Imagine being able to traverse a major city surrounded entirely by bikes, pedestrians, and green spaces. That vision is poised to become reality in Hamburg within the next two decades as the city pursues plans for a vast Grünes Netz (Green Network).
"Welcome to Hamburg, an environmental pioneer in the mould of its regional neighbour Copenhagen," writes Elisabeth Braw. "Its planned green network will cover 40% of the city's area."
"'It will connect parks, recreational areas, playgrounds, gardens and cemeteries through green paths', Angelika Fritsch, a spokeswoman for the city's department of urban planning and the environment, tells Guardian Sustainable Business. 'Other cities, including London, have green rings, but the green network will be unique in covering an area from the outskirts to the city centre. In 15 to 20 years you'll be able to explore the city exclusively on bike and foot.'"
"Perhaps more importantly, the network will absorb CO2 emissions and help prevent floods when inevitable superstorms strike," adds Braw.
Thanks to Fast Company Co.Exist
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