Green Spaces: The Lungs of Our City
In 2022, the ‘State of Air’ report by the American Lung Association found over 40% of Americans live in areas with unhealthy levels of particle pollution and ozone leads. Of the top ten global polluters, the United States sits in embarrassment at the number two position being responsible for over 14% of global emissions. Between 100,000 and 200,000 deaths in the U.S. are attributed to long term exposure of fine particle matter and ozone leads, in other words, air pollution.
Livable Buckhead’s Greenspace vision to provide interconnected parks, trails, and other accessible outdoor inclusive programing is improving community health. Greenspaces improve air quality, decrease noise, enhance biodiversity, reduce the ‘urban heat island effect’, and boosts longevity expectations and quality of life through contact with nature. With Buckhead being a hub of activity during the day, it is essential to provide healthy and sustainable living environments for residents, workers, and visitors.
Livable Buckhead is working to create and implement greenspaces with convenient access and proximity for Atlanta’s inhabitants and visitors. Mountain Way Common , Old Ivy Park, Loridans Park, Peachtree Park Nature Trail and Community Garden, Little Nancy Creek, Blue Heron Nature Preserve, Marie Sims Park , Memorial Park, Chastain Park, Tower Place Park, and the multi-use greenway PATH400 are a few highlighted projects. Parks and greenspaces provide many positive impacts on physical and mental health. Parks promote environments which support active lifestyles leading to improved cardiovascular health by diminishing risk factors. Spending time in nature fosters enhanced cognitive functioning and reduces stress. Doesn’t everyone at some point need to reduce stress? Elevating the role of greenspace access and promoting quality in planning and policy implementation will lead to a happier and healthier population. Spring is right around the corner, check out some of the upcoming activities and get involved!
Teresa Perkins is a climate change and sustainability journalist, who is creating research-based climate change content pertaining to sustainable energy at local, national, and global level for publication and distribution. She partners with non-profit organizations for innovative ideas and sustainability projects and connects global UN Climate Change reports to local initiatives.
