Urban Gardens Offer Multifaceted Benefits for Cooling Cities

As cities grapple with the growing challenges of climate change and rising temperatures, urban gardens are emerging as a promising solution to help cool urban environments. These green spaces offer a multitude of benefits, from reducing the urban heat island effect and improving air quality to managing stormwater and providing economic savings.

Urban gardens can be integrated into buildings through green roof systems, which not only extend the lifespan of roofs but also reduce energy consumption. By incorporating biophilic design principles, these gardens can enhance the health and well-being of city dwellers while also reducing noise pollution. Governments can demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices by implementing green roofs on government buildings, setting an example for private sector adoption.

The need for effective climate adaptation measures is becoming increasingly urgent, particularly in urban heat spots where temperatures can soar significantly higher than surrounding rural areas. A multidisciplinary approach involving fields such as architecture, engineering, biology, sociology, and medicine is crucial in developing practical solutions. While carefully planned buildings that comply with regulations are already well-positioned to address current climatic challenges, additional measures like urban greening are necessary to provide evaporative cooling, shading, and other benefits.

Why this matters: The promotion of urban green spaces is gaining recognition from rating agencies as a means to enhance biodiversity, improve the microclimate, and elevate the quality of life in cities. As the impacts of climate change intensify, the implementation of urban gardens and green infrastructure will play a vital role in building resilient and sustainable urban environments for future generations.

In the Philippines, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is actively promoting the establishment of urban green spaces to combat the rising heat index. Through programs like the Enhanced National Greening Program, which has planted over 1.8 billion seedlings since 2011, the DENR aims to mitigate the effects of extreme heat. With projections indicating that up to 74 million Filipinos could be exposed to dangerous heat levels by 2050, the need for urban cooling solutions is more pressing than ever.

Landscape architects are also playing a crucial role in addressing the climate and biodiversity crisis through innovative strategies and nature-based solutions. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has launched a fellowship program to research and provide guidance on successful landscape architecture approaches that can be implemented globally, with a focus on underserved communities. By conserving habitats, restoring ecosystems, and ensuring inclusion and equity in their work, landscape architects can contribute significantly to achieving the global biodiversity targets set at the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Key Takeaways

• Urban gardens can help cool cities, improve air quality, and manage stormwater.
• Green roofs on buildings extend lifespan, reduce energy use, and enhance well-being.
• Multidisciplinary approach crucial for practical climate adaptation solutions in cities.
• Philippines aims to plant 1.8 billion seedlings to mitigate extreme heat by 2050.
• Landscape architects play key role in addressing climate and biodiversity crisis.