Green Infrastructure (GI) is a multifunctional, meaning that it can improve the quality of life in many different ways, including “environmental, social and economic”.  Essentially, GI can me incorporated in many areas such as “natural and semi-natural areas in urban, rural and marine areas, as well as man-made elements, such as green roofs and ecoducts over motorways, and restored lands, such as wetlands and mangroves”. (EUROPE GI PDF) The diversity in the number of locations that GI can be done leads to a variety of functions that GI provides. The main roles that GI provides is:

1) Protecting ecosystems state and biodiversity

2) Improving ecosystem functioning and promoting ecosystem services

3) promoting social wellbeing and health

4) supporting the development of a green economy, and sustainable land and water management (EUROPE GI PDF)

It is important to note that these functions inter lap and are co-dependent because there could be a situation where you had a flood. You cannot say that only one of the listed functions would be provided if green infrastructure happens. Instead, if a flood occurred not only would GI protect biodiversity but it would also promote ecosystem services because in order to protect the diversity you need people to help with maintaining the GI. The reason as to why the 3^rd reason “promoting social well-being and health” is listed is because GI is a beneficial outcome to not just the environment but to us as well. (EUROPE GI PDF)

“The benefits of green infrastructure are numerous. From the broadest environment benefits to site-specific ones, green infrastructure is an effective and cost-efficient tool for absorbing and sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide (C02); filtering air and water pollutants; stabilizing soil to prevent or reduce erosion; providing wildlife habitat; decreasing solar heat gain; lowering the public cost of stormwater management infrastructure and providing flood control; and reducing energy usage through passive heating and cooling.”(ASLA.COM)

These benefits are acknowledged because in “September 2010, New York City released the NYC Green Infrastructure Plan which presents an alternative approach to improving water quality that integrates “green infrastructure,” such as rain gardens and green roofs, with investments to optimize the existing system and to build targeted, cost-effective “grey” or traditional infrastructure.” (NYC PROGRAM) Overall we need GI because it would provide so many benefits for the environment and human beings.

 

 

SOURCES:

 

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/ecosystems/docs/Green_Infrastructure.pdf

 

“NYC Green Infrastructure Program.” NYC Green Infrastructure Program. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2016.

(http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/stormwater/nyc_green_infrastructure_plan.shtml)

 

Professional Practice. (n.d.). Retrieved November 10, 2016, from https://www.asla.org/ContentDetail.aspx?id=43532