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A groundswell of all things green is taking place in cities around the world.

A couple of weeks ago, I addressed the National Garden Writers’ Conference in Buffalo, New York, about this incredibly important movement that is making a significant improvement in the lives of people living in urban settings.

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I used scientific data from the World Health Organization to show how green spaces and blue spaces (water) help cool urban heat zones and produce much needed oxygen for us all — and the benefits don’t stop there.

Photo by City of Surrey / PNG

When highly-densified urban areas optimize green spaces, it creates an environment that fosters well-being through stress reduction and improved health, not only for people but also for wildlife and beneficial insects. The planting of trees in cities affects people of all ages and cultures in a very positive way.

WHO recommends one hectare of green space per 1000 people. In terms of size and proximity to where we live, their research suggests 2 hectares of green space within a five-minute walk, a 20-hectare park within two kilometres, and a 500-hectare park or forested area within 10 km as ideal for maximum livability.