Kids play in dirty air between busy roads at a Sheffield school. Trees are rare, making pollution worse. A new map, released by Woodland Trust, American Forests, and Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, shows urban areas with fewer trees have more pollution.
Lowfield Primary planted a tree to fight pollution. The map, covering 80% of the UK population, reveals deprived areas have less tree cover and 20% more traffic pollution.
It suggests trees make neighborhoods cooler and reduce pollution. Woodland Trust says tree benefits should be for everyone.
The map aims to guide policymakers to see trees as vital infrastructure. Detroit’s Tree Equity Partnership shows planting trees can create jobs.
UK councils like Birmingham and Belfast are considering tree cover in deprived areas. The map may help prioritize tree planting. BBC is the source.
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-67438443