Nature Losing the Battle: 10 Cities with a Few Trees Left in the Middle of the City
As the world’s population grows, the demand for urbanization becomes more pressing. Buildings rise higher, and cities expand fast, leaving nature with a little space to thrive. Trees, in particular, are victims of this rapid development, as they are often cut down to create more space for buildings and infrastructure. While it is essential for cities to progress, it is equally important to maintain a healthy balance with nature. Here are ten cities with only a few trees left in the middle of the city.
1. Mumbai, India:
With a population of over 18 million people, Mumbai is one of the most densely populated cities globally, leaving no room for greenery. Less than 3% of the city is covered in trees, which makes it one of the cities with the least green cover in the world.
2. Shanghai, China:
Shanghai is a modern, bustling city with a population of over 24 million people. Despite its modernity, it has little greenery, with trees covering only 6.5% of the city.
3. Madrid, Spain:
Madrid is the capital city of Spain and a thriving metropolis with a population of over 6 million people. However, trees cover only 22% of the city, making it challenging for residents to enjoy natural spaces.
4. Los Angeles, USA:
With a population of over 4 million people, Los Angeles is one of the largest cities in the USA. The beautiful beaches and warm weather make it attractive to residents, but the city has lost over 50% of its tree cover in the last fifty years.
5. Rome, Italy:
Rome is a historical city with a rich heritage, but it also has a high population density of over 2.5 million people. Despite its beauty, it has only 5% tree cover, which creates an imbalance in the city’s ecosystem.
6. Singapore:
Singapore is a small city-state with a government that values the importance of greenery. However, despite their efforts, a large portion of the city is covered in buildings, leaving only about 30% of the city covered in trees.
7. Dubai, United Arab Emirates:
Dubai is renowned for its modern architecture and rapid development, but this has come at a cost. Only 5% of the city is covered in trees, leading to a high temperature in the state.
8. Tokyo, Japan:
Tokyo is a bustling city with a population of over 13 million people. The city’s green cover is only 14%, making it difficult for residents to access natural spaces.
9. Paris, France:
Paris is one of the most famous cities globally, known for its beautiful architecture and rich cultural heritage. However, only 20% of the city is covered in trees, leading to an environmental imbalance.
10. Sao Paulo, Brazil:
Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil with a population of over 12 million people. Despite its natural beauty, only 17% of the city is covered in trees, which has contributed to various environmental problems.
As cities continue to grow and expand, there is a pressing need to strike a balance between development and nature. It is essential for city planners and administrators to incorporate green spaces in their plans, ensuring residents have access to natural spaces in their daily lives. Maintaining a healthy balance between urbanization and the environment will go a long way in ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.