WHEN they don’t have anywhere else to go, Gen Zs prefer to spend their time in coffee shops, malls or at home. This is most likely due to a lack of green spaces where they can hang out with their friends.
Green spaces in the metro have been steadily disappearing over the years. Parks, gardens, and trees are gradually being replaced with skyscrapers or malls, which block the flow of fresh air throughout the city.
However, these spaces provide several benefits to people. Green spaces in metropolitan areas serve an important role in improving urban life and minimizing the negative consequences of urbanization.
These spaces provide substantial contribution to environmental sustainability in metropolitan areas. They help to reduce the heat effect by providing shade and cooling the surrounding area.
Trees absorb pollutants like carbon dioxide. They improve air quality while lowering the impact of automobile emissions and industrial activity.
According to the GMA analysis, towers cause more harm than benefit. According to the Resilient Cities Network, these tall structures contribute to the circulation of heat throughout the city.
“The more concrete we have the more heat it absorbs so with that the heat radiates out to the surroundings that why it’s hotter right now specially with areas with a lot of concrete,” said Elijah Go Tian.
Fortunately, the associate programs of the Resilient Cities Network suggest that inhabitants should not be concerned because there are still a few remaining green spaces in Metro Manila such as Arroceros Forest Park, which serves to naturally cool the metropolis.
“Puwede tayong makalanghap ng sariwang hangin dito kasi kaysa pumunta tayo sa mga karatig na lalawigan para makalanghap ng sariwang hangin makapunta sa mga gubat o, mga bundok, dito, nasa gina sya ng Maynila,” said Engr. Gideon Navarro, officer-in-charge in Arroceros Forest Park.
Arroceros Forest Park is known as Manila’s “lung.” Gen Zs can stay here to meditate, take a break, or take pictures because it is conveniently along M.L Quezon near the Ayala Bridge in Manila.
The forest park has no entrance fee and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The park is not simply a place to relax but it can also be educational, as the trees around it have QR codes that have information about the tree.
Aside from the well-known park, Gen Zs can visit Asean Garden in Pasay City, and the U.P. Academic Oval in Quezon City, both of which can give some reprieve after a hard day.
“What we can do more is to help put more greenery in our trees, more trees around our streets at least yes may concrete pa rin siya pero at least mas may shade naman that can block out the heat,” added Go Tian.
Supporting these green spaces throughout the metro would not only benefit Gen Zs, but it would also help to ensure the parks’ sustainability. Promoting and constructing additional green spaces can help reduce heat during El Niño.
