A recent study conducted by an environmental organization sought to measure the impact of urban green spaces on local air quality. The study collected data from 100 different neighborhoods, half of which contained public parks and gardens, while the other half did not. The researchers found that neighborhoods with green spaces had, on average, 15% lower levels of dangerous particulate matter compared to those without. The report concluded that increasing green spaces in urban areas could significantly improve air quality.
However, critics of the study argue that the results may be skewed due to socioeconomic factors. They point out that wealthier neighborhoods are more likely to invest in green spaces and also tend to have better infrastructure, which can lead to differences in pollution levels. Therefore, the relationship between green spaces and air quality might be influenced by additional factors.