#Biophilia and the need to fill our cities with #nature.

via @owgf.org , July 26, 2025

"Bringing nature back

"Our aim should be to restore as much nature as possible to both our cities and the countryside. We need to look at the quickest and easiest ways to do this and get started on those first. For me, the absolute simplest way is by removing a modest 10% of on-street parking and replacing it with native trees and plants. This would absolutely transform our cities. Streets are one of the most important parts of our cities and should be part of our commons that we all have the right to change—within reason and with full consultation."

https://owgf.org/2025/07/26/bioplhilia-and-the-need-to-fill-our-cities-with-nature/

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #MoreGreenCities #WildlifeCorridor #NatureIsLife

#Pakistan shuts primary schools for a week in #Lahore due to dangerous #AirQuality

November 4, 2024

LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — "Dangerously poor air quality on Monday forced Pakistani authorities in the cultural capital of Lahore to close primary schools for a week, government officials said, after the air-quality index hit a record high over the weekend.

"The measures in Lahore were part of a larger effort to protect children from respiratory-related and other diseases in the city of 14 million people. The government said everyone in Lahore was required to wear a #FaceMask.

"Fifty percent of employees must also work from home as part of a '#GreenLockdown' in the city, the government said, adding that barbecuing food without filters was banned and motorized rickshaws restricted. Wedding halls must close at 10 p.m. and artificial rain is likely to be used to combat the pollution.

"The air-quality index in Lahore exceeded 1,000 over the weekend, a record high in Pakistan.

"Toxic gray smog has sickened tens of thousands of people, mainly children and elderly people, since last month when the air quality started worsening in Lahore, the capital of eastern #Punjab province bordering India.

"The government has also banned construction work in certain areas and fined owners of smoke-emitting vehicles. Schools will remain closed for a week because of the pollution, according to a government notification.

"The concentration of PM 2.5, or tiny particulate matter, in the air approached 450, considered hazardous, the Punjab Environment Protection Department said.

"Lahore was once known as a #CityOfGardens, which were ubiquitous during the Mughal era from the 16th to 19th centuries. But rapid #urbanization and surging population growth have left little room for #greenery."

https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-lahore-closes-schools-smog-air-pollution-7c997d24b7cc9dd96223bb0f564d803d

#AQI #Smog #AirQuality #MoreGardens #MoreGreenCities #AirPollution