Prof. Faisal Moola, Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics, spoke to CBC Toronto about how the pandemic is reminding many Torontonians about their lack of access to parks in the city’s downtown and low-income areas.

Moola noted that access to green space helps to reduce stress, promote physical activity, and filter out air pollutants.”

He said the city should be focusing greening activities in lower-income communities and racialized communities, including creating more parks and parkettes.

Moola is an ecologist who studies conservation leadership and policy, as well as the effects of urban green space on public health outcomes.