Urban green spaces play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance and reducing carbon emissions in the atmosphere. In Indonesia, the increasing urbanization and industrial development make the presence of green spaces even more vital for climate change mitigation and enhancing the quality of life in urban environments.
What is it Urban green spaces?
Urban green spaces refer to areas planted with vegetation, including city parks, urban forests, and greenways along roads. green spaces function as the lungs of the city, helping to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and produce oxygen. Types of green spaces such as:
- City Parks: Green areas designed for recreation and relaxation.
- Urban Forests: Forested areas located within or around cities.
- Greenways: Green areas that stretch along streets or sidewalks.
In Indonesia, ideally, each city should have at least 30% of its area designated as green space. However, many major cities in Indonesia still fall short of this target.
Nature Based Solution for Climate Resilience
Urban green spaces play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing urban resilience. Through photosynthesis, plants could absorb a great amount of CO2 emissions while converting it into oxygen, significantly mitigating climate change. These spaces also lower ambient temperatures, reducing the need for energy-intensive cooling systems, and improve air quality by filtering pollutants.
Beyond environmental benefits, it enhance quality of life by providing recreational areas for mental and physical well-being, and support biodiversity by offering habitats for various species.
The climate crisis exacerbates the risks of hydrometeorological disasters such as extreme weather, flooding, and drought. To address these challenges, the Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) approach emerges as an ideal choice, particularly through the development of green infrastructure integrated with traditional (grey) infrastructure.
Urban green spaces play a key role, serving as recreational areas while also acting as water retention zones to manage stormwater and reduce flood risks. Additional measures like riverbank restoration and building water reservoirs further enhance NbS. Together, these efforts mitigate disaster impacts and boost urban resilience to climate change sustainably.
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Author: Ainur Subhan
References:
Dimas Nu’man Fadhil, et al., 2024. Mengurai Kompleksitas Urbanisasi dan Pembangunan Kota Berkelanjutan, Mendorong Solusi untuk Kota-Kota Indonesia Inklusif dan Tangguh. WRI Indonesia. Accessed online at 24/11/2024 from https://wri-indonesia.org/id/wawasan/mengurai-kompleksitas-urbanisasi-dan-pembangunan-kota-berkelanjutan-mendorong-solusi-untuk
Lokadata. 2024. Ruang Terbuka Hijau (RTH) 2023. Lokadata Accessed online at 24/11/2024 from https://gudang.lokadata.id/dataset/ruang-terbuka-hijau-rth-2023-new
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