Urban Green Spaces

In recent decades, city planners have paid growing attention to parks, street trees and green roofs. These “urban green spaces” moderate summer heat, absorb stormwater and provide habitats for birds and pollinators. Research suggests that regular access to greenery also improves residents’ mental health, particularly in dense neighbourhoods where private gardens are rare.

However, benefits are not distributed equally. Affluent districts often enjoy mature tree canopies, while low-income areas may lack shade and safe recreational space. Planting new trees is a start, but survival rates fall when young trees are not watered in their first summers. Some cities now pair tree-planting budgets with community stewardship programmes to improve long-term outcomes.

Green roofs, while more expensive to install than conventional roofs, can extend roof lifespan and reduce building energy demand. Yet they are most impactful when implemented at scale, creating corridors that connect isolated habitats. Ultimately, the success of urban greening depends on sustained maintenance, public engagement and equitable distribution across a city.