Lessons from South Africa on how parks and community gardens can help cities adapt to climate change
Researchers studying Tshwane, South Africa, found that parks and community gardens serve as vital social infrastructure for climate adaptation. These spaces help mitigate heat and flooding while fostering community resilience and support networks.
Why it matters
Urban planning that integrates green spaces can provide low-cost, effective solutions for cities facing the impacts of global warming.
The Moja Gabedi food garden and therapeutic space in Tshwane, South Africa. Courtesy Tlamelo Mojaphoko https://theconversation.com/lessons-from-south-africa-on-how-parks-and-community-gardens-can-help-cities-adapt-to-climate-change-282891 https://theconversation.com/lessons-from-south-africa-on-how-parks-and-community-gardens-can-help-cities-adapt-to-climate-change-282891 Link copied Share article Share article
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Climate change is affecting cities more and more. This creates major challenges, but it also gives fast-growing cities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, the chance to adapt to global warming in new and better ways.
Cities rely on roads, pipes and flood barriers to work well when a climate disaster strikes. This is physical infrastructure. But they also rely heavily on social infrastructure . This is the public spaces, relationships, and community networks that help people connect, organise and respond collectively to crises.
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