[MAY 2023 THEME REPORT] AIR POLLUTION. THE BATTLE WITH AIR POLLUTION BREATHING LIFE INTO URBAN SPACES - THE FRESHER APPROACH - Ambassador report - Our Actions

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[MAY 2023 THEME REPORT] AIR POLLUTION. THE BATTLE WITH AIR POLLUTION BREATHING LIFE INTO URBAN SPACES - THE FRESHER APPROACH
by Serah Emiade \| 23-05-2023 19:46 0
THE BATTLE WITH AIR POLLUTION BREATHING LIFE INTO URBAN SPACES – THE FRESHER APPROACH INTRODUCTION Take a deep breath. Did you know that the air you just inhaled might contain pollutants that are harmful to your health? Air pollution has become an alarming issue, reaching every corner of the globe, and the consequences of this silent enemy can be severe. In case you did not know: polluted air can be very devastating causing serious respiratory problems and even cardiovascular diseases. But, fear not! In this very article, we will dive into an exciting solution, literally, to tackle air pollution head-on while enjoying the process. TREATING AIR POLLUTION: THINKING OUTSIDE THE SMOKESTACK When it comes to combating air pollution, we've seen some impressive efforts. Stricter emission controls and the rise of renewable energy sources are making a difference. But there's a new player in town: nature-based solutions. These ingenious approaches utilize the power of Mother Nature to purify the air we breathe. And guess what? You have most likely seen them before, but might never have paid attention. VERTICAL GREEN WALLS: WHERE BEAUTY MEETS FRESH AIR Vertical green walls, also known as living walls or green facades, are vertical structures covered with vegetation. They offer a unique and aesthetically pleasing solution to both environmental and architectural challenges. These living walls are designed to be installed on the exterior or interior surfaces of buildings, adding a touch of nature to urban landscapes while mitigating air pollution. Picture this: towering buildings adorned with lush green walls, creating an urban jungle oasis. That's the magic of vertical green walls! These stunning structures, also known as living walls or green facades, are like a breath of fresh air for both the environment and architecture enthusiasts. You'll find them clinging to the sides of buildings, inside and out, transforming concrete landscapes into vibrant, living works of art. A Relaxation Area Lushed with a Vertical Green Wall Image Credit: https://4naturesystem.com/en/green-vertical-walls (Img: Wall Gardens) Why Vertical Green Walls? The advantage of these walls cannot be overemphasized. Some of its great effects are as follows: 1. Air purification: Vertical green walls start by gobbling up harmful pollutants like carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds. Through photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, purifying the air we breathe. 2. Temperature Tamers: Is your city feeling hotter than a normal? Vertical green walls to the rescue! These verdant beauties provide shade, reduce building surface temperatures, and help regulate indoor and outdoor temperatures. Who needs air conditioning when you've got nature's cooling system? 3. Sound Busters: Sick of the urban cacophony? Vertical green walls act as a natural sound barrier. The lush foliage absorbs and deflects noise, creating a serene oasis amidst the hustle and bustle. Say goodbye to the relentless honking and hello to tranquillity! 4. Aesthetics and Well-being: Let's face it, green is good for the soul. Vertical green walls bring nature's grace and beauty to the concrete jungles we call cities. Numerous studies have shown that exposure to green spaces boosts our mental health, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being. It's a win-win for everyone! VERTICAL GREEN WALLS ACROSS AFRICA Africa, the continent of breath-taking landscapes and vibrant cultures, is embracing the green revolution. Vertical green walls are making their mark, adding an extra touch of magic to urban centers across the continent. Within Nigeria, where resilience and creativity merge harmoniously, vertical green walls are gradually etching their mark upon our skylines. Let us journey together to explore the remarkable instances where these living installations breathe life into our cities. 1. The Nigerian Conservation Foundation Building: Nestled in the bustling city of Lagos, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation Building stands tall, draped in a breath-taking vertical green wall. This verdant masterpiece not only wows passers-by but also showcases a deep commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. It's a shining example of how nature and architecture can coexist in perfect harmony. 2. Lekki Conservation Centre: Situated in the heart of Lagos, the Lekki Conservation Centre is a nature reserve that boasts various eco-friendly features. Among them is a vertical green wall, which serves as a living testament to the center's dedication to preserving Nigeria's biodiversity while combating air pollution. Embrace the green revolution: join the vertical green wall movement! Dear fellow Nigerians, it's time to roll up our sleeves and join the vertical green wall movement! As our cities grow and pollution levels rise, these living installations offer a breath of fresh air, quite literally. By incorporating vertical green walls into our architectural designs, urban planning, and even our own homes, we can create a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future. Imagine strolling through streets lined with vibrant green walls, feeling the crisp air on your face and hearing the gentle rustle of leaves. It's a vision of a Nigeria where air pollution is a thing of the past and nature thrives amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life. So let's seize this opportunity to make our cities healthier, more beautiful, and more livable. Let's plant the seeds of change, quite literally, and watch our nation bloom. Together, we can breathe new life into Nigeria and create a greener future for generations to come. Inhale. Exhale. It's time to embrace the power of vertical green walls and revitalize our beloved Nigeria. Let's make the air we breathe fresher, cleaner, and full of life!

Dormant user Serah Emiade

2 Comments

James Mentor says :
Hello Sarah! This is your mentor James.

First of all, sorry for the late comment!

In this report, I can see that you've talked about air pollution and the means to fight it off in urban areas across Nigeria. Among those, you've focused on the vertical green wall architecture. I also can't agree more with the advantages those green walls could bring to the society. Atmospheric purification and temperature control would be effective and it would also look beautiful too! I hope other facilities would incorporate this idea as well in the future.

Thanks for writing such a meaningful report! Great work.
Posted 20-06-2023 11:06

Yewon Mentor says :
Hello Serah! This is your mentor Yewon.

What an outstanding report! You have written an informative report about eco-friendly technology, vertical green walls!
It was interesting that vertical green walls not only contribute to the environment but also block sounds.
Also, the examples of vertical green walls in Africa you explained above are impressive! I think it is a very effective technology!

Thank you for your great report! Let's keep up the good work!
Posted 31-05-2023 02:32