Our cities need healthy lungs

According to recent research, nine million people die every day globally as a direct result of air pollution. The health of the people is worsening due to disruptions in the environment. Parks and urban green spaces are one of the solutions to the problem of health hazards and environmental risks in the post-industrial society. Lack of green in the neighborhood is a serious problem affecting most city areas around the world and parks and other green spaces are necessary for normal functioning of people and the environment.

The crowding and human activities such as transport, shops and industries on the narrow roads and concrete structures of cities have led to the phenomenon called the urban heat island effect. The temperature in urban areas is increasing by 3.4°C compared to rural areas. The increase in temperature results in increased demand for cooling, which means an increase in the consumption of fossil fuel that leads to increased air pollution. However, with the creation of parks and green spaces, this issue can be mitigated as open areas with plants and trees give a place for the trapped heat to be released into the atmosphere.

Parks also provide a place where people can be physically active to reduce stress, which can improve their mental health. It also aids in relaxation, peace and escape from the heat, with better air quality, reduced traffic and greater diversity. A recent estimate puts 3.3 percent of global deaths due to the lack of physical activities because of poor walking ability and limited access to recreational areas. These numbers can be reduced by creating and opening parks and green spaces. 

The parks and other green spaces also have aesthetic and recreational values. They can lead to increased property values and increased municipal revenues. Also, a telephone survey by the American Public Health Association shows that 75 percent of the American adults surveyed believe that parks can play an important role in addressing America’s obesity crisis. They believe that parks help improve public health by providing direct contact with nature and a cleaner environment. Additionally, parks create a safer neighborhood, with research showing that green spaces create neighborhoods with fewer violence and crimes.

We need nature in our surroundings, we need trees on the streets, plants in our gardens and flowers on our balconies. Therefore, with all the above-mentioned benefits, there is no doubt that parks and green spaces are very necessary for cities.