ICLEI Member City Glasgow (UK) is set to create Scotland's largest urban heritage and Nature Park, investing £6.8 million to create a green area that will encompass 16km² of lochs (lakes), parks, nature reserves and woodlands. The project will also see the development of walking and cycling routes and improvements to paths and signage within the park, allowing people to better experience the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

"The Seven Lochs Wetland Park is an exemplar of Green Network planning and delivery. It is a place with an abundance of natural resources; important natural habitats, historic sites and established places for recreation. This major new urban wildlife park will be the jewel in the crown of the wider Green Network and bring a host of benefits for local people and visitors alike," said Max Hislop, Programme Manager for the Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership.

Glasgow is a core city of Smart Mature Resilience, a multi-disciplinary research project working for more resilient cities in Europe. The city works closely together with scientists to develop Glasgow's resilience against hazards and challenges brought on by climate change. Glasgow is particularly working on addressing flood risk management, water issues and drainage. Urban wildlife areas provide cities with a wide variety of environmental, social and economic benefits. Making the most of the park to meet, learn and exercise together will help to strengthen communities and improve Glaswegians' health. The natural wetlands and open green spaces can also help to absorb excess water in the case of flooding, taking Glasgow a step further on its path towards resilience.

For more information, visit sevenlochs.org.Image copyright: Image (Glasgow City Council) more   9 August 2016 Berlin stops new investments in fossil-fuel companiesFollowing in the footsteps of cities such as Paris (France), Copenhagen (Denmark), Oslo (Norway), Seattle (USA) and Melbourne (Australia), the German capital of Berlin has announced that it will no longer invest in fossil fuel companies. The move comes amid pressure to pull support from companies that work against the city's goal of being climate neutral by 2050. This includes oil, coal, and gas companies.

"Berlin is the latest major city to commit to cut its financial ties to the fossil fuel industry, so soon after Stockholm took the step," said Melanie Mattauch, Europe Communications Coordinator for 350.org, speaking to Cities Today. "The fact that cities around the world distance themselves from the companies whose business model pushes us into irreversible climate change shows that public support for coal, oil and gas companies is quickly eroding."

"Efforts by cities to become more resource efficient, reduce their emissions and become more resilient are vital for the wellbeing and quality of life of their citizens, as well as for our overall success in tackling climate change," added Mattauch. The campaign to convince major institutions to divest from companies that disproportionately contribute to climate change has seen great success around the world, with universities, pension funds and religious institutions also committing.

For more information, visit Cities Today.Image copyright: Image (Pixabay) more

» Publication Date: 11/08/2016

» Source: Iclei Europe

« Go to Technological Watch