In the early 21st Century, one of the most significant natural areas in Irving, which Dallas annexed the territory, turned into a mixed-use development with houses and offices. It is at the shrunken North Lake, a lake North of Irving near Coppell. A lake once with various types of fish and vast green space for people to visit, individuals going there had a place to reduce stress or perform their favorite hobbies. Although the lake continues to exist, it has significantly shrunken because of the continuous building of apartments and offices. Even though we need a place to live or work, why construct on top of a body of water?

Above, I gave one example. I do not only specifically address to the North Lake area near Coppell, but other parts of Irving as well, such as West Irving building many warehouses. If natural areas are more preserved, individuals and future generations will learn about the city's wonders and the importance of the elements of undeveloped land to the rest of the residents, such as health or a stable climate. Personally, I have seen the same trend in other nearby cities, such as Flower Mound and North Lewisville. If undeveloped land stays undeveloped, it would mean breathing cleaner air, preserving life of animals and plants depending on each other and us humans depending on them as well, drink cleaner water, and have more green spaces to enjoy nature, reducing stress and other symptoms associated with mental health issues. Although I am presenting an argument against building, I agree the construction of Lady Bird Johnson Middle School in Irving to be a good idea by utilizing nonrenewable resources to power the school. If building should be necessary, it should be powered with renewable resources or increase renewable resources in existing buildings.

Stopping construction in lands will help create good spaces for animals and plants thriving in the territories. Without organisms, individuals would experience more health problems, specifically respiratory problems. Same goes without trees. Does profit or health matter more? Taking action will help curb the situation. Thank you for your consideration in increasing efforts to make Irving green.