This story in the Conversation highlights the important role that access to urban green spaces can have in ensuring that the marginalized and other disadvantaged groups have broad access to outdoor green spaces. It presents the key findings of UN-Habitat’s recent report “Cities and Pandemics: Towards a More Just, Green and Healthy Future” which outlines a number of strategies aimed at creating more just and equitable use of urban green spaces as part of a post-pandemic future.
David Thornley
“The COVID-19 pandemic quickly highlighted the underlying social and health inequities that have always been present. In addition, people in cities have been increasingly seeking public green spaces in the face of lockdowns. Finally, calls for racial justice have been amplified with the increased mainstream awareness of racism — especially anti-Black, anti-Indigenous and anti-Asian racism.
The increased use of green space during the pandemic shows how it is a key part of the process to “build back better” after COVID-19.”
