Integrating Green Infrastructure for Sustainable Urban Development and Public Health

Presenter: Evan Cardenales

Faculty Sponsor: Reena Randhir

School: Springfield Technical Community College

Research Area: Biological Organisms

Session: Poster Session 2, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, Auditorium, A20

ABSTRACT

Increasing urbanization, paired with the world’s climate change, has created serious environmental hazards in growing cities. Urban overheating and air pollution are one of the most documented phenomena of climate change. Hence greening cities through urban vegetation offers significant benefits to both the sustainable urban environment and our communities. Green infrastructure refers to our city parks, community gardens, roof gardens and city trees to benefit our community health. The trees act as a heat sink and its leaves act as natural biofilters for particulate matter and pollutant gases in the air thereby improving air quality. This research poster presents the function of green infrastructure in reducing urban heat island effects, air pollution, water runoff and effect on human health. Findings indicate that greening our cities can effectively reduce surrounding temperatures up to 4˚C on hot days. This in turn has been documented to reduce heat-related mortality, especially in vulnerable populations. The increase in city vegetation improves air quality with lower particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide levels. Data further indicates lower incidences of heat-related or respiratory disease hospital admissions. Green spaces provide spaces for social interaction, fresh air and community health. However, the adoption of green infrastructure has many challenges, such as land availability, policy and financial issues. This study gives scientific reasons for advocating for green infrastructure for sustainable urban development, environmental health and community wellbeing.

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