Foresight, the website of the CMCC (Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change), publishes an interview by Francesco Bassetti and Davide Michielin with Livia Shamir, Head of Research Department at Stefano Boeri Architetti, entitled “Spreading the roots: Urban forests link cities with nature.”
The article focuses on the benefits of forests, urban trees, parks, and gardens in cities, which constitute a complex and interconnected system whose benefits go far beyond aesthetics. If managed properly, they can play a vital role in climate regulation and biodiversity conservation in urban environments.
Building on this premise and citing the Bosco Verticale in Milan as the first example of a shift in approach towards integrating living nature into cities, the interview considers various aspects of urban forestry, also addressing issues of environmental justice and equity, to promote inclusive and resilient urban environments for future generations.
“The interconnectedness of ecological systems is essential for the full functionality of urban green spaces, which offer a suite of ecosystem services with multidimensional benefits. Urban forests, for instance, play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change and reducing risks to infrastructure and urban systems. Their contributions are manifold, including regulating and managing stormwater, sequestering carbon, and mitigating the effects of urban heat islands through temperature regulation. These benefits are crucial in the context of global efforts to combat climate change, highlighting the role of urban areas in broader environmental sustainability strategies,” states Livia Shamir.
To read the full article: https://www.climateforesight.eu/interview/urban-forests-boeri/