The Bath and North East Somerset area benefits from a unique and outstanding natural environment, however the potential benefits it could provide for both people and wildlife have yet to be fully realised. The council is developing a Green Infrastructure Strategy for the district to address this.
How is the green environment important to greener living?
It is providing many valuable services including:
- Limiting the causes of climate change and helping cities cope with its impacts. Green spaces absorb carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gases and help us to adapt to changes in the climate by providing shade, shelter, water and drainage as well as regulating temperature and providing the space and resources for local food production.
- Providing natural habitats for wildlife key to ecosystems.
- Providing attractive, natural places for residents and visitors to enjoy. It is proven that access to the natural environment is important for mental and physical health and well-being.
- Enhancing social interaction and community cohesion which has been shown to help to reduce crime.
- Helping to tackle air pollution by absorbing harmful gases from traffic exhaust emissions. High levels of polluting gases can be harmful to respiratory health and bad for the environment. Find out what the Council is doing to improve air quality in Bath and North East Somerset.