Report on Tree Cover Growth in US Counties and Its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Overview of Tree Cover Expansion in the United States

A recent survey utilizing big data analyzed tree cover changes across 3,119 US counties. Findings revealed that 1,836 counties experienced growth and expansion of tree cover, with significant concentrations in prairie and Mid-West regions.

Counties that experienced forest thinning showed a mean tree loss lower than the mean increase in counties with expanding forests. This indicates a net forest growth across the United States over the past two decades.

Environmental and Social Benefits of Tree Cover

• Enhancement of biodiversity in local ecosystems
• Soil retention and prevention of erosion and runoff into waterways
• Reduction of average air temperatures through shading
• Provision of recreational opportunities
• Promotion of psychological well-being and calming effects on people

These benefits contribute directly to several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Key Findings from County-Level Analysis

1. Significant Tree Cover Gains in Both Rural and Urban Areas:
   • Lea County, New Mexico, recorded a 1,600% increase in forest canopy, the highest in the analysis.
   • 14 of the 25 most populated US counties, including Kings County (New York), Broward County (Florida), and Wayne County (Michigan), showed tree cover gains.
   • Palm Beach County and Miami-Dade County also experienced substantial canopy increases.
2. Urban Centers with Notable Forest Cover Growth:
   • Prairie cities such as Boise, Omaha, Lincoln, and Wichita gained forest cover.
   • Other metropolitan areas including Denver, Indianapolis, Seattle, Columbus, Philadelphia, and Nashville also reported increases.

Implications for Climate Change and Sustainable Development

The analysis, conducted between 2000 and 2020, found a mean tree cover increase of 8.15% across counties with forest growth. This positive trend supports climate resilience by mitigating temperature increases, particularly in the southeastern United States, as documented in previous studies.

Tree cover expansion aligns with the following SDGs:

• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Reforestation contributes to carbon sequestration and temperature regulation.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): Forest growth enhances terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Urban tree cover improves air quality and livability.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Access to green spaces promotes mental and physical health.

Additional Noteworthy Information

• Recognition of 300-year-old trees along the Detroit River as an old-growth forest highlights the importance of preserving mature forests.
• Ancient California redwoods have demonstrated resilience by sprouting new shoots from blackened trunks, emphasizing forest regeneration capabilities.

Conclusion

The observed net increase in tree cover across a majority of US counties over the last two decades represents a significant environmental achievement that supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Continued efforts in reforestation and forest conservation are essential to sustain these benefits and enhance climate resilience, biodiversity, and human well-being nationwide.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article discusses net forest growth and reforestation, which contribute to climate change mitigation by absorbing carbon dioxide and reducing temperature increases.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Tree cover expansion supports biodiversity, soil retention, and ecosystem health, directly relating to the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Urban counties gaining tree cover (e.g., Kings County, Broward County) shows efforts to improve urban environments, contributing to sustainable and resilient cities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.2: Promote sustainable forest management and halt deforestation.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Tree Cover Expansion and Loss
   • Percentage increase or decrease in forest canopy/tree cover by county (e.g., 8.15% mean increase in counties with forest gain).
   • Number of counties experiencing growth or thinning of tree cover (e.g., 1,836 counties with growth out of 3,119).
2. Urban Tree Cover Gains
   • Tree cover increase in highly populated urban counties (e.g., Kings County, New York; Broward County, Florida).
3. Climate Impact Mitigation
   • Reduction or insulation from temperature increases in regions with reforestation gains.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: goodnewsnetwork.org