Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
The services provided by urban ecosystems vary significantly among large cities in Poland, according to research from the Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization at the Polish Academy of Sciences. Examining 20 metropolitan areas, the study reveals distinct differences in the utilization of ecosystem services, shedding light on the importance of green spaces in urban planning.
Air Purification Champions: Bielsko-Biała vs. Rzeszów
The highest utilization of tree-based air purification is observed in Bielsko-Biała, while Rzeszów records the lowest. These findings highlight the influence of urban planning on the effectiveness of nature-based solutions.
Recreation Desires: Częstochowa vs. Olsztyn
Częstochowa surpasses Olsztyn by sevenfold in unmet demand for nature-based recreation. The disparity underscores the need for tailored green spaces that cater to the recreational preferences of each community.
Defining Ecosystem Services
Ecosystem services encompass the contributions of the living world to human well-being, including food, energy, climate regulation, air purification, and recreational spaces. The study focuses on provisioning, regulatory, and cultural services.
Methodology and Assessment
The research employs a comprehensive methodology to assess the potential, utilization, and unmet demand for ecosystem services in metropolitan areas, considering functional urban areas with populations exceeding 250,000.