Climate love
Image of Federico Gutiérrez

Federico Gutiérrez

Climate love

Medellín's green corridors, how a Colombian city is addressing urban heat by planting trees

In Medellín, the second largest city of Colombia, a green revolution is happening to combat rising urban temperatures. Through the creation of "Green Corridors," the city has witnessed a 2°C drop in temperatures in just three years.
The project, costing $16.3 million, has seen over 2.5 million plants and 880,000 trees strategically placed to maximize their impact. At the heart of this initiative are citizen-gardeners, whose tireless efforts, alongside specialised forest engineers, ensure the corridors thrive. Trained in horticulture and landscaping, these individuals, often from marginalised communities, are carrying Medellín's green revolution.
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The benefits extend beyond temperature reduction. The corridors have led to a decline in air pollution, with PM2.5 levels dropping significantly. Cycling rates have surged, thanks to new bike paths, while biodiversity studies reveal the return of wildlife to urban spaces. Inspired by Medellín's success, other cities are adopting similar initiatives.
But challenges remain, including maintenance and funding issues. Despite this, Mayor Gutiérrez is committed to expanding the project and embracing innovative solutions. What an inspiring story for the Colombian city, showing that when there is intention and citizens engagement so much can be done!




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  • Patrick Kiash

    6 w

    This is encouraging and truly the benefits are more to its citizens and inhabitants

    • We Don't Have Time

      8 w

      Dear Sarah Chabane Your climate love has received over 50 agrees! We have reached out to Federico Gutiérrez 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

      2
      • Marine Stephan

        8 w

        This is a great result and it really shows that regreening cities is one of the most effective solutions

        2
        • Rashid Kamau

          8 w

          @marine_stephan A better way to create sustainable urban living.

          1
        • Markus Lutteman

          8 w

          Wow! Less heat, less pollution, more biodiversity and more bikes. This sounds like an obvious gameplan for cities around the world.

          6
          • mary Mwihaki

            8 w

            This is exciting such a great thing from colombia every cities should learn from colombia

            2
            • George Kariuki

              8 w

              A 2°C drop in just 3 years, that's incredible. Love to see cycling on the rise too! This is exactly the kind of green infrastructure we need #CitiesForTheFuture

              3
              • Jane Wangui

                8 w

                The beauty of the city should be envied by other states and encourage them to do even better.This will reduce urban heat in a major way.

                5
                • Elizabeth Gathigia

                  8 w

                  A great initiative to combat urban heat and also add beauty to the city, other cities should learn from Colombia

                  5
                  • Rashid Kamau

                    8 w

                    @elizbeth_gathigia Other nations should take note of this.

                  • Munene Mugambi

                    8 w

                    Wow, when I read about this first I was wondering, why are more cities not doing this? I realise now that the commitment required by both the leadership and the people to take care of these trees and to nurture them takes a lot of effort and not many people are willing to do so. This is lovable from Medellin

                    3
                    • Princess

                      8 w

                      It's heartening to see marginalized communities actively participating and benefiting from this green revolution.

                      13
                      • Munene Mugambi

                        8 w

                        @princess_nel_268 This has to put a smile on the face of anyone who cares about the planet, to see the landscape of a city change for the better due to efforts of the masses is exceptional.

                        3
                        • Rashid Kamau

                          8 w

                          @princess_nel_268 It is crucial to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving green economy.

                        • walter lungayi

                          8 w

                          Medellín's initiative of creating green corridors to combat urban heat by planting trees showcases a proactive approach to urban sustainability. By integrating nature into the city landscape, Medellín not only addresses environmental challenges but also enhances the quality of life for its residents. Other countries should follow their footsteps.

                          5
                          • Ingmar Rentzhog

                            8 w

                            Colombia is a leader! Great achievement.. .

                            14
                            Welcome, let's solve the climate crisis together
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