Green Space requirements
Integrating green spaces into urban planning is good for:
1. The environment: reducing air pollution, temperature regulation, biodiversity.
2. Public health: increased physical activity and mental health benefits associated with access to nature.
3. Community: increased social interactions. Space for recreational and cultural activities.
4. Economy: increased property values due to all of the above, as well as aesthetic appeal.
Increasingly important is the climate resilience benefits. Parks and green spaces help to manage storm water and sequester carbon.
Some cities, such as London, do it well already. The London Plan set out policies to protect and enhance green spaces and has a target to further “green up” the city (to 50% by 2050).
Other cities require green spaces be accessible (eg Berlin aims to provide accessible green spaces within a 500 m radius of every resident).
If countries already considering or implementing such policies all get together and decide to up their targets, including setting space per capita targets, this could ensure cities can continue to grow while remaining liveable in our uncertain future.
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