Some people say it is more important to plant trees in the open spaces is towns and cities than to build more housing.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
There is a view that planting trees in open spaces in towns and cities is more important than building additional housing. I fully agree with this notion for several reasons.
To begin with, expanding green spaces can make urban environments more liveable in ways that housing development simply cannot replace. Although housing is clearly necessary, dense construction often comes at the cost of air quality, temperature balance, and overall comfort in city life. When trees are introduced into urban areas, they help soften the harsh effects of concrete landscapes by improving air circulation, reducing heat, and creating a more breathable atmosphere. Take air pollution, for example. In heavily built-up districts, traffic and industry tend to concentrate harmful emissions, yet tree cover can absorb part of these pollutants and make the environment noticeably healthier. This means that prioritizing greenery is not just an aesthetic choice, but a practical response to worsening urban conditions.
Moreover, green spaces play a quiet but important role in how people experience city life on a daily basis. Cities are often fast-paced and mentally draining, and without natural areas, residents can feel increasingly disconnected from their surroundings. A case in point is public parks in large cities. These spaces are often filled with people walking, resting, or simply spending time outdoors away from crowded streets and buildings. They provide a kind of informal relief from routine pressure, allowing people to slow down without leaving the city altogether. In this way, trees and open green areas help maintain a healthier balance between urban development and human well-being.
In conclusion, I remain convinced that prioritizing tree planting over further housing development is the better approach in many urban settings, as it helps improve environmental conditions while also making city life more liveable for the people who already inhabit it.
• 300 words
• 9 / 8 / 9 / 8
Join: Sunnat Writes | W 8.5



