Trees Fight Climate Change

Tree planting ‘has mind-blowing potential’ to tackle climate crisis.

What Technology Could Reduce Heat Deaths? Trees.

At a time when climate change is making heat waves more frequent and more severe, trees are stationary superheroes: They can lower urban temperatures 10 lifesaving degrees, scientists say.

Einhorn, The New York Times, July 2021

“At a time when climate change is making heat waves more frequent and more severe, trees are stationary superheroes. Research shows that heat already kills more people in the United States than hurricanes, tornadoes and other weather-events, perhaps contributing to 12,000 deaths per year. Extreme heat this week in the Pacific Northwest and Canada has killed hundreds.

“Trees can lower air temperature in city neighborhoods 10 lifesaving degrees, scientists have found. They also reduce electricity demand for air conditioning, not only sparing money and emissions, but helping avoid potentially catastrophic power failures during heat waves.” (from The New York Times, read the entire article here)

From the Arbor Day Foundation: Through the natural process of photosynthesis, trees absorb CO2 and other pollutant particulates, then store the carbon and emit pure oxygen – and greener communities are cooler communities.

Friends of Trees content about trees’ superhero abilities to fight climate change, and related projects and programs.

Dr. Vivek Shandas and FOT’s former Deputy Director Whitney Dorer take a tree walk after the summer 2021 heat dome event and talk about trees and climate change: