Federal effort will focus on marginalized areas in all parts of country and aims to reduce extreme heat and benefit health
To add a positive comment, this really will make a difference in cities that have no tree cover. The heat island effect is awful and it has proven to be helped quite a bit by trees. No, it doesn’t fix the climate but it certainly helps urban livers.
Montreal has been “greening” the city for a decade. I’m fortunate enough to be able to walk to work. The last 2 summers I’ve had to reroute my walk (adding 10 minutes) so I can stay in the greener parts of the city. It’s easily 3-5°C cooler on the streets with green areas. When it’s 35°C out… it’s really noticable. It must have a mental health effects too because it’s a god damned joy to walk to work now.
Absolutely. I am fortunate to live in a heavily wooded neighborhood but live within walking distance of one of our entertainment districts that has not prioritized trees in any way. The difference is definitely noticeable. There is almost zero shade and it feels awful during our summers.
Too little too late
Not if you are looking at mitigating heat in cities. A 6ft tree will be giving a decent amount of shade after 5 years’ growth if you pick the right species. The trick is looking after them.
That is the trick. I unfortunately see a lot of spots in our downtown area that had a tree at one point that never got replaced. I don’t really understand why a Texas city wouldn’t want trees all over the place.
Not to say they aren’t doing some things with trees right. Dallas does have a lot of green space and the new parks in and around downtown do have a lot of trees. We just have to wait to see what is still there in 20 years.
To add a little more on to this, the following (short!) video really shows you how trees can make a difference:
At least half a century too late.
The best time to plant a tree was yesterday. The second best time is right now.
