Up against catastrophes and neglect the EU aims at ‘green infrastructure’

A mix between nature and urban could change our city planning. Potočnik: “We need solutions in harmony with the environment not in contrast”.

Parks, green alleys, eco-friendly bridges and roofs covered with vegetation. In times of crisis the EC points to these resources to defend themselves from ever more frequent natural disasters. The intent is to create jobs and make the city more livable at the same time. The new strategy adopted by the EC intends to focus on the actual natural infrastructure with the intent to improve the environment, society and citizens’ lives.

Urban constructions and widespread construction abuse have rendered the countryside more and more degraded and fragmented with negative repercussions on its own ecosystem in too many parts of Europe. The EU decided to change completely: by 2014 financing will be established in collaboration with the ECB to sustain projects dedicated to natural infrastructure.

Janez Potočnik, Commissioner for the Environment, declared: “The construction of green infrastructure is often a good investment for nature, for the economy and for employment. When they are justified by economic and environmental reasons, we must present the citizens with solutions that are in harmony and not in contrast with nature.”

There are many advantages derived from these investments: creating recreational spaces, managing agriculture adapted to the nature of the territory, protection from flood and environmental pollution. Good planning for green infrastructure could create significant energetic savings in the city, more efficient mobility and value of real estate assets.

This strategy comes into play in a more vast community plan which is the “The Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe.” Because of this program the EU plans to transform itself into a sustainable economy for all purposes by 2050 but the first important steps of this path to eco-efficient growth are already set for 2020.

Irene Giuntella

For further information:
– Watch the video produced by the Director General of the Commission for the Environment, filmed in France and Lithuania, that explains the importance of green infrastructure for health and quality of life