Engleski A - 2024. ljeto, reading 2.

Trees and Green Spaces in Cities

“Trees provide nesting sites, food, and cover for countless species living around us. Of course,” Tom Baker says, “as students of architecture we used to refer to trees as graceful supplements making a house feel like a home and enriching the view from the window, which they still very much do.” They also help clear the atmosphere by decreasing pollution. Trees cool the air, land and water with leafy shade and moisture. Those planted near our homes and in our community reduce the need for air-conditioning and heating produced by burning fossil fuels. And the list goes on and on.

Fast-forward a decade, and Tom Baker is head of ‘The Green Spaces Initiative’ in Brookson. He says green spaces can contribute to a more liveable, sustainable, and economically strong city that improves the quality of life of its inhabitants. Urban planning thus requires careful consideration of the environmental impact of city life, including the attempt to reduce CO2 emissions, and of various other factors, such as local demographics, social or cultural values, and economic development. Apart from the traditionally accepted view that they provide spaces for recreation and relaxation, a wide range of experts have confirmed that areas of greenery enhance biodiversity. After a local opinion poll, another interpretation has emerged, defining them as places where people can interact.

It is estimated that, ideally, everyone should live within 500 metres of a green space. Despite that, it is not uncommon for city planners to overlook the inclusion of green spaces, especially in highly urbanised areas where there is little room for property development. City planners may prioritise economic development and infrastructure over green spaces although there is now a common understanding of their benefits. Whether or not humans have interfered with the development of a green area determines whether it is considered to be natural. This will lead either to revitalising it or protecting it for its significance to the environment.

In general, however, incorporating green spaces in cities is crucial and it requires constant campaigning to raise awareness among citizens of its numerous benefits. Tom adds: “An example is that spending time in a park can be a great family- and community-building activity, such as sharing a birthday or playing games, or that trees can reduce harmful substances, lowering the incidence of respiratory problems. While we’re currently promoting the latest data referring to the reduction of stress levels and anxiety, next in line is that parks can create a sense of place, adding character to urban areas.”

In short, there is no doubt that green spaces are beneficial for the environment and the community. Nevertheless, one major challenge remains: many cities have already grown so packed that large swathes of parks and forest trails are nearly impossible to establish as it would be too expensive to bring down existing blocks of housing. A solution may be creating mini forests in the smaller spaces, growing up to 30 times as fast as conventional ones. This involves planting a limited number of native species in a small space to produce a thick forest that could prove efficient in remediating soil and supplying animal habitats.

“Many cities have underutilised spaces, such as carparks, abandoned buildings and vacant lots. If they wanted, local authorities could convert them into parks, community gardens, green roofs, and other types of urban green infrastructure. Maintaining biodiversity for any green area is key for its own and human survival in general,” states Tom. “Governments could also encourage local participation through petitions or complaints as well as involvement in the creation and maintenance of green spaces, as they are increasingly considered to minimise the influence of pollutants. This could be done through volunteer programmes, community garden initiatives, and other community-based programmes.”