Advancing Sustainability and Resilience Through Parks

The Urban Land Institute offers fact sheets describing five innovative ways that parks can reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate threats while advancing health, equity, and quality of life in urban areas.

1 minute read

July 31, 2024, 12:00 PM PDT

By Clement Lau


City park with paved walkway, green trees, and people sitting on lawn.

Vlada / Adobe Stock

Parks play a crucial role in advancing sustainability by providing green spaces that perform a variety of important functions, such as mitigating the urban heat island effect, promoting biodiversity, and acting as natural air filters to improve air quality. Parks also contribute to communities' ability to withstand and recover from challenges such as extreme weather events and climate change. They offer natural flood management by absorbing excess rainwater, reducing the risk of floods. This capability is enhanced by incorporating features like rain gardens and permeable pavements. In addition, parks provide spaces for community gathering and recreation, promoting physical and mental well-being. 

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) recently published the following five fact sheets which explain how parks and green spaces can reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate threats, while advancing health, equity, and quality of life in urban areas:

  1. Promoting Green Infrastructure
  2. Supporting Ecosystem Restoration
  3. Mitigating Urban Heat
  4. Leveraging Parks as Carbon Sinks
  5. Investing in Solar Energy

For more information, please visit this link.

Monday, July 29, 2024 in Urban Land Institute

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog