Suburban myths: Why green isn’t always safe

Greece’s leafy suburb of Kifissia, often seen as a climate haven due to its greenery, faces growing environmental and urban challenges that threaten its resilience. Despite having slightly above the WHO minimum green space per resident, much of it is private and inaccessible. Urban issues like traffic congestion, pollution, fragmented roads, and insufficient public transport undermine residents’ quality of life and strain its suburban identity.

Experts argue that genuine resilience requires sophisticated, integrated long-term planning tailored to local needs. This includes detailed assessments of green spaces, transport networks, and urban functions, alongside sustainable mobility and accessible public areas. Citizen participation and neighborhood-level design foster a sense of belonging and ensure public spaces reflect community values.

Incorporating Green and Blue Infrastructure (trees, wetlands, stormwater systems) is crucial for climate adaptation and improving environmental quality. Building urban resilience demands multi-disciplinary collaboration and strategies that respond to local geographic and social conditions. Effective urban planning not only mitigates climate risks but also enhances public health, social cohesion, and economic development.

Authors: Prof. Koundouri , & Afentouli Eirini

Editors: Vicky Markolefas  &  Giuseppe Francaviglia

Published on: June 2, 2025
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Published by: 360info

Originally published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0  by 360info™.

This article is part of the Science-Policy Briefs series, produced through the collaboration between the Alliance of Excellence for Research and Innovation on Aeiphoria (AE4RIA), an alliance of prestigious research and innovation institutions, and 360info, a not-for-profit wire service delivering free, research-based, solutions-focused journalism by experts. The series aims to translate cutting-edge scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for policymakers and the wider public, supporting evidence-informed decision-making on key sustainable development challenges.

Photo: © Wikimedia Commons.