The Greening of Milan

Milan has recently announced an ambitious plan to plant 3 million trees by 2030. This news comes via an article written on phys.org saying that this initiative “could offer relief from the city’s muggy, sometimes tropical weather.” Officials of the city predict that the 30% increase of trees in Milan will absorb 5 million tons of carbon dioxide as well as reducing harmful particles such as PM10. This isn’t the first instance of green initiative in the Italy’s fashion capital. For example Architect Stefano Boeri’s Vertical Forest residential buildings, completed in 2014, was a big step towards a greener Milan.

The increase of greenery in Milan will also mean decreased temperatures for the metropolitan area. It is predicted that the 3 million trees will decrease temperatures in the city that is commonly 6 degrees Celsius higher than its neighboring areas. The plan also includes the transformation of a freight railway network that has fallen into disrepair into seven beautiful sprawling parks.

It looks like Milan is on its way to become one of Italy’s most green cities – and an inspiration for other cities around the world.

-Jasper LaBonte