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Large urban areas with vegetation, such as city parks or forests, may improve air quality, although several studies indicate that the effect seems rather limited. Nevertheless, vegetation in the city offers numerous additional benefits, both in public space and on private land. Climate resilience is one of the main advantages of more greenery in the city.
Research shows the following impact of large green areas (such as urban parks/forests) and urban vegetation (all large and small green areas) on air pollution:
- Particulate matter (PM) : the concentrations remain unchanged or decrease by a maximum of 2% (up to 7% in model studies).
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) : the concentrations remain unchanged or decrease by a maximum of 2%.
- Soot (EC) : the concentrations remain unchanged or decrease by a maximum of 2%.
- Other : the concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOC), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) and ozone (O 3 ) decrease.
Large green spaces such as city parks contribute to climate resilience in our cities:
- Green roofs or walls improve the insulation of buildings, reducing temperature fluctuations. For example, they help to reduce energy consumption for heating and air conditioning.
- Vegetation stores carbon dioxide.
- Vegetation filters and slows water drainage after heavy rainfall.
And they offer even more benefits :
- City parks are recreational areas that promote physical activity and are beneficial for social cohesion.
- They enrich the biodiversity in the city.
- They have a clear aesthetic and emotional value and thus contribute to the well-being of the inhabitants.
- Green zones muffle the sound.
- The temperature is lower in large green spaces. This helps slow down the chemical reactions that cause secondary air pollution in urban areas.
Knowing more
Green network of high-quality, multifunctional open spaces
London, UK
The city of London creates a network of green spaces and other elements such as trees on the streets and green roofs. These spaces are planned, designed and managed with a number of benefits in mind, such as recreation and attractiveness, healthy living, less flooding, better air quality, cooling of the urban environment, increased biodiversity, increased ecological resilience and encouragement of walking and cycling.
Model studies investigated the effect on PM10 concentrations of different scenarios for a green network in East London. At the same time, a pilot study with specially designed vertical screens was underway in Central London. The effect of the green walls on the concentration of pollutants was assessed using the CiTTy-Street model.
Study on the extent to which urban vegetation helps remove pollutants
Different cities, USA
A model study based on meteorology, pollution concentrations and amount of urban trees. The study examines the extent to which urban vegetation helps to remove pollutants. The study is running in several cities in the US: New York, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and San Francisco.
More information
- Each tree species has a different potential capacity to improve air quality. This website lists tree species and their potential capacities.
- Green is controversial as an air quality measure; this paper discusses the pros and cons in a scientific way while sharing a lot of valuable scientific information: Improving local air quality in cities: To tree or not to tree?
