Trees Are Key to Fighting Urban Heat — But Poorer Areas Keep Losing Them

Sean McMinn

2019-09-04

NPR

Keywords: Urban heat island, Climate change mitigation, Tree cover disparity, Urban tree loss, Public health, Green Heart Project, Louisville, Kentucky, Financial challenges, Urban forestry

Louisville is losing 54,000 trees each year from development, natural disasters, disease, invasive species and lack of tree care. And it’s not alone. From 2009 to 2014, 44 states lost tree cover in urban areas — that’s around 28.5 million trees lost every year, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The podcast/ article emphasizes the essential function of trees in reducing the urban heat island effect and addressing the consequences of climate change within American cities. It points out the significant differences in tree coverage between affluent and low-income areas, with the latter typically having less tree shade, which increases their vulnerability to heat and related health issues. The example of Louisville, Kentucky, is used to illustrate this disparity, where the Park DuValle neighbourhood has only half the average tree cover of the city, in contrast to the well-shaded St. James Court, which is a wealthier area. The city of Louisville is facing a substantial annual loss of trees, with 54,000 trees being lost each year due to various factors. This trend is not unique to Louisville; data from the U.S. Forest Service shows that from 2009 to 2014, 44 states saw a decline in their urban tree cover, amounting to a loss of 28.5 million trees per year. The financial strain on cities, exemplified by Louisville's significant budget deficit, results in reduced funding for sustainability initiatives and tree care, further threatening urban forests' health. In response to these challenges, the Green Heart Project in Louisville is undertaking an innovative approach by planting mature trees in 3 sqm area and conducting a study to assess their effects on heart health and other health outcomes. The project's methodology, which involves treating tree planting as a form of medication in a clinical trial, highlights the potential for urban forestry to contribute to long-term public health and well-being.

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Tags: Environmental health, Urban sustainability, Climate action, Social inequality, Public policy, Health outcomes, Community well-being, Urban planning