The Dutch city Arnhem is tackling the severe problem of climate change headfirst: the government is planning to replace about 10% of paved roads with greenery and trees. The proposal is hoped to better prepare communities for harsh and irregular weather within the Netherlands, a European country “of which a quarter of the surface is below sea level.” Citizens face extreme weather conditions like heavy rainfall, heatwaves, and serious droughts which have only been heightened by the negative effect of climate change.
The long-term plan administered by the Dutch government includes creating floodplain public parks, covering buildings with greenery, and planting more trees along and in place of roads. The replacement of roads with plants will “better dissipate heat” and “improve absorption of rain by the city.” The trees planted along roadsides will “provide cover from the sun and new cooling down spots.” Ponds and covered areas will be built near shopping centers and social squares. Additionally, the material from unused roads is planned to be recycled efficiently.
And the government does not plan to do it alone, they encourage citizens to also add more green space to their property. The mayor of the city, Bouwkamp, says “Most of the city’s territory is not a public space, but private property. So, to motivate people to join us, we will subsidize neighborhood initiatives. This also has a social effect: more social cohesion and counteract loneliness.”
The Dutch government hopes to reduce gas emissions in the Netherlands by 49% by 2030 and 95% by 2050. As the world faces the problems of climate change and global warming every day, it’s important that countries start implementing techniques to ensure safer conditions in the future. We must learn from what other countries are doing and educate ourselves on how to prevent the downfalls of climate change.
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