spaces inject vitality into cities, improving not only the ecological and social aspects, but also bring economic benefits.
It helps to improve air quality, as trees serve as air pollution purifiers, which in turn helps improve microclimates.
Recreational opportunities and esthetic enjoyments are provided for residents, while facilitating daily contact with nature.
Green spaces in cities are important to maintain social sustainability.
Psychological Benefits
Direct contact with nature improves mental health, reduces anxiety, fear, or depression.
Open public spaces can help strengthen the identification with the city and thus improve the well-being of residents.
Natural surroundings are proven to reduce stress effectively.
Outdoor recreation helps reduce negative emotions and enhance positive ones.
Sounds in nature such as the sound of water or wind contribute to have a restorative effect on the body.
Environmental Benefits
Protection and preservation of biodiversity, specially native species.
Cooling of air temperature, resulting in the reduction of the urban heat island effect.
Urban vegetation contributes to improving air quality and eliminating air pollution.
Open green spaces sequester and store carbon within tress and other vegetation.
Soft walls of greenery and trees shape spaces and create boundaries, and they also have an impact on noise reduction.
Sources:
Opmerkingen