Understanding Tree Equity and Its Impact on Community Health

Did you know that the shade from trees can play a crucial role in keeping neighborhoods cool and combating the effects of extreme heat? However, not all communities benefit equally. In many cities, neighborhoods predominantly populated by minorities and lower-income households often have significantly less tree cover than wealthier, predominantly white neighborhoods. This disparity exposes these communities to higher temperatures, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and reducing overall quality of life. Why does this matter? 🌡️ Heat Amplification: Urban areas without adequate tree coverage become heat islands, where temperatures can be several degrees higher than nearby shaded areas. 💔 Health Impacts: Prolonged exposure to extreme heat increases risks of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and even life-threatening conditions. 📉 Economic Effects: Higher energy costs to cool homes in treeless neighborhoods place additional financial burdens on already stretched budgets. Trees are more than just a natural resource; they’re a lifeline for healthy, sustainable communities. Let’s work together to close the shade gap and create cooler, healthier, and more equitable cities for everyone. https://lnkd.in/e4jcUAsR #TreeEquity #DEI #EnvironmentalJustice #ClimateChange

From The New York Times: "About 124.1 million people — 38 percent of the population of the contiguous United States — live in the areas expected to have dangerous levels of heat." Terrifying, right? That doesn't come close to telling the full story. Some people in our communities will be at MUCH greater risk due to pre-existing health conditions, less heat resilient homes, lack of AC or the ability to afford fully running the AC they have, and other societal determinants of heat risk. If that inequity were not concerning enough, in these same communities where people are already most at risk it will also be hotter this week. MUCH hotter. With Tree Equity Score (TreeEquityScore.org) we have proof. Our data show that across America, the neighborhoods with the highest levels of people in poverty, for example, have on average 26% less 🌳 cover and are on average 7 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than the wealthiest neighborhoods. Tree Equity Score data go neighborhood by neighborhood for urban areas nationwide, and you can quickly see many neighborhoods where the additional heat load is way higher than this average--some low tree cover neighborhoods can be nearly 20 degrees F hotter than the citywide average on the hottest days. That's why American Forests and our partners are fighting for #TreeEquity so our neighborhoods most at risk from heat can get Nature's AC going full blast. It's one VITAL part of a larger equitable & climate-safe cooling strategy that must also include clean forms of AC that reach more homes, passive cooling, community response, and much more. The best time to prepare our communities for climate-fueled heat was 20 years ago. The second best time is right now. Let's do it every day like lives are on the line, because they are. https://lnkd.in/e-nJ4mpC

Are the number of trees in your neighbourhood impacting your health? Millions of Americans lack access to trees. In extreme cases, wealthy areas have 65% more tree canopy than communities where 90% people live below the poverty line. Tree equity is all about ensuring everyone gets to experience cooler streets, cleaner air, and better health. Trees today prevent ~1,200 heat-related deaths annually in the US and being in the presence of trees has been found to improve youth mental and physical health. The Tree Equity Score by American Forests is a game-changer. This free online tool uses data on tree cover, temperature, and demographics to pinpoint neighborhoods most in need of green investment. With a few clicks, you can see the tree equity score of your community, and surrounding neighborhoods, and identify areas struggling with the urban heat island effect. For example, below is the canopy coverage of neighborhoods in Berkeley, where I went to college. As you can see, Berkeley’s 100% and 90s scores – correlate to a cluster of neighborhoods that are near campus -- primarily students who can afford higher rents and thus, access to green space. Areas with scores in the 70s or even as low as 49 run along the Marina, a more industrial/shipping area, and along the Oakland/Berkeley border. Have you heard about Tree Equity? Have you used the Tree Equity Score calculator? #TreeEquity #UrbanForests #Sustainability