Catherine Conlon: Heatwaves show the need to decarbonise Cork and other cities
Eighteen streets in Cork city centre have been permanently pedestrianised, leading to a huge growth in outdoor dining and a more attractive and vibrant urban centre. The city can now accommodate up to 1,000 residents to eat and drink al fresco, helping to create a liveable, people friendly city. Picture: Damian Coleman
As Europeans swelter in the latest summer heatwave, many have begun to challenge the dominance of cars in their cities at the expense of everything else. Though changes are often met with initial outrage from a vocal minority, what is clear is that decarbonising our cities is essential for improving physical and mental wellbeing, combating the lethal effects of air pollution and global warming.
The health benefits of urban green spaces are well recognised for children and adults, whose physical and mental development is enhanced by living, playing, and learning in green environments. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that all people reside within 300 metres of green space. Within cities, the degree of greening varies across neighbourhoods with less and lower quality green space typically found in low-income communities.
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