Time for Chicago to be smart about green engineering

Congratulations to the Sun- Times for raising public awareness about the value of green engineering. The huge benefits from creating what environmentalists call nature- based infrastructure go even beyond managing storm water. Rain gardens, swales and stormwater tree trenches are examples of infrastructure providing a wide range of non- stormwater benefits. These include cleaner air; reduction of heat island effect; reduced noise pollution; reduced pavement maintenance needs; cooler cars in shaded parking lots; windbreaks; reduced annual air conditioning costs; increased populations of lepidoptera ( butterflies/ moths), native bees and other at- risk pollinators, and birds; plus increased social benefits ( e. g. reduced stress, improved outdoor leisure and recreation, and reduced crime).

A rarely mentioned, but life- saving and scientifically well- known benefit from absorbent natural ecosystems ( including urban prairies, wetlands, and woodlands), is their efficient absorption of atmospheric carbon and other pollutants and their sequestration underground. Creating green infrastructure is an efficient way to reduce global climate change, widely considered an “existential threat” to human life. It is time for Chicago, the suburbs and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to follow Philadelphia’s smart example and your suggestions.

Charlotte Adelman, Wilmette