Putting America in the Shade

When it gets hot, the tough move into the shade! The Tree Equity Score looked at socioeconomics (backgrounds and wealth); population density and existing tree cover in almost 500 US cities. The cities had minima of 50,000 residents. Somewhat predictably, communities of colour and poorer neighbourhoods (150,000 of these were studied), had the least tree canopy cover (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/29/trees-america-cities-study-disparities). The Tree Equity Score estimated that at least 30 million new trees would have to be planted to provide equal amounts of shade across the USA. This is, of course, not quite as easy as it sounds. The right species of trees would have to be planted in the right places. The optimal tree species could also alter, as climate change further ratchets up local temperatures and changes rainfall. To provide real shade benefit, the trees would also have to be mature or, at least fast growing. Provision would have to be made for the costs of maintaining the trees. Having said that, trees provide more than shade. They enhance the environment and help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Tree Equity Score identified those US cities most needing tree planting. Step forward Chicago; Columbus; Detroit; Fresno; Houston; Jacksonville; Los Angeles; Memphis; New York City; Oklahoma City; Phoenix; Portland; Sacramento; San Diego and San Jose!