Đề thi VSTEP Reading B2 — Urban Rewilding

For decades, city planners designed urban spaces primarily for cars, concrete, and glass. Green areas, if they existed, were often small, decorated parks with limited biodiversity. However, a new movement called urban rewilding is changing this approach. The idea is simple: instead of controlling nature, cities should allow native plants and animals to return to spaces humans have taken over. Cities such as London, Singapore, and Madrid have launched rewilding projects on rooftops, old railways, and abandoned lots. In London, for example, beavers were released into an enclosed river area in 2022 to manage water flow naturally. Singapore has transformed empty building spaces into vertical gardens that attract over fifty bird species. Madrid's "Green Belt" project aims to connect fragmented parks, creating corridors for wildlife. Supporters argue that urban rewilding provides multiple benefits. It improves air quality, reduces urban heat, and helps residents feel more connected to nature. Critics, however, point out that some rewilded areas may attract pests or damage infrastructure. Despite these concerns, the trend continues to grow.