An area rich in vegetation is called a “green lung”. Sometimes this term is applied in relation to an urban area.
In this case, the green lung is an oasis in the middle (or next to / close to) the urban (vegetable) desert.
The term ‘Green Lung’ describes an urban area with an abundance of plants that:
- Produces oxygen (O2)
- Reduces carbon (CO₂)
- Increase biodiversity
- It reduces the “heat island effect” in urban zones or areas
- Improves mental health
- Can provide food
At the other extreme, the expression is also used to refer to the largest forests on Earth (Amazonia, etc.) in relation to the planet.” 2
The term “Green Lung” is also symbolic because climate change pollution will harm the lungs. Respiratory conditions will increasingly challenge healthcare providers. 3
Climate change has already resulted in substantial increases in temperatures globally and more frequent and extreme weather in terms of heatwaves, droughts, dust storms, wildfires, rainstorms and flooding, with prolonged and altered allergen and microbial exposure as well as the introduction of new allergens to certain areas.
Green Lung as an organization is committed to highlighting climate change issues, actions + activism in Banyoles.
References
- Visit our Climate Change Research and Scientific References (on the Catalan site).
- Wikipedia, 2023 (Spanish): https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulmón_verde o https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/green_lung
- Visit “Climate change and respiratory disease: clinical guidance for healthcare professionals.”
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