Why cities need more trees and less concrete

Reflections on rewilding our cities from a balcony in Stockholm

Sep 24, 2024

Earlier this month, I visited the Swedish capital of Stockholm for a podcast recording and as usual, I found myself drawn to the large green spaces where birdsong drowned out the traffic noise and leafy pathways provided refuge from the burning summer sun. I silently thanked the city planners for working with nature rather than against it, allowing Stockholm to earn its spot among the greenest cities in Europe. With about half of the city covered in towering trees, lush parks, pristine nature preserves and extensive green corridors, a high-quality green space is always within reach. As the city proudly notes on its website, these unique green values are “important for the quality of life enjoyed by Stockholmers” and “contribute to a vibrant and safe city, as well as reducing the risks of climate impact.”

One of the key takeaways from my book The Open-Air Life is that you can experience nature anywhere, even in the heart of a bustling metropolis. The clouds drifting across the sky, the wind blowing in your hair, the pigeons strutting around the town square – they’re all a part nature, even if we don’t typically think of them that way. Yet, I realize that Stockholm doesn’t necessarily represent the norm. Finding glimpses of nature can be a real challenge in cities dominated by concrete, steel and five-lane highways, compared with those abounding with parks, urban trails, rooftop gardens and bike lanes. Many cities miss the mark on integrating green spaces, instead becoming breeding grounds for stress, pollution, and burnout. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

More trees for the people – and the planet

In her new book, The Nature of Our Cities, Dr. Nadina Galle, a Dutch Canadian ecological engineer makes the case for employing emerging technologies to rewild our cities, for the benefit of people and the planet. Not only can more green spaces help cities reduce the urban heat island effect, they also allow them to absorb more CO2 and curb the effects of global climate change. Beyond the big-picture benefits, green spaces help with local issues like reducing air pollution, mitigating flooding, and improving biodiversity. Trees and plants act like natural air purifiers, soaking up pollutants and providing us with the oxygen we need. Plus, they offer shelter and food for urban wildlife, creating a more balanced ecosystem right in the middle of our bustling cities.

Of course, Galle notes that green cities come with great health benefits for people too – not the least increased opportunities for physical activity and improved mental health. Green spaces offer places for recreation, relaxation, and social interaction and can even contribute to suppressing crime.

Camping out in the city

It seemed fitting that I was listening to Galle’s book as I was getting ready to camp out in my hammock at Royal Djurgården, a large green space in the middle of Stockholm, the night before the podcast interview. A friend of mine, who knows the city better than I do, had agreed to join me and it was all fine and well until she checked the weather forecast. It called for rain and since she didn’t like the idea of waking up in a downpour before going to work, she balked. I, however, was dead set on sleeping outside and as a compromise, I ended up spending the night on some cushions on my friend’s balcony.

While it was a far cry from my campouts in the wilderness, I still connected with nature that night, from the light drizzle that blew in over the railing, to the fresh air that passed through my airways. (At least until my friend’s elderly neighbor emerged on the balcony below me to enjoy his usual late-night cigarette…)

With that, I encourage you to seek out nature wherever you can find it, whether in a tent in the wilderness or on a balcony in the city. If you can, take your lunch break in a park instead of at your desk. Walk or ride a bike instead of taking the car. Plant something edible on your windowsill or on your balcony. And don’t forget to ask your city council to plant more trees!

One thing to contemplate

“The soul of a city is not found in its steel and concrete. It whispers to us from the shade of a tree-lined street, the sound of birds over the traffic, and the quiet escape of a park. We just have to slow down and notice it.”

Two things to read

1. Can Car-Free Living Make You Happier? How one Arizona community is flipping the script on urban living by banning cars in favor of pedestrians and cyclists.

2. The Nature of Our Cities by Nadina Galle. Read my lips: this will be a modern classic on green city planning and urban design. Buy it for yourself and get a copy for your local councilmen and women while you’re at it.

Three things to do outside

1. Make campfire cinnamon rolls. October 4 is the Cinnamon Roll Day, so that’s your sign to go outside and make them over a campfire. Fortunately, I’ve got a killer recipe for campfire cinnamon rolls right here.

2. Create a beautiful leaf crown. When fall hands you leaves in all sorts of beautiful colors, make a leaf crown. This is a fun one to do with the kiddos!

3. Climb a tree. Yes, even if you’re an adult. If you have children, climb one with them. Being around trees comes with a range of benefits, including lower blood pressure and reduced levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Researchers have also found that phytoncides, natural oils released by trees, can improve the activity of natural killer cells in our immune system, enhancing our body's ability to fight infections and diseases.

See you outside!
Linda

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Why I don’t use the term “bad” weather

Before you go...

I have a curated selection of some of my favorite children's outerwear at Outdoor School Shop. When you shop through the link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Check out the Rain or Shine Mamma shop at ODSS here.
I've published two books: There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather and The Open-Air Life. If you enjoyed them, you can help others find them by leaving an Amazon review here and here respectively.
I often get interviewed about outdoor play and nature connection at various podcasts. You can find all the episodes I've participated in here.
Do you have a book club or head up a nature play community? I love doing virtual author visits! Just hit reply to this message to connect.
I do virtual speaking events for corporations, non-profits and online summits. You can read more about that here.
Do YOU have something going on in the nature connection space that you think this community should hear about? If so, hit 'reply' and let me know what you're up to - I'd be happy to share!

The Open-Air Life