The way in which we use land is one of the leading contributors to the climate emergency, representing almost one quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions.

We often hear the phrases ‘reduce greenhouse gas admissions’ or ‘striving to reach net-zero’, but what does this actually mean and how can our City adapt to reach these goals?

In an article published by Climate Council Australia, ’net zero emissions’ refers to achieving an overall balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced, and greenhouse gas emissions taken out of the atmosphere. Essentially, it’s a one for one system: for every molecule of greenhouse gas we put into the air, we have to take one out – making our net emission zero.

What is net-zero? Kristen Bell + Giant Ant (2020)

Achieving net-zero still allows us to produce some emissions, as long are we offset greenhouses gases that are already in the atmosphere – by planting new trees and investing in drawdown practices to capture greenhouse gasses. It is estimated that if everyone in the global population engaged in mass tree planting, we could cancel out a decade’s worth of CO2 emissions by the time the forests mature.

What if everyone planted a tree? | BBC Ideas (2020)

The Urban Heat Effect is when urban areas become hotter and dryer due to the density of infrastructure present in congested cities. Heat is absorbed by building materials and surfaces such as bricks, roads, carparks and concrete and then radiated into the surrounding area – think of it like an urban oven that can’t cool down, even when it’s turned off. Climate change modelling shows that Melbourne’s urban environment will get hotter and drier with more extreme weather events to follow. This is particularly felt in our City and surrounding Western suburbs due to our growing population and urban development. The Urban Heat Effect also impacts community health and wellbeing, urban wildlife and ecosystems, infrastructure and economic productivity.

So how do we mitigate this?

We get green. The more green space we have, the cleaner our air is and the more productive and healthier we are as a community. We have selected 4 native species that you can plant at home to green our City, scroll down to find out more.

The urban heat island effect | The Age (2016)

The above video explains the Urban Heat Effect using Western Sydney as an example and explores ways in which Council and community can mitigate its effect – similar to strategies proposed in Maribyrnong’s Climate Emergency Strategy.

The health and wellbeing benefits of green spaces are transformative. Spending time in natural open space activates the emotional region of our brain, contributing to positive mental health and extended life expectancy. Research shows that even babies born in green spaces are heavier and healthier and people who immerse themselves in greenery and foliage have decreased stress levels and increased attention spans. The healing properties are so valuable that countries across the globe are investing in ‘Healing Forests’ that can remedy anxiety and depression, allergies and chronic illness and are even being used to treat cancer.

Originating in Japan, ‘Shinrin-yoku’ otherwise known as forest bathing, is the ancient practice of healing the body and mind through green open spaces. It has been proven to reduce blood pressure, decrease stress levels, improve sleep and boost the immune system. Dr. Qing Li, president of the Japanese Science of Forest Medicine, has researched the benefits of green spaces for over 30 years. He explains that even 2 hours of the practice in urban city parks can reduce feelings of stress and negativity and increase a positive and holistic daily outlook. Learn more about the practice and how you can benefit from its healing properties by attending one of Maribyrnong’s 100 parks and gardens.

The art and science of forest bathing with Dr Qing Li | Penguin Books (2018)