Impact One

Impact One

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An impact initiative that focuses on projects to address human and environmental wellbeing.

Photos from Impact One's post 24/12/2024

This Christmas and holiday season, we reflect on the unseen foundations of all that impacts life.

Like the hidden roots of a tree that nurture its growth, the true essence of Christmas lies beyond what we see.

The vibrant green of our festive trees is not celebrated by coincidence—it reflects the power of chlorophyll, the molecule responsible for photosynthesis. This miraculous process harvests the energy of the sun, while the deep root systems—larger than the visible tree—create a living network, exchanging water, minerals, and nutrients, and through this invisible process of life, connecting heaven and earth.

Like these roots, the true impact of life begins where it cannot be seen, grounded in resilience, connection, and care. This holiday season, may we nurture these unseen foundations and celebrate what unites us all.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season.

📷 ‘Wurzelatlas mitteleuropäischer Waldbäume und Sträucher’ by Kutschera L. et al., 2nd ed. 2013, featuring Picea abies (Norway Spruce).

12/12/2024
Photos from Impact One's post 04/11/2024

🌍 Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow

Impact One joined leaders at the 8th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh to discuss sustainable strategies for our interconnected world. Topics covered included Africa’s role in the global economy, empowering women in leadership, and building future-ready cities.

As part of the event, Impact One participated in the conclave “How Can Urban Areas Transform into Regenerative Cities?”. The discussion explored how cities can develop in harmony with natural systems, building restorative relationships to address complex challenges at a systemic level.

🌁 Why focus on cities?
Urban areas consume over two-thirds of the world’s primary energy and contribute 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions. At Impact One, we believe cities are the core of any environmental solution and their future depends on creating sustainable bonds with nature.

🌳 A key example of regenerative development?
In Riyadh, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 50°C, the city’s is planting 7.5 million trees to cool ambient temperatures by 2°C—and up to 15°C in the most densely afforested areas. This project is transforming the city’s infrastructure and boosting urban resilience.

Our thanks to the for hosting such inspiring conversations and to all involved for their commitment to regenerative, sustainable urban development. 🌱🤝

Photos from Impact One's post 31/10/2024

Imagine stadiums not just as venues for sports, but as catalysts for a healthier planet and society.

With cities generating over 70% of global CO2 emissions and sports arenas consuming vast amounts of energy, it’s time to rethink these spaces with sustainability at the forefront.

By embracing eco-friendly innovations—like energy-efficient designs, solar and wind power, and advanced waste reduction strategies—stadiums can become hubs for both environmental stewardship and community wellbeing.

For example, rainwater collection systems could reduce water consumption, while the use of green building materials reduces waste and pollution.

Stadiums have the power to inspire a future where every game promotes not only competition but also care for the planet.

📷 David Anthony

Photos from Impact One's post 08/08/2024

It’s easy to feel lonely in a city, even when surrounded by millions of people. Overcrowded environments can increase feelings of loneliness by up to 38%.

But nature can help. Admiring flowers, observing trees, getting your hands dirty in the soil, or listening to birdsong can reduce loneliness by 28%.

Green and blue spaces, like parks and rivers, act as social hubs where people can connect and share moments.

Interwoven among the skyscrapers and busy streets, our cities need nature to help us feel less lonely and more connected.

Source: World Economic Forum

03/08/2024

Nature isn't just an escape, it's a pathway to inner peace.

Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is a Japanese practice that involves immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the forest and engaging your senses. This experience can help alleviate negative emotions and enhance positive ones.

Take a moment to pause and tune into both your feelings and your surroundings. Listen, smell, touch, and observe; appreciate the beauty in the details. Focus on the present moment, free from other distractions.

Photos from Impact One's post 01/08/2024

Breathe in nature, breathe out peace 🌿

Millions face mental health issues daily, with depression and anxiety impacting 30% of people worldwide.

But just 20-30 minutes with nature can begin to improve your mental health. Connection with nature reduces stress, sharpens your mind and increases happiness.

Experiencing the 'awe' of nature—from a breathtaking sunset to the intricate patterns of leaves—can deepen your connection to the world, promoting a sense of wonder and wellbeing.

Photos from Impact One's post 25/07/2024

Plants are more like us than we think. They can learn, remember and communicate: all traits that we associate with being human.

🌱 Sentient beings, plants navigate the world through touch, sight, sound and smell—senses that we share! They can "hear" their predators, "smell" their neighbours, and "mimic" the shapes of other plants.

👀 Plants don’t have eyes, but they have the same photoreceptor proteins all over their bodies that humans have at the back of the retina.

🧠 Plants don’t have brains. They translate information into electrical chemical signals in their cells, identical to the ones used by our own neurons.

Unlike any other living being, plants can lose up to 90% of their bodies without being killed - a powerful reminder of their resilience, adaptability and strength.

📷 Ashkan Forouzani

Sources:
Hsu, D., et al., Biochemistry, 1996.
Brenner, E., et al., Trends in plant science, 2006.

Photos from Impact One's post 18/07/2024

in urban environments is essential for our health and wellbeing. One of the key benefits is boosting our Vitamin D levels—something often overlooked!

Why is Vitamin D so important? It helps our bodies absorb calcium, which is crucial for strong bones and a robust immune system. Despite its importance, many of us don’t get enough of this essential 'sunshine vitamin.'

But there’s good news! Just stepping outside can enhance your health. Natural light, particularly blue light, not only boosts alertness and cognitive function but also regulates our sleep patterns.

How can access to green spaces help?
Engaging in outdoor activities in green spaces increases our exposure to sunlight. Activities such as cycling and gardening have been particularly effective in boosting Vitamin D levels.

Make the most of your local parks and green spaces. Whether it’s a morning jog, a weekend hike, or a leisurely walk, regular outdoor activities in these areas can significantly increase your intake, helping to prevent diseases and improve your overall .

Photos from Impact One's post 16/07/2024

10% more road capacity leads to 10% more traffic volume. This phenomenon, called “induced demand.”

Traffic congestion is a growing problem in many cities, leading to longer commutes, more pollution, and higher stress. Adding more road space seems like a solution, but this is where induced demand comes into play.

Induced demand is a concept rooted in the law of supply and demand in economics. When the supply of a resource, like road space, increases, the demand for it often rises correspondingly.

This principle extends beyond transportation to areas like digital storage and fast fashion. More storage availability boosts data consumption and demand. Similarly, affordable clothing increases consumer demand, leading to overproduction, environmental degradation, and waste.

When it comes to roads, the solution is sustainable infrastructure. Here’s why:

🚶‍♂️🚴‍♀️ Reduced Congestion: Prioritising public transport and active travel like cycling and walking clears roads more effectively than adding lanes, boosting urban mobility.

🌿 Healthier Communities: Green infrastructure supports not only reduced traffic congestion but also lowers noise and stress levels.

🌍 Environmental Benefits: Fewer cars mean lower emissions, leading to cleaner air and healthier urban areas.

Shifting our focus from traditional road expansion to sustainable urban planning isn't just a necessity—it's an opportunity to transform our cities into healthier, more livable spaces.

ℹ️ Source: Mark J. Nieuwenhuijsen, “Urban and transport planning pathways to carbon neutral, liveable and healthy cities; A review of the current evidence,” Environment International, 2020

Photos from Impact One's post 11/07/2024

Life is better with a little more green. 🌱

As cities expand, so do the challenges of heat and pollution. The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, caused by replacing nature with buildings and roads, threatens our health. But there's a solution: urban greenery.

Why does urban greenery matter for health?

🌱 Cools the City:
Parks, trees, and green roofs provide shade and cool the air, reducing the UHI effect and making outdoor spaces more comfortable during heatwaves.

🩺 Reduces Heat-Related Illnesses:
Cooler city temperatures mean fewer cases of heatstroke and dehydration.

💨 Cleans the Air:
Trees and plants filter pollution, making the air cleaner. In the U.S., urban forests remove about 45 million tons of CO2 annually, equal to the emissions from nearly 10 million cars. This helps reduce respiratory issues and improves public health.

‘Urban tree-planting is saving lives. A recent study of 93 European cities showed that increasing tree-canopy coverage by 30% in cities can prevent one out of three deaths caused by extreme heat.’ — Eleni Myrivil, Global Chief Heat Officer at UN Habitat

Urban greenery improves our health and connects us with nature, inspiring greater care for our environment and creating a cycle of benefits for both people and the planet.

Source: EPA, Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2021

Photos from Impact One's post 28/06/2024

In need of motivation? Green spaces in cities can double your chances of meeting daily activity goals👟

Greenways guide the path to a healthier lifestyle with easy access to green spaces making residents three times more likely to be active.

Heavy traffic and a lack of parks in urban environments contribute to worrying trends of physical inactivity – a leading cause of death globally (World Health Organization (WHO). But high-quality green spaces can boost activity levels, which comes with numerous mental health benefits and makes exercising more enjoyable and accessible.

Ensuring access to green spaces is crucial for both physical and mental wellbeing. By creating and preserving green areas within our cities, we can support active lifestyles and improve overall health.

ℹ️ Sources:
1. Barton & Pretty, "What is the Best Dose of Nature and Green Exercise for Improving Mental Health? A Multi-Study Analysis," Environmental Science & Technology;
2. Pretty et al., International Journal of Environmental Health Research;
WHO, "Ambient Air Pollution: A Global Assessment of Exposure and Burden of Disease”;
3. Gidlow et al., "Natural Environments and Chronic Stress Measured by Hair Cortisol," Landscape and Urban Planning;
4. Brown et al., Journal of Physical Activity & Health.

Photos from Impact One's post 27/06/2024

Urban Oasis: How Nature Keeps Us Healthy

Engaging with nature offers tangible . A walk in the park can lower heart rate and diastolic blood pressure more effectively than walking on a busy city street. Nature's calming effect is a natural remedy for our hearts.

Exposure to natural elements from a young age, such as certain allergens and bacteria, can help build a resilient immune system, reducing the risk of recurrent wheeze and allergic sensitisation in children.

Regular interaction with can help prevent chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes mellitus. Promoting physical activity and reducing obesity through outdoor activities is an effective lifestyle intervention.

There is a link between visiting forests and beneficial immune responses, including an increase in anti-cancer proteins. This benefit comes from the relaxation provided by the natural environment or from contact with certain physical or chemical factors in green spaces.

Embracing the health benefits of nature is essential. By nurturing our connection with nature, we nurture our own .

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, Urban green spaces and health.

25/06/2024

In our rapidly urbanising world, reconnecting with nature is more vital than ever for both physical and mental health.

Here’s why you should connect with nature:

🌱 Time in green spaces is linked to lower mortality rates and better overall health. Enjoying outdoor activities can enhance sleep quality and reduce blood pressure.

🌱 Nature helps ease stress, anxiety, and depression, while boosting positive emotions and mental clarity.

🌱 Nature time sharpens memory, focus, and creativity, giving your brain a natural boost.

Next time you need a break, step into nature – your mind and body will thank you!

Photos from Impact One's post 21/06/2024

Impact One returns to the second Davos Baukultur Alliance Annual Meeting at the World Economic Forum headquarters in Geneva, under the theme of ‘Shaping the Places of Tomorrow’.

As a member of both the Alliance and the Global Commission of Nature Positive Cities, Impact One joined global leaders to advance collective action on key challenges and opportunities of high-quality Baukultur.

Unpacking the value chain within Baukultur, we have firestarted the panel “Investing in Place: Social Value in Regeneration” strategy session, alongside Dr. Steffen Sommer of Misk Schools; Shira de Bourbon Parme of Ramboll Group; Eime Tobari of Avison Young │UK; Anne Kessler of Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building; Rochelle Haynes of What Works Cities; and the Impact One CEO Mikolaj Sekutowicz.

As a holistic concept, high-quality Baukultur contributes to the quality-oriented transformation of our living environments. To enhance the quality of life for all communities and all species, nature must be integrated back into the built environment. The interconnectedness of human and planetary health is intrinsic and reflecting it in our cities can once again establish a connection to the natural world around us. Applying this one health approach also aligns with the and climate adaptation goals of the commission.

Nature forms the basis of all social value. Prioritising, investing in and implementing nature-based practices will allow for the necessary environmentally-conscious decisions that lead to long-lasting futures. Impact One is proud to contribute to the shaping of a resilient and nature-positive future together with the global Alliance.

📷 World Economic Forum / Marc Bader

Photos from Impact One's post 18/06/2024

When nature wins, we all win.

By integrating nature into our cities, we unlock numerous opportunities that not only enhance our natural environment, but also bring substantial socioeconomic benefits.

Actions for cities that are nature-positive at their core benefit all residents. The restoration of nature leads to job creation and economic growth, while mitigating the impacts of climate change, and protecting communities from extreme weather events.

Each city, taking into account their local context, should have commitments into science-based targets for nature that are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. These simple, yet effective strategies are easy to act on and make for considerable impact on their local surroundings, ensuring resilience, prosperity and wellbeing for citizens.

Photos from Impact One's post 17/06/2024

Restoring Nature: Cities as Protectors

The vitality of our cities depends on a sustainable bond with nature.

Urban areas must protect natural ecosystems, as cities rely on nature's contributions for functionality. Oceans, for instance, help reduce heat, manage waste, and store carbon dioxide.

Urban activities can heavily impact nature, disrupting ecosystems and the resources they provide, which in turn affects city stability. Key drivers of these changes include:
🏗️ Urban expansion
🔄 Resource exploitation
🌡️ Climate change
🏭 Pollution
🐾 Invasive species

These lead to ecosystem degradation, affecting essential services. Cities face numerous nature-related risks, from extreme weather events to agricultural loss and new regulations. To mitigate these risks, cities must track their impact on nature, focusing on ecosystem health and species diversity.

By committing to a nature-positive transition, cities can boost their resilience and ensure long-term sustainability, securing a thriving future for both people and nature.



📷 Ricardo Matsukawa

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