This year, France and Paris in particular will welcome the Summer Olympics, so construction is currently underway at the athletes' village in Seine-Saint-Denis on the outskirts of Paris. And a new innovation has taken root there: towering shade structures, that not only will offer a break from the toasty sun but also promise a breath of fresh air.
The technology behind these structures is indeed impressive. Developed by the French SME Aerophile, it is supposed to cleanse the outdoor air of fine based on an ionization and electrostatic filtration process. This technology was chosen by the Olympic Works Delivery Company (SOLIDEO) to clean the air in the Athletes' Village. Great right? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlrS7Yi6V1s
But imagine... If we already had a natural carbon capture and air purification technique? That comes from tiny seeds and doesn't need to use a lot of finite resources like these towers to function. That even offers some more advantages that artificial structures struggle to replicate. That doesn't just filter out particulate matter and reduce ozone pollution; it also produces oxygen, provides habitat for wildlife, and contributes to overall biodiversity. You guessed it, I am talking about trees. 🌳
Investing in real trees is a sustainable, cost-effective solution with long-term benefits. Unlike man-made systems, trees don't require electricity to operate (granted these aerophiltres are solar powered it seems) produce zero waste, and are naturally adaptable to various environments. They also offer aesthetic and psychological benefits, improving mental well-being and quality of life for residents.
And I mean, the simplicity and accessibility of trees are unmatched. You don't need complex machinery or specialised technology or technicians to grow a tree—just a seed, soil, and water. If we were planting trees, we could ensure that everyone in Seine Saint-Denis not just Olympic athletes, can enjoy clean air daily, not just during special events. Have you thought of that?
https://twitter.com/BFMTV/status/1756211681774997797
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47 w
Trees could have been the best alternative.
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@walter_lungayi agreed!
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48 w
Dear Sarah Chabane Your climate warning has received over 50 agrees! We have reached out to SOLIDEO by email and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! To reach more people and increase the chance of a response, click the Share button above to share the review on your social accounts. For every new member that joins We Don't Have Time from your network, we will plant a tree and attribute it to you! /Adam, We Don't Have Time
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48 w
Providing shade is important but it's concerning to see resources being allocated towards constructing towering shade structures instead of prioritizing the preservation and planting of actual trees.
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This brings allot of jubilation to me! indeed trees will enhance clean & fresh air.
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Unlike complex technological systems, trees require minimal resources to grow and maintain, making them accessible to all.
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This is surely alarming even though fascinating, I agree with you that investing in real trees is the right thing to do. Always great when sports invest in clean energy and the right mechanisms to safeguard the environment.
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What do you mean trees are better? Huh, who would have thought... Just a crazy thought: maybe they shouldn't have cut down existing trees, destroyed community gardens, and replaced everything with buildings and asphalt 🤡