Task 2
Questions 13-18
Read the text below.
For each question (13-18), choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D).
Mark your answer on the answer sheet.
Trees and Green Spaces in Cities
"Trees provide nesting sites, food, and cover for countless species living around us. Of course,"
Tom Baker says, "as students of architecture we used to refer to trees as graceful supplements
making a house feel like a home and enriching the view from the window, which they still very much
do." They also help clear the atmosphere by decreasing pollution. Trees cool the air, land and water
with leafy shade and moisture. Those planted near our homes and in our community reduce the
need for air-conditioning and heating produced by burning fossil fuels. And the list goes on and on.
Fast-forward a decade, and Tom Baker is head of 'The Green Spaces Initiative' in Brookson.
He says green spaces can contribute to a more liveable, sustainable, and economically strong
city that improves the quality of life of its inhabitants. Urban planning thus requires careful
consideration of the environmental impact of city life, including the attempt to reduce $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$
emissions, and of various other factors, such as local demographics, social or cultural values, and
economic development. Apart from the traditionally accepted view that they provide spaces for
recreation and relaxation, a wide range of experts have confirmed that areas of greenery enhance
biodiversity. After a local opinion poll, another interpretation has emerged, defining them as places
where people can interact.
It is estimated that, ideally, everyone should live within 500 metres of a green space. Despite
that, it is not uncommon for city planners to overlook the inclusion of green spaces, especially
in highly urbanised areas where there is little room for property development. City planners
may prioritise economic development and infrastructure over green spaces although there is
now a common understanding of their benefits. Whether or not humans have interfered with the
development of a green area determines whether it is considered to be natural. This will lead either
to revitalising it or protecting it for its significance to the environment.
In general, however, incorporating green spaces in cities is crucial and it requires constant
campaigning to raise awareness among citizens of its numerous benefits. Tom adds: "An example is
that spending time in a park can be a great family- and community-building activity, such as sharing
a birthday or playing games, or that trees can reduce harmful substances, lowering the incidence
of respiratory problems. While we're currently promoting the latest data referring to the reduction of
stress levels and anxiety, next in line is that parks can create a sense of place, adding character to
urban areas."
In short, there is no doubt that green spaces are beneficial for the environment and the
community. Nevertheless, one major challenge remains: many cities have already grown so packed
that large swathes of parks and forest trails are nearly impossible to establish as it would be too
expensive to bring down existing blocks of housing. A solution may be creating mini forests in the
smaller spaces, growing up to 30 times as fast as conventional ones. This involves planting a limited
number of native species in a small space to produce a thick forest that could prove efficient in
remediating soil and supplying animal habitats.