Mitigation of traffic induced carbon dioxide concentration through road-side greenery

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration due to various human induced activities has become a main topic to discuss over the world in terms of its impact on global warming, environmental impacts, thermal discomfort, probable health issues and energy demand for cooling. Globally it is identified road traffic contributes largely to this Scenario. Sri Lanka being at the stage of rapid development is too facing the threat of CO2 emission increment. The research aims at identifying the average width of green belt required to moderate the CO2 concentration due to transportation emission. Three roads with comparable street greenery, moderate traffic flow and rich greenery at street edges were selected as the cases for onsite investigations and measurements. The results signifies a green belt of 40-60m width is required to moderate the CO2 concentration to the ambient level.