THE EFFECT OF GREEN AREAS ON AIR QUALITY IN THE CONTEXT OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES: CASE STUDY ÇANAKKALE

Abstract

Climate change is one of the most significant environmental challenges threatening urban ecosystems and undermining sustainability worldwide. Rising temperatures, air pollution, and intensive urbanization directly affect the quality of life in cities and constrain the natural functions of ecosystems. In this context, urban green spaces play a critical role in terms of ecosystem services. Green spaces contribute to the improvement of urban air quality through functions such as carbon sequestration, reduction of fine particulate matter, regulation of microclimate, and support for biodiversity. However, the per capita amount of green space and the integration of green corridors into urban infrastructure systems often remain below international standards, which limits the realization of ecological and recreational benefits.
This study examines the per capita availability of green spaces and their carbon sequestration capacities, as well as their impacts on air quality, with a focus on the city center of Çanakkale and the Kepez district. Carbon sequestration calculations, GIS-based spatial analyses, and ecosystem service valuation methods were employed to model the contributions of green spaces to urban air quality. The findings highlight the importance of the environmental impacts of green spaces within the framework of ecosystem services and emphasize their integration into urban planning processes. The case of Çanakkale demonstrates that green space planning can serve as a strategic tool for climate change adaptation in small- and medium-sized cities. In this respect, the study aims both to contribute to the academic literature and to provide a guiding model for local governments in sustainable urban planning.