The Grass is always Greener!

Now there's an idea...

Here's a little good news story from the Netherlands. It would be wonderful to think that some of our concrete jungles in the UK could become greener.

The Dutch city of Arnhem is changing its layout to protect itself from the extremes of climate change, such as flooding and heatwaves.

Under a 10-year plan, 10% of the city’s asphalt will be replaced by grass and other greenery to help dissipate heat and improve absorption of rainfall. The city aims to absorb 90% of rainwater into the soil rather than it running off into sewers.

Arnhem sits 13 metres above sea level and has suffered serious flooding in recent years, while droughts have dried up its parks. Trees will be planted along roads to provide cover from the sun, and sheltered “cooling down” areas, centred around ponds, will be constructed near squares and shopping centres.

“We must adapt to the climate change that is taking place now,” says city alderman Cathelijne Bouwkamp. [Source: Dezeen]