Making Yangon a green city

As Myanmar develops and urbanises, buildings, roads and bridges that meet international standards alone will not do. It is also important to systematically grow and preserve trees and green spaces in the city.

The example of modern buildings together with parks is a popular trend in developed cities such as New York, Sydney, Tokyo and Singapore. Yangon, the commercial capital of Myanmar, has opportunities to become a green city.

However, with the proliferation of taller buildings, green areas are disappearing in Yangon, said U Maung Maung Than, country director for Myanmar at The Center for People and Forests (RECOFTC).

Less greenery has led to higher temperatures in Yangon, which recently saw a record high of 42.2 degrees Celsius. Record-breaking temperatures were noted at over 20 other weather stations across the nation.

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Myat Moe Aung