It is vital for our…

It is vital for our communities to acknowledge and quantify the value of green infrastructure so that we can protect what we currently have and increase our inventory if we see gaps. Green infrastructure increases in value over time and provides essentially free ecosystem services that would cost municipalities much more in their absence. Trees sequestering carbon and decreasing energy costs as well as air purification are services we would be wise to consider. Wetlands provide habitat for diversity of wildlife as well as work as water purification, flood control and again, carbon sequestration. Urban forests make our communities liveable and decrease the incidence of crime, domestic violence, and mental health issues.

It is time we started to recognize the value of green infrastructure and all it does for our communities especially as we face increasing severe weather events and the effects of climate change. Maintaining urban forests, wetlands and healthy waterways will make us increasingly livable as well as resilient as we move into the future.

[Original Comment ID: 210067]