Thank you Germany: Part 084: Green cities improve quality of life

Germany's cities are not only grey, but also green. Germany promotes this with targeted urban planning. The country has many beautiful parks, especially in urban areas, and also provides one or two green accents with trees along its roadsides. In contrast to the cities of some other countries, the inhabitants of Germany are always offered a green ray of hope. As we know from psychological studies, this not only makes for fresher air, it also has a positive effect on the psychological state and mental life of the inhabitants.

The first reason for this is quite simple: large trees often absorb loud background noise and dampen it. This results in a more pleasant volume level, from which people benefit. But there are also other reasons for this special effect. Seeing nature grow puts you in a good mood. The sight of beautiful plants also has a calming effect on people. After all, there is a certain substance that plants use to have a direct effect on the human immune system and strengthen it. Trees use terpenes to communicate with each other and ward off the influence of pests. When inhaled, terpenes have a positive effect on the human immune system.

However, if you want to benefit extensively from this factor, you should go for a walk in the forest and not in the city. But planting trees in the city also has a positive effect on people in combination with the other two factors. The trees also provide space for birds and other small animals. Singing birds in turn calm people and bring joy to children and other people. By providing the right place for these birds, the quality of life of people in cities is also improved. Today's urban planners are aware of these qualities of nature. They therefore ensure that not every open patch of city is covered with concrete. In recent years, Germany has spent a lot of money on beautifying its cities. City dwellers benefit from the results in the long term. They can enjoy nature that provides a sense of well-being even in the big city.

For this, the work of urban planning is greatly appreciated by the Germans. We can be proud of the special achievement and the ingenious combination of urban space and plant diversity that has developed in recent years. Even with little money, the right measures can achieve noticeable improvements. Improvements of this kind have been achieved in German cities. Although the municipalities do not have a lot of money, they have striven for and successfully implemented such improvements. We must be grateful to the local authorities for this effective work.

This work has significantly improved the cityscape throughout Germany. Many generations to come will benefit from this important work. New developments in the field of urban design and greenery have generated many creative ideas. Some traffic islands are now planted with colourful flowers, which also provide a beautiful place for bumblebees and bees and thus specifically promote flora and fauna.