Green corridors are like nature’s helpers in our cities. They are areas filled with plants and trees that break up the concrete jungle. These spaces can range from simple tree-lined streets to larger networks of parks and paths. They’re a smart way to tackle the challenges cities face due to climate change.
One big issue is the urban heat island effect. This happens when buildings and roads soak up heat, making cities much warmer than the surrounding countryside. Combined with climate change, this can lead to uncomfortable living conditions and worsen air quality due to pollution from traffic and industries. With the UN predicting that 68% of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050, we need to act now to improve urban health.
Green corridors help to cool down cities naturally. Through a process called evapotranspiration, plants release water vapor, which cools the air. These corridors also absorb harmful pollutants like PM2.5 and carbon dioxide, improving air quality for residents.
Take Medellín, Columbia, for example. In 2016, the city started a green corridor project, investing $16.8 million into planting trees along polluted roads. This initiative has planted about 8,800 trees, which act as “green barriers” against pollution, helping to lower the city’s temperature by 2 degrees Celsius.
But the benefits of green corridors don’t stop there. They also support wildlife, allowing animals to have safe spaces in urban areas where they normally wouldn’t survive. Additionally, these corridors can serve multiple purposes, acting as parks, community areas, or centers for recreation—all while aiding in climate change efforts.
Other cities are also embracing green corridors. In New York, the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway is a nearly 32-mile bike path that features many types of plants. In Singapore, their “Nature Ways” are designed to mimic rainforests, creating beautiful tree canopies that stretch over roads.
Green corridors are a practical solution for cities worldwide. They enhance living conditions, boost biodiversity, and make urban spaces more enjoyable for everyone.
You can check out more about how Medellín uses green corridors to combat heat and pollution in this article on BBC Future.
Check out this related article: Global Leaders Stumble: Lack of Consensus Delays Crucial UN Climate Report Release
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