Latest news with #NationalParkCityFoundation
Euronews
21-05-2025
- General
- Euronews
Breda becomes the EU's first official National Park City
The creative, cobblestoned Dutch city of Breda has officially become the first National Park City in the European Union. Officially designated by the National Park City Foundation in May, Breda joins London, Adelaide and Chattanooga as the fourth member of a growing global movement to make urban areas greener, healthier and more connected to nature. This new status recognises more than a decade of work to restore wetlands, green its streets and bring residents into the process. It also signals a shift in how cities across Europe redefine their relationship with nature. The National Park City initiative was launched in the UK in 2019 to promote nature-connected, environmentally just urban living. Cities don't need to meet traditional national park criteria. Instead, they must show a city-wide commitment to sustainability, biodiversity and public access to green space. Breda's application caught the attention of assessors with its strong environmental leadership, citizen engagement and urban planning that places nature at its core. 'I absolutely loved exploring Breda and learning about all the things they are doing to make their city greener, healthier and wilder – from restoring a river through the middle of the city to innovative community food growing programmes, tiny forests set up by schools, wildlife-friendly gardens and public art,' says Daniel Raven-Ellison, founder of the National Park City Foundation. 'I am sure that people of all ages and backgrounds in Breda will be inspired by becoming a National Park City and want to explore how they can be part of its growth and story.' Breda is now the fourth city to earn National Park City status, joining London, Adelaide and most recently Chattanooga. Nine other cities are currently working towards it, too. Breda has long prioritised nature-based solutions, from transforming quaysides into biodiverse urban gardens to replacing concrete tiles with grass, flower beds and trees. Today, 60 per cent of Breda is made up of green space, from historic forests like the Mastbos – one of the oldest in the Netherlands – to nature reserves, parks and waterways. By 2030, local leaders aim to make it one of the most nature-rich cities in Europe. But the status also reflects a buy-in from residents. The city has become a leader in green design, using nature-based solutions to improve liveability and manage climate risks. And residents have been active participants in that process, often greening their own streets, installing rooftop gardens and developing green schoolyards, according to Breda Stad in een Park, a grassroots movement that helped to lead the city's efforts to become a National Park City. 'This title is a recognition for the many residents, entrepreneurs and organisations who are committed to greening Breda and an inspiration to continue doing so,' says Joost Barendrecht, chairman of Breda Stad in een Park. 'It's an incentive to make more [people] enthusiastic about getting started with greenery. It doesn't always have to be big. A [simple] garden is a nice contribution.' Across the EU, cities are increasingly stepping in the same direction as Breda. From car-free zones inParis to flood-proofing efforts inCopenhagen, local leaders are responding to climate change and declining biodiversity with initiatives that aim to make urban settlements greener, more livable and future-ready. For example, access to green space significantly reducesheat-related health risks – a benefit Breda now exemplifies and otherEuropean cities might seek to emulate. 'London and Breda are the first National Park Cities in Europe, but there's no shortage of others that want and need to be greener, healthier, wilder, cooler and fairer,' says Raven-Ellison. 'National Park Cities are helping to show the way, forming strong relationships and exchanging optimism, ideas, knowledge and energy.' If you're wondering why Arctic temperatures are rising so much faster than predicted, scientists at Kyushu University think they've found an answer: it's in the clouds. In a study published in Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Research, researchers from Kyushu University analysed 30 leading climate models and compared them to satellite observations of Arctic cloud patterns. They discovered a widespread modelling error. Most simulations overestimate the amount of ice and underestimate the amount of liquid in wintertime Arctic clouds. That may sound like a small detail, but it has big consequences for how accurately scientists can predict warming in one of the world's most sensitive regions. The Arctic is warming three to four times faster than the global average. A major reason for this is how clouds interact with heat. In summer, so-called mixed-phase clouds – which contain both ice crystals and supercooled liquid water – reflect sunlight, cooling the surface. But in the dark winter months, these same clouds trap heat and insulate the surface like a thermal blanket. 'The more liquid water these clouds contain, the better they are at trapping heat,' explains study co-author Momoka Nakanishi. Most models, however, suggest that clouds have less ice in them than they do. That could explain why the rate of Arctic warming in recent decades has outpaced predictions. It could also warp future projections – but not in the way you might think. As the Arctic continues to warm, more ice in clouds converts to liquid, increasing their heat-trapping power. This creates a short-term condition known as 'cloud emissivity feedback,' which accelerates warming. But, the researchers add, there's a limit to it. Once clouds are rich enough in liquid, they begin to absorb heat and re-emit it to Earth completely. Meaning, additional warming makes little difference, because the clouds are already re-emitting heat to the maximum extent possible. Since many climate models don't accurately represent how much liquid is already present, they could be predicting greater warming than is likely in the future. In other words, they underestimate today's warming and overestimate tomorrow's. Fixing this flaw, researchers argue, could improve not just Arctic projections but also extreme weather forecasts in other parts of the world, which are influenced by polar systems. The study adds context to another sobering piece of research, published earlier this month in Communications Earth & Environment. That study found that even if global warming is limited to 1.5°C, we could still trigger irreversible melting in the massive polar ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, leading sea levels to rise several metres even under optimistic emissions scenarios. Both studies point to the same truth: our understanding of polar regions, from clouds to ice melt, is still catching up with reality. If climate models continue to lag observed trends, the world could be blindsided by faster-than-expected changes in sea level, weather extremes and ecosystem collapse. As cloud study co-author Takuro Michibata put it, 'Fixing these models is essential not just for the Arctic, but for understanding its impact on weather and climate change across the globe.'
Euronews
21-05-2025
- General
- Euronews
Could Arctic clouds explain why climate models keep failing?
The creative, cobblestoned Dutch city of Breda has officially become the first National Park City in the European Union. Officially designated by the National Park City Foundation in May, Breda joins London, Adelaide and Chattanooga as the fourth member of a growing global movement to make urban areas greener, healthier and more connected to nature. This new status recognises more than a decade of work to restore wetlands, green its streets and bring residents into the process. It also signals a shift in how cities across Europe redefine their relationship with nature. The National Park City initiative was launched in the UK in 2019 to promote nature-connected, environmentally just urban living. Cities don't need to meet traditional national park criteria. Instead, they must show a city-wide commitment to sustainability, biodiversity and public access to green space. Breda's application caught the attention of assessors with its strong environmental leadership, citizen engagement and urban planning that places nature at its core. 'I absolutely loved exploring Breda and learning about all the things they are doing to make their city greener, healthier and wilder – from restoring a river through the middle of the city to innovative community food growing programmes, tiny forests set up by schools, wildlife-friendly gardens and public art,' says Daniel Raven-Ellison, founder of the National Park City Foundation. 'I am sure that people of all ages and backgrounds in Breda will be inspired by becoming a National Park City and want to explore how they can be part of its growth and story.' Breda is now the fourth city to earn National Park City status, joining London, Adelaide and most recently Chattanooga. Nine other cities are currently working towards it, too. Breda has long prioritised nature-based solutions, from transforming quaysides into biodiverse urban gardens to replacing concrete tiles with grass, flower beds and trees. Today, 60 per cent of Breda is made up of green space, from historic forests like the Mastbos – one of the oldest in the Netherlands – to nature reserves, parks and waterways. By 2030, local leaders aim to make it one of the most nature-rich cities in Europe. But the status also reflects a buy-in from residents. The city has become a leader in green design, using nature-based solutions to improve liveability and manage climate risks. And residents have been active participants in that process, often greening their own streets, installing rooftop gardens and developing green schoolyards, according to Breda Stad in een Park, a grassroots movement that helped to lead the city's efforts to become a National Park City. 'This title is a recognition for the many residents, entrepreneurs and organisations who are committed to greening Breda and an inspiration to continue doing so,' says Joost Barendrecht, chairman of Breda Stad in een Park. 'It's an incentive to make more [people] enthusiastic about getting started with greenery. It doesn't always have to be big. A [simple] garden is a nice contribution.' Across the EU, cities are increasingly stepping in the same direction as Breda. From car-free zones in Paris to flood-proofing efforts in Copenhagen, local leaders are responding to climate change and declining biodiversity with initiatives that aim to make urban settlements greener, more livable and future-ready. For example, access to green space significantly reduces heat-related health risks – a benefit Breda now exemplifies and other European cities might seek to emulate. 'London and Breda are the first National Park Cities in Europe, but there's no shortage of others that want and need to be greener, healthier, wilder, cooler and fairer,' says Raven-Ellison. 'National Park Cities are helping to show the way, forming strong relationships and exchanging optimism, ideas, knowledge and energy.' If you're wondering why Arctic temperatures are rising so much faster than predicted, scientists at Kyushu University think they've found an answer: it's in the clouds. In a study published in Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Research, researchers from Kyushu University analysed 30 leading climate models and compared them to satellite observations of Arctic cloud patterns. They discovered a widespread modelling error. Most simulations overestimate the amount of ice and underestimate the amount of liquid in wintertime Arctic clouds. That may sound like a small detail, but it has big consequences for how accurately scientists can predict warming in one of the world's most sensitive regions. The Arctic is warming three to four times faster than the global average. A major reason for this is how clouds interact with heat. In summer, so-called mixed-phase clouds – which contain both ice crystals and supercooled liquid water – reflect sunlight, cooling the surface. But in the dark winter months, these same clouds trap heat and insulate the surface like a thermal blanket. 'The more liquid water these clouds contain, the better they are at trapping heat,' explains study co-author Momoka Nakanishi. Most models, however, suggest that clouds have less ice in them than they do. That could explain why the rate of Arctic warming in recent decades has outpaced predictions. It could also warp future projections – but not in the way you might think. As the Arctic continues to warm, more ice in clouds converts to liquid, increasing their heat-trapping power. This creates a short-term condition known as 'cloud emissivity feedback,' which accelerates warming. But, the researchers add, there's a limit to it. Once clouds are rich enough in liquid, they begin to absorb heat and re-emit it to Earth completely. Meaning, additional warming makes little difference, because the clouds are already re-emitting heat to the maximum extent possible. Since many climate models don't accurately represent how much liquid is already present, they could be predicting greater warming than is likely in the future. In other words, they underestimate today's warming and overestimate tomorrow's. Fixing this flaw, researchers argue, could improve not just Arctic projections but also extreme weather forecasts in other parts of the world, which are influenced by polar systems. The study adds context to another sobering piece of research, published earlier this month in Communications Earth & Environment. That study found that even if global warming is limited to 1.5°C, we could still trigger irreversible melting in the massive polar ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, leading sea levels to rise several metres even under optimistic emissions scenarios. Both studies point to the same truth: our understanding of polar regions, from clouds to ice melt, is still catching up with reality. If climate models continue to lag observed trends, the world could be blindsided by faster-than-expected changes in sea level, weather extremes and ecosystem collapse. As cloud study co-author Takuro Michibata put it, 'Fixing these models is essential not just for the Arctic, but for understanding its impact on weather and climate change across the globe.' As nasty tornadoes popped up from Kansas to Kentucky, a depleted National Weather Service was in scramble mode. The agency's office in Jackson, Kentucky, had begun closing nightly as deep cuts by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency began hitting. But the weather service kept staffers on overtime Friday night to stay on top of the deadly storms, which killed nearly 20 people in the Jackson office's forecast area. It's a scenario likely to be repeated as the US is on track to see more tornadoes this year than in 2024, which was the second-busiest tornado year on record. Forecasters said there was at least a 10 per cent risk of tornadoes Tuesday for 10.6 million people in parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Weather service veterans expressed concern about the agency's ability to keep up in the face of the cuts. Rich Thompson, lead operations forecaster at the NWS Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, said the job is getting done. But he acknowledged that staffing cuts have 'made it harder on us.' "It has made it hard on the local offices just to make sure that we have all of our important duties covered. But, I mean, most of the people take those important duties seriously, so we're going to do what it takes to cover it,' Thompson said. 'I hope we're not in the same staffing situation long term. ... It would be hard to sustain this for months or years.' NWS spokesperson Erica Grow Cei said the Jackson office 'remained fully staffed through the duration of the event using surge staffing' and had support from neighboring offices. The Storm Prediction Center had tallied 883 local tornado reports this year as of Monday, which was 35 per cent higher than average for this time of year. Many former weather service employees, especially those fired by the Trump administration, remain connected to the agency's inner workings. They describe an agency that's somehow getting forecasts and warnings out in time, but is also near the breaking point. 'They'll continue to answer the bell as long as they can, but you can only ask people to work 80 hours or 120 hours a week, you know for so long,' said Elbert 'Joe' Friday, a former weather service director. 'They may be so bleary-eyed, they can't identify what's going on on the radar.' Tom DiLiberto, a weather service meteorologist and spokesman who was fired in earlier rounds of the job cuts, said the situation is like a boat with leaks 'and you have a certain amount of pieces of duct tape and you keep moving duct tape to different holes. At some point, you can't.' As of March, some of the weather service offices issuing tornado warnings Friday and Sunday were above the 20 per cent vacancy levels that outside experts have said is a critical threshold. Those include Jackson, with a 25 per cent vacancy rate, Louisville, Kentucky, with a 29 per cent vacancy rate, and Wichita, Kansas, with a 32 per cent vacancy rate, according to data compiled by weather service employees and obtained by the AP. Technologies used to predict tornadoes have significantly improved, but radar can't replace a well-rested staff that has to figure out how nasty or long-lasting storms will be and how to get information to the public, said Karen Kosiba, managing director of the Flexible Array of Mesonets and Radars (FARM) facility, a network of weather equipment used for research. 'There really are not enough people to handle everything,' said University of Oklahoma meteorology professor Howard Bluestein, who chased six tornadoes Sunday. 'If the station is understaffed, that could affect the quality of forecasts." Former weather service Director Louis Uccellini said budget cuts have drastically reduced the number of weather balloon launches, which provide critical information for forecasts. And weather service workers aren't being allowed to travel to help train local disaster officials for what to do when they get dangerous weather warnings, he said. Though the number of tornadoes is nearly at a record pace, Thompson and other experts said the tornado outbreak of the last few days is mostly normal for this time of year. For tornadoes to form, the atmosphere needs a collision of warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and storm systems chugging through via the jet stream, the river of air that brings weather fronts from west to east, said Thompson, Bluestein and Harold Brooks of the weather service's National Severe Storm Laboratory. 'The moisture that we're getting from the Gulf of Mexico is a lot more than we used to get,' said Bluestein. 'That makes the likelihood that we're getting a stronger storm higher and that's pretty unusual.' Temperatures in the Gulf are a couple of degrees warmer than usual for this time of year, according to the weather service. The connection between climate change and tornadoes is not as well understood as the links between other types of extreme weather such as heavy rainfall and heat waves, experts say. 'Under the climate change scenario, we're kind of supercharging the atmosphere on some days and then actually reducing the favorability on others,' said Ohio State University atmospheric sciences professor Jana Houser. Scientists are also seeing more tornadoes in January, February, March and other times when it used to be too cold for twisters to form, especially in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee, she said. More people are also living in harm's way, Brooks said. That's why Uccellini and others see increasing risks to people and property. 'When you have this kind of threat and you're understaffed at some point, something's going to slip through the cracks," Uccellini said. 'I can't tell you when it's going to happen.'
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
City once called 'most polluted in America' earns new title after decades of transformation: 'Legacy of change'
AFAR reported that after being voted America's dirtiest city decades prior, Chattanooga, Tennessee, has received the honor of being the country's first National Park City. In 1969, Chattanooga was labeled the most polluted city due to unregulated emissions from its industrial sector. The pollution got so bad that even daytime driving required headlights. However, the community didn't take that label lightly and got to work. Eventually, Tennessee's fourth-largest city created more spaces like trails and parks and expanded the waterfront. The National Park City Foundation, a U.K.-based organization (not the U.S.-based National Park system) agreed that the city met the 23 criteria to receive the honorable distinction as a healthier and sustainable urban area worthy of being a model for the future. "We've used the National Park City movement to encourage folks to think about Chattanooga as a city in a park rather than a city with some parks in it," Mayor Tim Kelly proudly boasted in a video, according to AFAR, adding that he was proud of the city's "legacy of change." Chattanooga showed how any area can turn itself around and become a cleaner and greener space that supports all life. Within 50 years, it went from having one of the worst labels an area could have to gaining international recognition. Green and blue spaces aid in better health as people walk, run, hike, bike, swim, and paddleboard with ease. Accessing those designated trails or the 13-mile Tennessee Riverwalk can reduce reliance on cars, a major contributor to carbon gases that overheat the environment. More vegetation giving off oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide promotes easy breathing and reduces the likelihood of respiratory illnesses like childhood asthma. Conservation efforts also help secure food supply for all. Pollinators thrive among native vegetation, where they forage for pollen, nectar, and seeds. These plants also provide habitats to rest and raise young. For example, milkweed is native to Tennessee and is the sole food source of the Monarch butterfly, and adding such plants enables populations to thrive again. Other local native plants and trees like the Eastern red columbine and purple coneflower add to the area's biodiversity. Other cities are on their way to improvement, too. Kinloch, Missouri, is removing illegally dumped waste that plagued the area for years, while Arlington, Texas, has gone as far as bringing in 400 goats to eat up invasive species in a local park. Do you think your city has good air quality? Definitely Somewhat Depends on the time of year Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Yahoo
This Is the First ‘National Park City' in the U.S.—and It's Home to Over 70 Parks and 35 Miles of Trails
Chattanooga, Tennessee, was recently awarded the title of America's first "National Park City." It was once one of the most polluted places in the U.S., but Chattanooga has undertaken massive efforts to transform itself into a greener, healthier place to live. When visiting the city, guests can enjoy access to over 70 parks and 35 miles of 1969, Chattanooga, Tennessee, was once so heavily polluted by unregulated emissions from railroads, coal plants, and industrial factories that the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare named it one of the most heavily polluted places in the nation. However, this little city at the foothills of the Appalachians has been working hard to clean itself up. In April, Chattanooga earned the title of the first National Park City in the U.S. The distinction is unrelated to the National Park Service, which manages parks, national monuments, and historic sites across the country. Instead, the city was given the designation by the National Park City Foundation, a U.K.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the way people think about cities and their relationship to nature. The organization awards the title to destinations around the globe that are rethinking urban design and are making cities more friendly for the environment and the people who live within them. The process of applying for the National Park City title started about two years ago, but it has taken decades of work. Since the 1970s, the city has taken bold steps to clean up through legislation and voluntary actions. The result is a city that feels like it grew into nature—not over it. 'The movement was a grassroots triumph, sparked by community passion and collaboration,' said Hannah Hammon, public relations manager at Visit Chattanooga. 'Starting in 2023, residents, nonprofits, businesses, and city leaders rallied around a shared vision of Chattanooga as a 'city in a park.'" The Scenic City joins London and Adelaide as the third National Park City in the world, and Hammon says she hopes the award will inspire other destinations to see that vibrant cities and beautiful natural spaces don't have to be mutually exclusive. 'Chattanooga shows that community-led collaboration, paired with bold environmental action, can create cities where people and nature flourish together," she said. "By prioritizing accessible green spaces, cultural diversity, and sustainable practices, any city can become a place where residents feel connected to their environment and each other." For those looking for a green, urban escape, Chattanooga is an ideal choice. The city is home to over 70 parks and 35 miles of trails. The South Chickamauga Creek Greenway, a multiuse path, winds through wetlands, forests, and wildlife corridors and offers a taste of the area's rich (and often-overlooked) biodiversity. Other highlights include Stringer's Ridge, a reclaimed urban woodland with tranquil views of the skyline, and the Tennessee Riverwalk, a scenic path that threads through downtown and other neighborhoods. Visitors can also wander through Bluff View Art District, known for its riverfront sculpture gardens, or ride the century-old Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain for a scenic overview of the city's landscape. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Forbes
29-04-2025
- Forbes
Chattanooga Is Now North America's First National Park City
Chattanooga has been recognized by the National Park City Foundation as North America's first ... More National Park City. At one point in time, Chattanooga was referred to by a federal government agency as the 'dirtiest city in America.' Now this southeastern Tennessee destination has been designated as North America's first National Park City. Given this title by the National Park City Foundation in April, Chattanooga's pathway to accreditation began nearly two years ago. It had started with the collective voices of the city's residents, community leaders, business owners and nonprofit partners. Through a series of public meetings, more than 5,600 signatures were gathered in advocating for a National Park City charter. In November 2024, Chattanooga's paperwork was submitted to the National Park City Foundation. Referred to as a 'Journey Book,' this documentation provided examples of Chattanooga matching the foundation's 10 recommended steps in the accreditation process. Overall, the Journey Book provided a visual snapshot of this collective work happening citywide. Chattanooga's Bluff View Art District is among other examples of the Tennessee city's commitment to ... More outdoor and cultural offerings. This past March, the foundation's review team traveled to Chattanooga to experience the city's parks, wildlife sanctuaries and urban landscapes firsthand. The team also meet those who were propelling this movement forward. In early April, city officials received the good news that their hard work and diligence had paid off. 'A National Park City is a global recognition given to cities that commit to making life greener, healthier, wilder, and culturally rich,' explained Brian Smith, Chattanooga National Park City director, Department of Parks and Outdoors, City of Chattanooga. 'It applies the spirit of national parks to the urban environment—encouraging access to the outdoors, sustainability, and community wellbeing.' Chattanooga is now the London-based foundation's third National Park City and its first in the United States. London became the first city to receive this designation in 2019 and then Adelaide in 2021. Chattanooga's Renaissance Park is one of the city's many outdoor spots. 'We've used the National Park City movement to encourage folks to think about Chattanooga as a city in a park rather than a city with some parks,' said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly in a media statement. 'The outdoors is our competitive advantage; it's at the heart of our revitalization story as well as the core of our identity. We've always known how special Chattanooga's connection to the outdoors is, and now it'll be recognized around the world.' Chattanooga contains a major trail system featuring Sterchi Farm, among other sites. In pursuing this distinction, Smith explained that the idea of Chattanooga becoming a National Park City was a natural fit. This moniker is not only is a point of pride; it also offers a competitive advantage. "With its rich blend of outdoor activities, historic preservation, environmental stewardship, and vibrant culture, Chattanooga reflects many of the best qualities found across the United States—all in one place,' stated Smith. 'This recognition also highlights the incredible access residents have to nature, culture, and community experiences right in their backyard and for those visiting.' Finding nature in or near Chattanooga is easy to do. Options can range from the 13-mile Riverwalk that runs along the Tennessee River to many hiking spots including Stringers Ridge in North Chattanooga. There's also a massive trail system and more than 200 pieces of outdoor public art. Much can be done within Chattanooga or its immediate surrounding area. Visitors can learn more through the Chattanooga National Park City calendar. Smith added that Chattanooga's National Park City designation serves as a strong marketing tool. "As we move forward, we expect the National Park City designation to become a core part of how we promote the city to visitors," he said. 'It's not just a title—it's a brand marker. And in a crowded travel market, it's the kind of recognition that helps us stand out.'
