What benefit do green roofs provide to urban air quality?

What benefit do green roofs provide to urban air quality?

• A. They store carbon dioxide
• B. They absorb pollutants and improve insulation
• C. They generate waste products
• D. They release more heat into the atmosphere

Answer: (B)

Green roofs contribute significantly to urban air quality primarily because they absorb pollutants and improve insulation. The vegetation on green roofs plays a crucial role in filtering air, as plants can uptake various airborne pollutants such as dust, particulate matter, and certain gases like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide. By doing so, they help to purify the air and reduce the concentration of harmful substances in urban environments. Additionally, green roofs provide thermal insulation for buildings, which can lead to reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This not only lessens the emission of greenhouse gases but also contributes to cooler urban temperatures, which can mitigate the urban heat island effect. Therefore, the combined benefits of pollutant absorption and energy efficiency directly enhance air quality and overall urban environmental health.

Green roofs contribute significantly to urban air quality primarily because they absorb pollutants and improve insulation. The vegetation on green roofs plays a crucial role in filtering air, as plants can uptake various airborne pollutants such as dust, particulate matter, and certain gases like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide. By doing so, they help to purify the air and reduce the concentration of harmful substances in urban environments.

Additionally, green roofs provide thermal insulation for buildings, which can lead to reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This not only lessens the emission of greenhouse gases but also contributes to cooler urban temperatures, which can mitigate the urban heat island effect. Therefore, the combined benefits of pollutant absorption and energy efficiency directly enhance air quality and overall urban environmental health.