#greenercities — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #greenercities, aggregated by home.social.
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UK - Key plants for a #ClimateChange garden
BBC Gardeners' World Magazine
Published: Thursday, 24 November 2022 at 11:30 am
Take a look at our pick of key plants to grow in a changing climate.
"With temperatures and levels of pollution on the rise, plants can help gardens and gardeners thrive in changing times.
"This might seem like a daunting prospect, but the good news for gardeners is that there are steps we can take at a local level to help ease the effects of these big issues.
"While we can use drought-tolerant plants to cope in raised temperatures, the long-term solution lies in reducing the heat. Some plants have been proven to actively improve the #microclimate of a garden and surrounding buildings. For example, plants like #jasmine, #EnglishIvy and #viburnum are able to cool a building by between 7-14ºC. Plants can also trap pollution by absorbing particulate matter. #Conifers have been found to be especially good at this due to their smaller leaf size and shape.
"On top of this, the more ecologically resilient we can make our gardens with increased planting, the better they will serve us as places to relax, reduce stress and improve our mental well-being."
Read more:
https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/key-plants-for-a-climate-change-garden/#SolarPunkSunday #ClimateChangeGardening #ClimateChangeAdaptation #KeepingCool #DroughtTolerantPlants #GreenerCities
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#Aotearoa / #NewZealand - The case for #WildlifeCorridors, bridges & belts
Connected networks of vegetated or aquatic spaces that enable movement of species across fragmented urban landscapes.
Excerpt: "#ClimateChange – #VegetatedCorridors contribute to #UrbanCooling and #microclimate regulation, supporting #ClimateAdaptation benefits alongside #biodiversity outcomes.
#HumanWellbeing – Access to connected, #biodiverse #GreenSpaces is associated with improved psychological wellbeing and restorative experiences.
#Freshwater security – Riparian and #BlueGreenCorridors can improve #stormwater attenuation, #WaterQuality, and #flood #resilience while supporting aquatic and terrestrial connectivity."Read more:
https://aotearoabiodivercity.org/design-strategies/green-wildlife-corridors-bridges-and-belts/#SolarPunkSunday #ClimateChangeAdaptation #GreenerCities #GreenCorridors #WildlifeCrossing #WaterIsLife #NatureHeals #SpendTimeInNature #Greenspaces
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This #FirstNations horticulturist Indigenizes plant spaces in B.C.
#ShaylaChalifoux sub-consults for landscape architects on incorporating #NativePlants
Edzi'u Loverin · CBC News · Posted: Nov 14, 2025
Excerpt: "According to the province of B.C., plant biodiversity in #BritishColumbia is unmatched in Canada, with at least 2,500 native vascular plant species, in addition to thousands of lichens, mosses and fungi.
"Individuals can help support the land by planting native plants in pots on their balconies and gardens, said Chalifoux.
" 'Why would you plant a native plant here? Because host nations have a relationship with that, or this specific plant is a host plant for a larva, a native butterfly, that needs to eat only this plant to survive,' said Chalifoux.
" 'The land is hurting. One way we can help the land is by incorporating native plants.'
"Chalifoux said though things are changing, not many municipalities have policies to ensure a percentage of native plants are included in city landscaping.
"#CBCIndigenous asked the City of #Vancouver if it had any policies around the number of native plants required to be planted in urban planning.
"A City of Vancouver spokesperson said in a statement that the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation is working to increase native plants in #UrbanSpaces and considers a number of factors in planning, including maintenance, resilience, and canopy cover, and consults with local #FirstNations.
"A prime example of this is the addition of #PacificYew to the Stanley Park Restoration initiative, upon receiving feedback from local First Nations," said the statement.
"The city said it has also provided native plants for #EcologicalRestoration in Vancouver parks to non-profits and community groups that hold community planting events."
Full article:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenize-plant-spaces-in-b-c-9.6978056#SolarPunkSunday #VancouverBC #FirstNations #GreenerCities #GardeningForPollinators #Biodiversity #Canada #RestoreNature #ContainerGardening
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Green solutions for crisis: how #UrbanGreenSpaces enhance #CommunityHealth
Yuliang Wang, et al.
06 May 2026"Urban green spaces (#UGS) are vital for public health, especially during crises like the pandemic. While previous studies have explored the link between UGS utilisation and health, the complex interactions between UGS access, demographic factors, and health behaviours remain underexamined, particularly in Northwest China, where UGS are extremely shortage. This study, conducted in NW China’s core city - #Lanzhou, investigates how the pandemic influenced public engagement with UGS and its subsequent effects on public well-being in three #parks. We found that the pandemic spurred increased park visits, reflecting a heightened awareness of their health benefits, yet also exposed access inequalities, especially among those reliant on motor vehicles, and that proximity, commuting methods, and urban infrastructure significantly impact park usage, with frequent and prolonged visits correlating with improved health outcomes and higher willingness to pay (WTP) for parks, especially among younger, educated, and longtime locals. Conversely, increased travel time discourages engagement with UGS, highlighting the need for #AccessibleGreenSpaces. Notably, landscape characteristics like cohesion and patch density play a critical role in health benefits, with cohesive landscapes supporting more significant health improvements. Interestingly, even those with unhealthy habits, such as smoking and drinking, report substantial benefits from park use, suggesting the #RestorativePowerOfNature. To enhance UGS accessibility and maximise health benefits, urban planners should focus on creating #PedestrianFriendly environments, improving #PublicTransportation links, and incorporating health-promoting features in park designs. The findings call for urban planners to focus on enhancing #accessibility, #connectivity, and diversity in park designs, tailored to the unique needs of urban populations, making parks more #inclusive and #resilient spaces for all urban residents. This study provides critical insights into the role of urban parks during crises, offering guidance for #UrbanPlanning and public health strategies in similar urban settings."
Learn more:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-026-07437-z?fromPaywallRec=false#SolarPunkSunday #MoreParks #MoreGreenSpace #Microclimates #GreenInfrastructure #OpenAccess #OpenAccessJournals #LivableCities #BuildingCommunity #China #GreenerCities #HealingThroughNature #SpendTimeInNature
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The #Science of #SolarPunk -- why we need #GreenerCities!
Equitable urban green space planning for sustainable cities: a GIS-based analysis of spatial disparities and functional strategies
Published: 02 July 2025
Sayyed Kifayatullah, Zafeer Saqib, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Muhammad Zaman-ul-Haq, Dmitry E. Kucher, Sajid Ullah & Aqil Tariq"Abstract:
#UrbanGreenSpaces (#UGS) are critical for fostering ecological sustainability and social equity in rapidly urbanizing cities like #Islamabad, #Pakistan. This study aimed to comprehensively map and classify Islamabad’s UGS, identify spatial disparities, and evaluate their ecological, recreational, and social functions. The research also proposed sustainable strategies for managing UGS to address urban challenges, including climate adaptation, biodiversity loss, and social inequity. The study developed a detailed spatial map of Islamabad’s UGS using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and high-resolution satellite imagery. Seven typologies were categorized and analyzed, including parks, playgrounds, institutional green spaces, and waterways. Field surveys and random sampling validated the thematic maps, achieving an accuracy rate of 95.68% based on statistical metrics like Kappa coefficients. The study revealed significant disparities in UGS distribution.
"Wealthier zones had larger, well-maintained green spaces, while denser areas lacked accessible and functional UGS. Recreational spaces, institutional greenery, and waterways played a vital role in enhancing biodiversity, urban aesthetics, and community well-being, though many remain underutilized or degraded. Institutional green spaces contributed significantly to urban sustainability, comprising 17.05 km² of the total UGS area. The research highlights UGS as an essential #NatureBasedSolution (#NBS) for addressing urban challenges like #HeatIslands, #stormwater management, and #SocialInequalities. The findings serve as a model for other rapidly urbanizing cities seeking #ecological and social balance.
[...]
"Conclusion
[T]his study underscores the pivotal role of UGS in fostering ecological #sustainability, social equity, and urban resilience, particularly in rapidly urbanizing cities like Islamabad. By leveraging GIS and high-resolution satellite imagery, the research provides a detailed analysis of the spatial distribution, typologies, and functional value of #GreenSpaces across the city. The findings reveal striking disparities, where wealthier neighborhoods enjoy better-maintained parks and green belts, while densely populated and economically underprivileged areas often lack accessible and functional green spaces. This imbalance highlights the urgent need for equitable planning and management of urban greenery.
"The research affirms that UGS are more than aesthetic elements; they serve as vital ecological assets by regulating #UrbanMicroclimates, enhancing #biodiversity, managing stormwater, and mitigating the urban heat island effect. Socially, they contribute to community well-being by offering recreation, relaxation, and physical activity spaces. However, the study also identifies significant challenges, such as the uneven distribution, poor maintenance, and underutilization of certain green spaces, which limit their potential to deliver these benefits.
"To address these challenges, the study emphasizes the importance of integrating UGS into #UrbanPlanning policies to ensure #EquitableAccess for all city residents, regardless of socioeconomic status. It also highlights the value of #CommunityInvolvement in the upkeep and management of green spaces, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among local stakeholders. Sustainable funding mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships, are proposed to ensure UGS’s regular maintenance and future expansion. Moreover, the research advocates for continued use of data-driven decision-making, leveraging GIS tools to monitor and optimize green infrastructure for long-term sustainability. While this study focuses on Zone I, expanding future research to other zones would offer a more comprehensive perspective on UGS distribution and accessibility across the entire city.
"This research presents UGS as Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to tackle pressing urban challenges like #ClimateChange, flooding, and social inequalities, offering actionable strategies for policymakers and urban planners. While centered on Islamabad, these findings provide a valuable framework that other rapidly urbanizing cities can adapt to strike a balance between development and ecological integrity. The study reminds that sustainable cities must prioritize green spaces to ensure a livable, #equitable, and #resilient urban future."
Full article:
http://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-07578-2#SolarPunkSunday #MoreTrees #GreenerCities #MoreGreenSpace #Microclimates #GreenInfrastructure #OpenAccess #OpenAccessJournals #LivableCities
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How to keep your house cool during #NewEngland #HeatWave
by Bailey Allen
June 30, 2026"As a heat wave approaches Massachusetts, residents may be looking for ways to keep their homes as cool as possible.
"The National Weather Service is predicting 'extreme heat and humidity' across most of southern New England, except the Berkshires and the Cape and Islands, from Wednesday, July 1, through Friday, July 3.
"Temperatures are expected to rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (and heat index values around 111 degrees) near the end of the week.
"The weather service recommends drinking plenty of water and staying in an air-conditioned space to reduce the effects of the heat on the body.
Here are some tips for those without air conditioning or looking for ways to lower indoor temperatures during the upcoming 'dangerous heat.'"Here are some tips to help keep your home cool during the upcoming New England heat wave, according to Boston Emergency Management:
- Install an air conditioner and use ceiling or standing fans to improve airflow. However, electric fans will not prevent #HeatRelatedIllness, the City of Boston said.
- Weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cool air inside.
- Reflect heat back outside by installing temporary window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, between windows and drapes.
- Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sunlight with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat entering a home by up to 80%, according to Boston Emergency Management.
- See if you can have a tree planted on the sidewalk in front of your home for free. Cities including Boston, Worcester, Quincy, Lowell, and Springfield offer free street tree planting programs.
- Limit the use of your stove and oven, which can increase indoor temperatures.Visit cooling centers if your home can't get cool
"If your home doesn't have air conditioning or isn't staying cool enough, Boston Emergency Management recommends taking breaks in air-conditioned places such as shopping malls, #PublicLibraries, or public #CoolingCenters.
"In Boston, cooling centers include swimming pools, #SplashPads , and community centers. Residents can call 2-1-1 to find cooling locations across #Massachusetts."
Archived version:
https://archive.ph/B1iBq#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #KeepCool #ClimateChange #ExtremeHeat #KeepingCool #GreenerCities #MoreTrees #LibrariesRule!
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Six Cities Making Room for #Nature
By Sharon Gosling, 2021
"How do you turn a city green? Stand back and let the plants in!
From #beehives on rooftops to #ForestChannels pulling cool air into city centres, innovative ideas are bringing nature into urban areas, all around the world. Here are six cities that have found ways to incorporate #greenery into their #cityscapes – to the benefit of their populations and the environment."
Read more:
https://www.bbcearth.com/news/six-cities-making-room-for-nature#SolarPunkSunday #GreenCities #GreenerCities #GreenSpace #Gardens #Liverpool #CuritibaBrazil #Singapore #Izmir #Seoul #NewYorkCity