Report on Urban Heat and Tree Canopy in Charlotte, North Carolina

Introduction

Charlotte, North Carolina, experiences significant temperature variations across its neighborhoods, largely influenced by the presence or absence of tree canopy. This report highlights the impact of urban heat islands, the role of trees in mitigating heat, and ongoing efforts by TreesCharlotte to address these challenges in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Urban Heat Divide in Charlotte

Temperature Variations and Tree Canopy

Charlotte’s hottest neighborhoods notably lack sufficient tree coverage. Experts indicate that areas with dense tree canopies can be up to 20 degrees cooler than those without. This cooling effect is primarily due to transpiration, a natural process where trees release water vapor through their leaves, effectively acting as natural air conditioners.

• Transpiration: Trees release water vapor, helping to cool the environment.
• Shade Effect: Standing under a large tree can significantly reduce perceived temperature compared to direct sunlight.

Urban Heat Islands and Nighttime Heat Retention

Heat in Charlotte does not dissipate quickly after sunset, especially in urban centers. Buildings and pavement absorb heat during the day and release it slowly overnight, creating urban heat islands. This phenomenon results in higher nighttime temperatures in city cores compared to rural areas.

1. Urban materials store heat during the day.
2. Heat is released overnight, maintaining elevated temperatures.
3. Rural areas cool down more rapidly after sunset.

Findings from Charlotte Heat Mappers

The Charlotte Heat Mappers, a volunteer group led by meteorology experts, conducted a city-wide temperature survey on July 14, 2024. Their findings revealed that the hottest zones are concentrated along the light rail corridor, including Uptown, South End, Camp North End, and NoDa. These areas have experienced rapid development with insufficient tree growth. Conversely, parks, golf courses, and nature reserves were identified as the coolest locations due to abundant vegetation.

Disparities in Tree Coverage and Community Impact

Unequal Access to Tree Canopy

Tree coverage is unevenly distributed across Charlotte’s neighborhoods. Affluent areas such as Myers Park benefit from mature tree canopies planted decades ago, providing substantial cooling and environmental benefits. In contrast, underserved neighborhoods in west, north, and east Charlotte often lack adequate tree cover, exacerbating heat exposure and environmental inequities.

• Affluent neighborhoods: Established, mature trees offer significant cooling benefits.
• Underserved neighborhoods: Limited or young vegetation results in higher temperatures and reduced environmental benefits.

Environmental Justice and SDGs

This disparity aligns with the goals of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), emphasizing the need for equitable access to green infrastructure to improve urban resilience and public health.

Initiatives and Recommendations

TreesCharlotte Efforts

TreesCharlotte is actively working to expand tree canopy coverage, focusing on neighborhoods with declining or insufficient tree growth. Their initiatives support SDG 13 (Climate Action) by mitigating urban heat and enhancing climate resilience.

• Tree planting is prioritized between September and March.
• Planting occurs on private properties with owner permission.
• Community members are encouraged to participate by requesting tree planting in their yards or neighborhoods.

Community Actions to Mitigate Heat

Residents seeking relief from urban heat are advised to utilize parks, trails, and greenways with large tree canopies. Larger and more mature trees provide greater cooling effects, contributing to healthier and more sustainable urban environments.

Conclusion

Addressing Charlotte’s urban heat divide through increased tree canopy aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 11, SDG 13, and SDG 15. Efforts by organizations like TreesCharlotte are critical in promoting environmental justice, enhancing urban sustainability, and improving quality of life for all residents.

For further information or to participate in tree planting initiatives, contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com. Follow updates on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses urban heat islands and the uneven distribution of tree canopy in Charlotte’s neighborhoods, which relates to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The focus on cooling urban temperatures through increased tree cover addresses climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Efforts to increase tree canopy and promote vegetation growth relate to sustainable management of forests and combating land degradation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for vulnerable populations.
   • Target 11.b: Implement policies for inclusion, resource efficiency, and mitigation of urban heat islands.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and forests.
   • Target 15.9: Integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Tree Canopy Coverage
   • The article implies measuring the percentage or extent of tree canopy in different neighborhoods to assess cooling benefits and equity in green space distribution.
2. Urban Temperature Differences
   • Temperature measurements taken by Charlotte Heat Mappers with sensors to identify heat islands and temperature variations across neighborhoods.
3. Access to Green Spaces
   • Assessment of availability and size of parks, trails, and greenways with large tree canopies in various parts of the city.
4. Tree Planting Activities
   • Number of trees planted, especially in underserved neighborhoods, as an indicator of progress in expanding urban canopy.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: wcnc.com