Within the next few decades, more than half the world’s population will live in urban areas. City populations are already booming, and there are a number of environmental consequences of this that affect not only the earth but also people’s health. Millions of people die each year due to air pollution.
The urban heat island effect is when heat is trapped in developed cities and contribute to pollution and unsafe living environments. It is created by modern day activities such as transportation and industry operations. It can cause smog and increase the temperature in busy, populated cities.
The heat is a problem because it creates a dangerous cycle: the temperature gets warmer and more people use more air conditioning, which in turn increases air pollutants. Hot sidewalks and pavements are also a problem because the heat transfers to rainwater and eventually reaches bodies of water and damages aquatic systems that are home to many species.
It is important to convert cities into safer, healthier places to live in. Researchers say that in order to do this, it is important to reverse the “industrialization” of cities by creating more space for nature.
There are many ways to incorporate greenery into urban areas. Green roofs, for example, would include plants on rooftops. Green roofs would not only provide a natural element to city buildings, but also create insulation, regulate rainwater, and reduce surface temperature.
Here is a video of Green Roofs and How They Can Help Cities.
The Millennium Park in Chicago is known for green roofs and the incorporation of sustainable features in city project designs.
Although planting trees throughout cities and implementing greenery into architecture is a good step, scientists also suggest freeing up space for nature to take its on course and rebuild itself. Although it can be messy and requires giving up space and management, it would increase biodiversity and give way to healthier ecosystems.
Access to nature in cities is good for not only physical health, but also mental health. Research suggest mental illnesses in urban children are directly linked to a lack of connection to natural spaces. Stress levels and mood instability across the population would also improve with more nature in the surroundings.
Here are the Top 5 US Cities with the Most Access to Nature
Caring for the planet begins locally. In order to create healthy living spaces that help rather than harm the planet and its population, it is important to take small steps in individual communities. Simply caring about and utilizing the natural areas such as parks demonstrates constituent interest to lawmakers. Writing to legislators on a local, state, and federal level can also bring these eco-friendly ideas to the table.
This site shows how to Write a Letter to Congress.
This blog post had some really cool elements to it! There was so much detail and care placed into this post with great reasonings about why we need to help limit air pollution and damage in urban areas. I also think it’s really cool that you included a link to a video that helps strengthen your thought processes.