why our cities need green spaces

During the 20th century, urban development took the value nature provides for granted. Some city planners even considered green spaces archaic and redundant because they did not deliver direct profit. Now we know better.

Today’s city planners understand that climate change is real and environmental footprints have consequences for health and quality of life. We’ve realized that there is a high price to pay — both figuratively and literally — for forsaking urban green spaces. In an environmental awakening, many cities worldwide are doing what they can to make their cities greener and healthier.

Online home product aggregator Interiorbeat created a tool that shows how much green space the 500 biggest U.S. cities have. Their Green City Index report scores these cities based on the amount and availability of green space to those who live there.

What’s the connection between city green spaces, environmental health, and the health of each city dweller? Let’s find out.