green lung

English

Noun

green lung (plural green lungs)

1. An area of natural parkland within an urban region, supposed to replenish the air with oxygen.
   • 2006, Christof Mauch, Nathan Stoltzfus, Douglas R. Weiner, Shades of green: environmental activism around the globe, page 76:

     The Magaliesberg became something of a green lung to which people escaped, particularly over weekends.

   • 2007, United Nations Environment Programme, Beijing 2008 Olympic games: an environmental review, page 74:

     After the Games, the Park will remain protected, serving as a green lung for the surrounding boroughs and the Olympic Village residential area.