Air pollution has been one of the biggest banes for cities in the last few decades. It has been skyrocketing at an alarming pace affecting the health of people and animals alike. It is estimated by the WHO that millions of people living in cities die due to lung diseases which are directly or indirectly caused due to air pollution. It has had its effects on plants and animals as well. So, the question arises as to how we can control and reduce air pollution in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and the rest.
Well, the answer is quite simple.
We just need to go green.
Trees have the ability to purify the air around them as they take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen.
Urban forests are a collection of trees that are being planted inside the cities so as to help purify the air around them and control pollution. If we can possibly plant a few treats in every area in and around the city that could be the answer we have been looking for along with the control over things that create air pollution.
There are many advantages of Urban forests in cities. Here are some being mentioned below:
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They help in absorbing harmful gases such as carbon dioxide which is harmful to us. By doing so they help in controlling global warming as it absorbs carbon dioxide which is a major source for it.
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They help in protecting the soil around us from eroding and retaining the fertility of the soil.
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They protect us from the harmful rays of the sun by providing us shade. They also bear fruits that are healthy for us to eat.
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They help in the beautification of our cities and also help maintain our ecosystem in the right way.
As mentioned above there are many advantages of having urban forests in our cities. To help bring this idea into reality here are a few points we can improvise:
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Most of the households have free space in the front and the back areas which we can use to plant trees and other vegetation. This will help our home look beautiful and neat as well as provide us with the health benefits mentioned above.
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We have many parks and recreational areas in and around our cities. These are good places to plant trees and other plants as there is sufficient place and it will be a benefit for us and the public.
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If we can keep plants on the wayside and on roads that can also contribute in a huge way.
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There are many plots which are empty in and around the cities, these areas can be used to plant temporary or permanent vegetation which also can help us.
In short, the possibilities are endless, there are many ways we can bring this idea of the urban forest and make it a success. It is an idea that has numerous advantages and little or no disadvantages at all. Like the saying goes “Charity begins at home” Let’s take that first step so that others may follow our path and join hands to make a better future for us and the future generations to come.
Image credit: thethirdpole.net
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