New study reveals the link between green streets and quality sleep
In a revolutionary study published in the journal Environmental Research, researchers discovered a substantial link between living on green streets and having better sleep quality. With sleep deficiency being a major public health concern, this study highlights the critical significance of natural Read More...
Harnessing nature’s cooling power: US announces $1.13 billion investment in urban trees
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack of the United States presented a game-changing plan to address record-breaking heatwaves and climate change. This effort, which will receive $1.13 billion in competitive funding, aims to plant trees in metropolitan areas across all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Read More...
Boosting urban plant diversity: A strategy for increasing insect species in cities
Plant diversity is being used more and more in urban landscaping because of its revolutionary potential to restore urban ecosystems and increase insect populations. A recent study led by Dr. Luis Mata of the University of Melbourne demonstrates the extraordinary potential of increasing native Read More...
What are green roofs and should you consider one? The history and benefits of green roofs
Green roofs, a millennia-old notion, have grown from ancient customs into modern marvels of sustainable construction. These living roofs, which combine plants and shelter, have a rich history that inspires architectural creativity even now. Green roofs at the roots: from ancient practices to Read More...
Dutch startup purifies air in urban areas by wrapping buildings in moss
Now that we are aware of the great environmental and health benefits of integrating green spaces in our cities, many urban areas are beginning to design new buildings with foliage in mind. What should we do, though, about the concrete buildings that already exist? Dutch startup Respyre has a Read More...
Phoenix is using green space to tackle urban heat disparities
Our latest Optimist View discussed how urban green space impacts heat exposure and health outcomes in cities. One of the cities grappling with this issue is Phoenix. As the hottest city in the US, Phoenix is very focused on keeping things cool in a warming world. The city has pledged to reach Read More...
These US cities are home to tree-mendous green spaces
Urban green spaces and forestry have a multitude of benefits ranging from cognitive development and mental health to decreased crime rates, lower energy costs, and cleaner air. They also offer shelter for wildlife, boosting local biodiversity. The following US cities have taken urban forestry in Read More...
The Optimist View: The Green Divide
"Neither cities nor places in them are unordered, unplanned; the question is only whose order, whose planning, for what purpose?” - Peter Marcuse BY Amelia Buckley If you stand outside in the heat of summer, you’ll notice that things are considerably less comfortable on concrete or Read More...
Protect our planet by becoming a guerrilla gardener
Climate activism and public protests are a great way to garner attention from governments and citizens about the threat of climate change, but you don’t need to attend an organized event to advocate for the planet. Meet Jenny van Gestel, the coordinator of Guerrilla Gardeners NL, whose work Read More...
C40 cities commit to conquering climate change with urban greenspaces
Concrete jungles are being infiltrated with urban green spaces as 31 major cities, including London, Barcelona, and Milan, have signed a declaration to invest in reintroducing nature to their metropolises. Mayors of each city agreed to strive for the C40 cities network goal of transforming 30 to Read More...