Urban Forestry

May 12, 2024

Sustainable Urbanist in Bangkok: Embrace Urban Forestry

Just over four months ago I moved to Bangkok as someone who cares about making cities better for people and planet. Since the first time I came to Bangkok I’m in love with it and I’m very pleased to live in this exciting and vibrant city. However, Bangkok, like many other rapidly growing cities, has to deal with issues such as air pollution, urban heat island effect, and the lack of green spaces. Through strategic urban forestry initiatives, we have the opportunity to breathe new life into the concrete jungle and create a more liveable and healthy urban environment.

Cleaning Up the Dirty Air

Since I’m in this city, I noticed the thick blanket of smog that often hangs over it. It affects my breathing and my lungs, and not only mine. As a sustainable urbanist, I recognize this pressing issue. Trees are nature's air purifiers. They soak up bad stuff from the air. By strategically planting and maintaining trees throughout the city, we can significantly improve air quality and improve the overall health of residents. Although there is a lot of tree planting done already, there is still a lot more possible.

Cooling Down the Hot City

Bangkok’s tropical climate means high temperatures year-round exacerbated by the urban heat island effect caused by the huge amount of concrete and lack of greenery. Trees have the amazing ability to provide shade and cool the surrounding environment. By planting more trees, we can mitigate the heat island effect, making the city more comfortable and reducing the reliance on energy-intensive air conditioning.

Stopping the Flooding and Improving Biodiversity

In addition to their air-purifying and temperature-regulating benefits, trees play a crucial role in water management and biodiversity conservation. Bangkok experiences heavy rainfall and flooding, but strategically planted trees can help absorb rainwater, reduce runoff, and prevent soil erosion. Furthermore, urban forests provide living area for birds, insects, and other wildlife, what contributes to the city's biodiversity and ecological resilience.

Making People Happier and Healthier

Besides all those fysical benefits, urban forests also have significant positive impact on mental and physical health. Access to green spaces as a proven method to reduces tress levels, improve mood, and increase physical activity. By adding more trees and greenery to the city, we can make sure people have more much-needed places to relax, recreate, and connect with nature.

Conclusion: A Greener, More Sustainable Future

As a sustainable urbanist living in Bangkok, I am inspired by the potential of urban forestry to change the city into a greener, more liveable, and healthy urban environment. By embracing the cultivation of trees and green spaces more, we can clean up the air, cool down the city, stop flooding and make people happier and healthier. Together, let's cultivate a greener Bangkok.

Tjakko Dijk

Sustainable Urbanist

Founder and Director of UrbanSphere Solutions

Be more sustainable
"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.
Start Now