As global temperatures continue rising, we must take action if we want to stay healthy and safe. Planting trees is one way to keep cool. They provide shade and clean the air at the same time.
Effects of Extreme Heat
Extreme heat can worsen respiratory conditions, including asthma. It can also make infectious disease more contagious and increase risk of cardiac problems. Rising temperatures from climate change could add an estimated 250,000 deaths globally per year.
Those with low income and ethnic minorities are more likely to suffer health risks because many lack clean water, housing, and healthcare. There are also long-standing policies like redlining, which deny communities of colour access to housing loans and expose them to heavy-polluting industries.
Heat Island Effect
Compared to suburban and rural areas, cities lack trees and other greenery, leaving streets and paths directly exposed to sunlight. Because of this, cities can be 10°F hotter than suburban areas. In cities in the US, there are around 1,300 heat-related deaths per year.
Benefits of Trees for Cooling
By providing shade, trees block direct sunlight and decrease the heat absorption of nearby roads and buildings. They also release moisture (transpiration), reducing air temperatures. Studies have shown that areas with 40% or more tree cover have significantly lower daytime air temperatures. Since 3 in 4 city dwellers live in places with 20% or less tree cover, planting more trees would benefit many communities.
Reference:
Concrete Jungles: The Critical Role of Tree Cover in Public Health
