City Leaves | US Forest Service

The Cooling Effects of Trees

Globally, the past eight years were the warmest on record. It’s a trend more noticeable in larger cities, where forest floors and lush green canopies have been replaced by pavement and roofing.

Finding the balance of how urban and natural areas can comingle has never been more important. We talked with Dr. Francisco Escobedo a research social scientist with the Forest Service’s Pacific Southwest Research Station. He outlines some of the many benefits of urban forests and green spaces and how creating and caring for urban forests can result in cooler, more prosperous cities.

The Influence of Trees and Vegetation in Cities

“About 55% of people in the world live in cities. When you look at cities here in the U.S. and states like California, it’s over 80%,” said Dr. Escobedo. “A lot of what I do as a researcher is measure the influence of trees and vegetation in and near cities, what impact it has on people and on society.”

The Cooling Effects of Trees

“Probably the most acute and relevant benefit right now is the cooling effects of trees,” said Dr. Escobedo. “Heat and heat-related illness is a big and ever-increasing concern here in California. Trees help reduce temperature and do it well.”

Trees provide a cooling effect in two ways. The most obvious is the shade they provide. They block the sun from heating up pavement and buildings. And with increased shade, that means cooler houses and lower energy bills.

“We often say if you plant the right tree in the right place for the right reason, those trees, those leaves block the sun from hitting buildings or your house. Which means your house is cooler. If your house is cooler, you use less air conditioning. Less air conditioning, less energy.”

But there’s also a less obvious, invisible process taking place that cools the surrounding air. Trees convert water to gas which transpires from their leaves. This process, called evapotranspiration, and the shade that trees provide is being studied as one way to help reduce the increasing temperatures in urban areas, which disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.

The Wellness and Economic Benefits of Thriving Urban Forests

Dr. Escobedo has been involved in the field of the environment land management for the last 30 years. He has worked as a wildland firefighter, a forest soil scientist, studied hydrology and environmental policy and taught in universities. His passion for helping people eventually led him to urban forestry.

“If we want to help people, then there’s no better place to focus than around communities, cities and towns. That’s the perfect place to be,” said Escobedo. “Human health and a healthy environment are interrelated.”

Dr. Escobedo has explored how trees may serve as a purifier by absorbing pollutants and carbon in the air. This benefit can be measured by the growth rates of the trees and modeling the particulate matter deposited on leaf surfaces.

The Forest Service’s Climate Change Resource Center backs up how effective trees are as air purifiers. According to their research, “In the contiguous United States alone, urban trees store over 708 million tons of carbon (approximately 12.6% of annual carbon dioxide emissions in the United States) and capture an additional 28.2 million tons of carbon (approximately 0.05% of annual emissions) per year.”

Other Benefits of Urban Forests

There are other subtle benefits to societies underway in urban forests. Studies in Philadelphia show green spaces in urban areas can reduce depression and crime. Urban forests and green spaces also support local economies.

“People like going into shopping districts that are cool and leafy, especially in areas like Southern California,” said Dr. Escobedo. “Green spaces have also shown to increase property values.”

The Role of the Forest Service

The newly announced Urban & Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grants from the Forest Service aims to directly support all these benefits.

“As an agency, we have a unique supporting role, educating people on where and why to plant trees, how to care for and maintain them, and can help communities and organizations with funding.”

Editor’s note: The Forest Service recently announced more than $1B in grant funding for the development of urban and community forests across the country. This support will enable communities to plant and maintain thriving urban forests. Find more information on the Forest Service’s Urban Committee Forestry Program website.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses the importance of urban forests and green spaces in creating cooler and more prosperous cities. This aligns with SDG 11, which focuses on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The article also mentions the cooling effects of trees and their role in reducing temperatures in urban areas, which relates to SDG 13’s target of combating climate change. Additionally, the article highlights the benefits of urban forests in terms of absorbing pollutants and carbon, which connects to SDG 15’s goal of protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• SDG 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.

The article emphasizes the importance of urban forests and green spaces in cities, which aligns with SDG 11.7’s target of providing universal access to such spaces. It also highlights the role of trees in reducing temperatures and mitigating the effects of climate change, which relates to SDG 13.2’s target of integrating climate change measures into national policies. Additionally, the article mentions the benefits of urban forests in terms of carbon storage and pollution absorption, which connects to SDG 15.2’s target of promoting sustainable management of forests.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Percentage of urban population with access to green and public spaces
• Inclusion of climate change measures in national policies and strategies
• Extent of forest area restored and afforested

The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators, but it implies the need to measure the percentage of urban population with access to green and public spaces as an indicator for SDG 11.7. It also suggests the importance of including climate change measures in national policies and strategies as an indicator for SDG 13.2. Furthermore, the article highlights the benefits of restoring and afforesting forest areas, which can be used as an indicator for SDG 15.2.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: fs.usda.gov

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.