31 major cities, including London, Barcelona, and Milan have recently signed a declaration promising to introduce more greenspace in cities.
The agreement signed by the city's Mayores strives for the C40 Cities Network´s goal: to transform 30 to 40 percent of cities into greenspace with easy access for locals and tourists. For example, these spaces could be parks, tree-lined streets or green spaces that help absorb water and prevent flooding.
Cities can still send in their ideas in order to achieve their goals. Some cities have already made up their mind. Milan has decided to plant three million trees in the city by 2030. Authorities in Barcelona have offered to cover 75% of the expenses of new green rooftops to create urban allotments that can be used to produce and generate renewable energy.
This new way of thinking was brought to life during the Covid-19 crisis. It opened everyone’s eyes to how important it is to make urban spaces greener and healthier.
“The green and just recovery that is needed to create more sustainable and healthier cities sees urban nature as a key element for building back better,” says Giuseppe Sala, Mayor of Milan to Euronews.green.
He adds:
“In Milan, we are committed to…[using] nature-based solutions to increase resilience and protect citizens from the climate crisis, to refresh our neighborhoods with green areas and water, and to regenerate the urban environment in a sustainable manner.”
The many cities signing this agreement want to create living spaces that promote wellbeing for the citizens, help them adapt to extreme weather while at the same time supporting biodiversity.
These cities signed the declaration: Athens, Austin, Barcelona, Berlin, Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Curitiba, Durban, Freetown, Guadalajara, Haifa, Lima, London, Los Angeles, Medellín, Milan, Mumbai, New Orleans, Paris, Quezon City, Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Rotterdam, Salvador, Seattle, Stockholm, Sydney, Tel Aviv, Tokyo and Toronto.
