Urbanism, Climate Change, and the Public Utility of Greening Cairo

Abstract

Green spaces have been proven to be vital in reducing harmful pollution, which is driving climate change, while protecting people from heat and drought by cooling urban heat islands, reducing flooding, and protecting water quality. Using the case of Egypt, this article examines the challenges posed by land speculation, city planning, and rapid infrastructure development, which are causing deterioration, inaccessibility, and the contraction of green spaces. It is argued that enhanced data, parks departments, and a state-run land buyback scheme could all address a rising need for public parks.