Topic > The need to improve the quality of urban environments

CO2 and other toxic gases are released into the air in large quantities from factories, manufacturing companies, transport vehicles and from the burning of fossil fuels by residents themselves. As the country begins to industrialize, many people from rural areas move to urban centers mainly to find stable jobs, start businesses, and find a comfortable place to live. Since cities are the place where many opportunities are concentrated, they are also the main cause of overcrowding and rapid depletion of natural resources as people continue to exploit them for their own benefits (Lasco & Pulhin, 2000). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay As the population in cities continues to grow, there is a need to improve the quality of urban environments. The rapid decline and deterioration of environmental quality in these urban centers could pose health risks to residents. Although the rate of medical problems and catastrophic events (e.g., storms, floods, landslides, and droughts) has steadily increased, this should update the fact that disaster resilience is of paramount importance (McPherson et al., 2005). Trees benefit people and animals in a wide range of ways. In addition to ocean reservoirs absorbing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, trees also serve as the best carbon sink as they consume CO2 and emit O2; therefore, they mitigate or reduce pollutants in the area. Likewise, trees provide shade, act as a buffer against noise and airborne dust, and conserve water and soil. However, native tree species provide benefits far beyond those of non-native species (“The Benefits of Planting Native Trees,” n.d.). Planting native species of trees and shrubs serves to restore the region's original ecosystem. Some species of wildlife do not perceive non-native species and cannot use them for sustenance or shelter. They are more qualified for development than an alien species. They adapt very well to the climate and type of soil in the area and, once established; they require less water and fertilizer than non-native species. Likewise, native species have developed in close contact with the local insect population and have created natural defenses to keep these pests away (“Advantages of Native Plants”, 2018). Planting trees along urban streets, in traffic islands or on private properties is a fundamental practice. both for a healthy human population and for a healthy economy (Tzoulas et al., 2007). These are some of the initiatives already adopted and still practiced today by the Marcos regime in the Philippines. It is led by non-governmental agencies and other LGUs who have taken actions to reduce the harmful effects of climate change. However, one of the significant impacts of rapid urban development is the decrease in tree cover due to anthropogenic activities (Ejares et al., 2016). As tree cover in cities deteriorates, associated ecosystem services and their effects on environmental quality and human health also deteriorate. Additionally, more than 800 million individuals rely on trees for fuel, food, and income (Chomitz 2007). Globally, the Philippines has also been considered one of the biodiversity hotspots due to the abundance of marine and terrestrial ecosystems that have been disrupted due to the habitat. fragmentation, climate change, anthropogenic activities and pollution (Office for Biodiversity Management of.