'Green space shortage puts city at high risk of climate change effect'

Researchers from AKU and NYU have found that Karachi's green space is less than half the WHO's recommended minimum

KARACHI:

A groundbreaking study using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and satellite imagery has revealed a critical shortage of green spaces in Karachi, putting the city residents at high health risks because of climate change.

Researchers from Aga Khan University (AKU) and New York University have found that Karachi's green space per capita is less than half the World Health Organization's recommended minimum, exposing a stark environmental crisis. The study found that the city has only 4.17 square meters of green space per person, compared to the WHO's recommended 9 square meters. This shortfall exacerbates the urban heat island effect, worsens air pollution, and creates significant health disparities, with lower-income communities bearing the brunt of the environmental burden.

"Cities play a vital role in shaping public health, and their green spaces are more than just scenic escapes-they are essential for human well-being and environmental resilience," said Dr Zainab Samad, Chair, Department of Medicine at AKU and co-author of the study.

"Trees, in particular, serve as natural protectors against extreme heat, act as carbon sinks, and help manage urban flooding. With rising temperatures and increasing climate challenges, urban planning must prioritise green spaces, not just for their ecological benefits but also for their beauty and the shelter they provide to both people and wildlife."