The benefits of trees for livable and sustainable communities

Abstract

Societal Impact Statement Trees play a critical role for people and the planet. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the presence of trees and urban nature can improve people's mental and physical health, children's attention and test scores, the property values in a neighborhood, and beyond. Trees cool our urban centers. Trees are essential for healthy communities and people. The benefits that trees provide can help cities and countries meet 15 of the 17 internationally supported United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This critical review provides a comprehensive argument that trees should be considered an important part of the equation by project managers and civic leaders as we collectively work toward reaching these sustainability goals. Summary We live in an era influenced by humans to the point that the Earth's systems are now altered. In addition, a majority of the world's population live in cities. To meet the needs of people in a changing world, The United Nations General Assembly created the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) to improve the quality of life for people. These broad goals outline the greatest challenges of our time. An effective strategy to assist in meeting these goals is to plant and protect trees, especially in cities where the majority of people live. This paper serves as a critical review of the benefits of trees. Trees promote health and social well‐being by removing air pollution, reducing stress, encouraging physical activity, and promoting social ties and community. Children with views of trees are more likely to succeed in school. Trees promote a strong economy and can provide numerous resources to the people that need them. While cities are getting hotter, trees can reduce urban temperatures. They provide habitat and food for animals. Finally, trees are valuable green infrastructure to manage stormwater. Money spent on urban forestry has a high return on investment. As we navigate this human‐dominated era, we need skilled people who understand the nuances of the built environment and trees as we strategically plan the cities of the future. The overwhelming evidence from the scientific literature suggests that investing in trees is an investment in meeting the UN SDG, and ultimately an investment for a better world.

Urban–rural differences in perception of trees described by parents bringing up children in Warsaw and Jedlińsk, Poland

“…People who need time of 'healthy' loneliness, in the bosom of nature can calm down, relax, find an internal balance, nature gives solace, a feeling of freedom and privacy, outdoor activity positively influences physical health, helps fight obesity, respiratory diseases, sight and the backbone. Man strives for a connexion with nature through the desire for health, well-being, and greater efficiency (Nilsson et al, 2018;Maas et al, 2009;Donovan et al, 2011;Turner-Skoff & Cavender, 2019). The innate desire to come in contact with nature is called biophilia, a genetically coded basic need for life (Modrzewski & Szkołut, 2015).…”

A Survey of Multiple Interactions Between Plants and the Urban Environment

“…Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable) (United Nations, 2015). In particular, trees provide benefits that help cities and countries meet 15 of the 17 internationally supported United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Turner-Skoff and Cavender, 2019).…”

Peer Review #1 of "Urban–rural differences in perception of trees described by parents bringing up children in Warsaw and Jedlińsk, Poland (v0.1)"

“…People who need time of "healthy" loneliness, in the bosom of nature can calm down, relax, find an internal balance, nature gives solace, a feeling of freedom and privacy, outdoor activity positively influences physical health, helps fight obesity, respiratory diseases, sight and the backbone. Man strives for a connection with nature through the desire for health, well-being, and greater efficiency [42,[54][55][56]. The innate desire to come in contact with nature is called biophilia, a genetically coded basic need for life [57].…”