In today’s urban development, we can see the constant spread of labyrinths of concrete, steel and asphalt.
The lack of green areas in urban zones contributes to the growth of the ‘urban heat island’ effect. Surfaces such as concrete and asphalt absorb heat during the day and release it at night, raising urban temperatures. Besides the increase in impermeable surface area, the heat given off by vehicles and other energy sources makes the effect worse. During the day, the average temperature of a large city can be 1 °C to 3 °C higher than in outlying and rural areas because of the ‘heat island’ effect. The effect is stronger at night, when the temperature difference can reach 10 °C.
The higher average temperature of cities means more energy is used to regulate temperatures in urban environments, a consequence that cities cannot sustain. The effect also harms people’s health. Apart from the general discomfort it causes, high temperatures are a factor in the development of respiratory diseases, as well as other complications such as heatstroke and dehydration.
The lack of vegetation is one of the main factors that aggravate this phenomenon in cities. Expanding green areas in the urban environment means more shade and less surface area absorbing and reflecting heat. Mitigating the urban heat island effect makes the environment more comfortable and reduces the need for artificial cooling systems.
Creating green areas has a direct impact on air quality. As well as helping to reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases, by capturing CO2 through photosynthesis, plants are able to absorb air pollutants.
Reducing the area of impermeable surfaces, by expanding green spaces, makes rainwater easier to manage in cities. Plant roots make the infiltration of rainwater more efficient. This is particularly relevant in the context of climate change, in which episodes of intense rain and flooding are increasingly frequent.
Urban greening has the advantage of reducing noise in cities. Vegetation acts as an acoustic barrier, reducing noise pollution in urban areas. This translates into better well-being and quality of life for residents.
In short, in a changing climate, creating and preserving green spaces in cities is not just an aesthetic choice but an essential measure for making urban areas more liveable, resilient and sustainable. Bringing nature back into cities plays a fundamental part in mitigating climate change and improving people’s quality of life – it is associated with lower stress, more physical activity and better mental health. Diaplant takes up this mission every day, contributing to the steady creation of green spaces in the urban environment and bringing people closer to nature.
Original article
This article was first published on the diaplant.pt blog.
