The Imperative of Urban Green Infrastructure The relentless pace of global urbanisation presents an array of multifaceted challenges, ranging from escalating energy consumption and increased carbon emissions to compromised public health and diminished biodiversity. As cities expand, they often exacerbate the urban heat island effect, strain existing grey infrastructure, and contribute significantly to air and water pollution. Consequently, the discourse surrounding urban planning has increasingly shifted towards fostering sustainable development, with particular emphasis on integrating natural systems into the built environment. This paradigm shift underscores the critical role of green infrastructure (GI) as a cornerstone for resilient and liveable cities. Green infrastructure encompasses a strategically planned network of natural and semi-natural areas designed to deliver a wide range of ecosystem services. Unlike traditional grey infrastructure, which primarily focuses on engineering solutions for specific problems, GI employs vegetation, soil, and natural processes to manage stormwater, improve air quality, regulate temperature, and enhance ecological connectivity. Examples include urban parks, street trees, green roofs, living walls, and permeable paving. These elements collectively contribute to a healthier urban ecosystem, providing habitats for wildlife and opportunities for recreation, thereby improving the overall well-being of city dwellers. A significant benefit of adopting green infrastructure is its capacity for effective stormwater management. By intercepting rainfall, promoting infiltration, and reducing runoff, GI mitigates flood risks and lessens the burden on municipal drainage systems, which are often overwhelmed during intense precipitation events. Furthermore, the presence of vegetation in urban settings acts as a natural air filter, absorbing pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone. The cooling effect provided by evapotranspiration from plants and shading from tree canopies helps to combat the urban heat island phenomenon, offering a more comfortable microclimate, especially during summer months. However, the widespread implementation of green infrastructure is not without its hurdles. Initial investment costs can be substantial, and ongoing maintenance requires dedicated resources and expertise. Furthermore, integrating GI elements into dense urban fabric demands innovative design solutions and often necessitates changes to existing planning regulations. Despite these challenges, the long-term economic and social benefits, including increased property values, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced community cohesion, often outweigh the upfront expenditures. Policymakers are increasingly recognising GI not merely as an aesthetic enhancement but as a vital component of a city's fundamental infrastructure. The future trajectory of urban development will undoubtedly involve a deeper commitment to green infrastructure principles. Successful integration will depend on interdisciplinary collaboration among urban planners, landscape architects, engineers, and local communities. By leveraging advancements in technology and fostering public engagement, cities can transition towards more sustainable models, ensuring environmental resilience and improved quality of life for their inhabitants for generations to come. Questions 1-7 Complete the sentences below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer. 1. Rapid global urbanisation creates various problems, including increased carbon emissions and a decline in ____________________. 2. Green infrastructure is defined as a deliberately planned network of natural and ____________________ areas. 3. Unlike grey infrastructure, green infrastructure utilises vegetation, soil, and natural processes to manage stormwater and improve ____________________. 4. One key advantage of green infrastructure is its ability to reduce ____________________ and ease the pressure on city drainage systems. 5. Evapotranspiration from plants and shading from ____________________ contribute to mitigating the urban heat island effect. 6. A major obstacle to implementing green infrastructure extensively is the significant ____________________. 7. For successful integration, future urban development will require close cooperation between urban planners, landscape architects, and ____________________.