A simple tree planting framework to improve climate, air pollution, health, and urban heat in vulnerable locations using non‐traditional partners

Abstract

Societal Impact Statement Planting trees is considered an effective method for climate change adaptation and mitigation. This framework provides a replicable blueprint to improve health, urban heat, flooding, and air pollution via a multisectoral, collaborative, environmental data‐driven approach. Native tree species with targeted ecosystem services are selected, and sites are strategically identified based on environmental and health benefits, with the intent of engaging community involvement through education and large‐scale tree plantings. Including non‐traditional partners in the framework provides heightened awareness of the relationship between climate change and health, thus catalyzing decision‐making regarding sustainable actions that reduce effects of climate change. This native tree planting framework is highly adaptable in other cities. Summary A multidisciplinary framework is presented for a data‐driven, climate change adaptation and climate change and air pollution mitigation project. This framework leverages heightened awareness of the connections between climate change, air pollution, and health to expand the cadre and societal impacts of those working to intervene in resilience planning and implementation. The framework, implemented in Houston, Texas, USA, beginning in 2019, consists of three parts: (1) identification of optimal native tree species for climate change adaptations and air pollution mitigation around variables important locally; (2) selection of large‐scale native tree planting locations where populations are already disproportionately experiencing flooding, increased heat, and air pollution‐related health effects that could be further exacerbated from climate change; and (3) engagement of multisectoral leadership broadened beyond those traditionally working on climate change resilience through heightening awareness of the link to human health. Native tree species were identified that had the highest combination of absorption of carbon dioxide, other air pollutants, and water absorption (aiding in flood adaptation and air pollution/heat mitigation). Thousands of the top tree species were planted in locations that experience substantial flooding during large rain events, have high rates of health effects exacerbated by air pollution (e.g., cardiac arrest and asthma attacks), and experience multiple days of elevated heat and air pollution. This multidisciplinary framework addresses a critical need to provide interventions accessible to the community; educate on the connection between climate change adaptation, air pollution mitigation, and health; and foster multisectoral leadership to accelerate local resilience actions.

Aula Verde (tree room) as a link between art and science to raise public awareness of nature-based solutions

“…A similar project was carried out in Texas leading to interesting outcomes. The Authors adopted the same multisectoral, collaborative, environmental data-driven approach, involving larger-scale planting compared to the present work 65 . The Texas project built bridges between community groups and other sectors and increased awareness of shared goals, providing a meaningful blueprint for addressing climate change.…”

“…The Texas project built bridges between community groups and other sectors and increased awareness of shared goals, providing a meaningful blueprint for addressing climate change. The results were presented as evidence of the importance of engaging diverse leadership for long-term benefits 65 . In addition to this multi-sectoral data-driven approach, the Flumen project integrated the conventional engineering and environmental perspectives for NBS design with an aesthetic vision.…”

Tree species used in urban forestry in Brazil: a scientometric review

“…Urban forests benefit city life and the environment in several ways, such as improving the quality of life, mitigating heat, managing stormwater, and diminishing the consequences of global warming (Abreu-Harbich et al 2014;Nitoslawski et al 2019;Pretzsch et al 2021;Hopkins et al 2022), and possibly improving food security (Brito & Borelli 2020). However, urban forests also have some disadvantages such as the risk to urban infrastructure and safety and implementation and maintenance costs; nevertheless, the extensive list of its benefits can overcome the disadvantages with proper planning and management (Jim et al 2018;Roman et al 2021;Vega et al 2021).…”