AOÇ, the Open Space of Ankara
AOÇ, The Open Space of Ankara Mohammadjavad Shahri More than 50% of the world’s population lives in cities. This statistic implies that the well-being of city residents is essential on a global scale and will only become more important. For many cities in Europe, a place where >70% of the population already lives in urban areas, a further increase in the number of people living in urban areas is expected to rise to almost 82% by 2050 (United Nations, 2012). Moreover, this trend is accompanied by an increase in urban land cover. Studies on change in urban land use suggest that the substitution of land cover particularly for an impervious surface is detrimental to both the environment and the quality of life of residents. Environmental impacts include the infill of fragile wetlands, the fragmentation of ecosystems, the changes in the net primary productivity, which impacts the carbon cycle and the reduction of urban green spaces (Pauleit, Ennos, & Golding, 2005). Regarding the latter issue, urban green spaces – broadly defined as any vegetation found in the urban environment, including parks, open spaces, residential gardens, or street trees – provide important environmental benefits. These spaces help to preserve and enhance biodiversity within urban ecosystems by means of species or habitats (Tzoulas, 2007). In light of climate change and the threats posed by urban heat waves, urban green spaces provide fresh air, reduce noise and counteract high air temperatures through their cooling capabilities. In addition, urban green spaces provide important social benefits. Such spaces have a positive influence on psychological and mental health via stress reduction and relaxation.
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