Why Do We Need to Make Nature a Part of Our Community?
The notion about the integration of nature into the paradigm of cities is fairly a new idea. It is now coming to terms with acceptance by the human world. This idea first came to be unfolded in the year 1898 with the publication of a manifesto by a social reformer named Ebenezer Howard based in Victoria. The idea in the mind of Howard was unique in itself that talked about having to amalgamate the elements of both urban and rural areas and also focused on the vision of homes in the vicinity of nature.
In contrast,
it has been suggested by the plethora of evidence that cities still accord a perilous status when it comes to living. As put forth by WHO, it has been estimated that around seven million people succumb to death owing to air pollution which causes breathing problems. Also, it is taken into account that urban heat results in more death than another weather-induced occurrence of disasters. It is getting worrisome that cities are converting to deadly places to reside in.
Likewise, the threat of nature being left unattended is in itself a frightening event. The science community believes that man-induced activities are triggering disturbances in natural processes.
Working in line with the idea that Howard presented, it is appreciable to make efforts in order to integrate nature into City planning. As per ecologists, we need to improvise our vocabulary by including words like ecological urbanism into our dictionaries. Well-planned green cities would make sure that the issue of collapsing biodiversity is addressed first hand, moreover, it would ensure the existence of a cleaner and healthier environment.
Landscape architects are working on making it a reality. The only problem lies in making people ready to accept such proposals. Ultimately the balance has to be ensured to neatly administer the nature integrated plan.
Green cities: Benefits
It is crucial to know that the benefits of greening a city are well backed up by scientific evidence. Right from controlling water levels to preventing flooding, to having a cooling effect especially to mitigate heat strokes, the benefits are enormous. Psychologists swear by the fact that it will help in combating stress levels and inject a positive aura. It shall yield economic benefits also.Check environmental management company here.
Much of this debate has its origin stemming from the services related to the ecosystem. We cannot shy away from the fact that nature helps us with quenching our various needs, which are endless and cannot be even counted on.
The design of the cities should be such that they should exhibit nature-related qualities. Interestingly many world leaders are echoing that heads and eyes must be placed on nature now. Philadelphia has set an example by working on developing an infrastructure that is green. Likewise, Copenhagen is not laid back, it is creating gardens that work on storing water passively.
A chunk of cities has proclaimed themselves to be Biophilic Cities across the world, imbibing nature and Proper Electronic and Plastic waste Management. Roofs seem to be transformed into gardens
Psychologists claim that people who stay away from nature can entail a mental disorder cordially called nature deficit disorder and the worst affected are the city dwellers.
Measuring services related to ecosystem
- A tool is developing in the UK with the aid of government agencies
- and other academicians that shall measure services related to ecosystems.
- This idea features the scoring system that offers scores to the services gained from nature confined to a particular place,
- ranging from quality of air to storage of carbon.
Is this idea feasible?
- For some people, having an infrastructure that is green focuses on reducing the harm caused to the environment instead of having a broad vision to improve the environment overall.
- The challenge is indeed a difficult one and not enough to counter the global environmental crisis.
- We need to ingrain in our thought process the fact that nature’s work is beyond mere decoration purposes
- and is quite a crucial component to maintaining health.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that integrating nature is indeed an urgent facet that must be stressed on. All stakeholders must join hands and come in unity to embark on this new journey of green cities.