Urban Tree Canopy is a Matter of Life and Death

Trees are natural air conditioning, air filters and sponges for carbon, and yet many neighborhoods severely lack trees and the life-saving health benefits they provide. The consequences are only becoming more dire: the U.S. currently experiences about 12,000 heat-related deaths each year, with that number expected to reach over 100,000 per year this century. American Forests developed Tree Equity Score as a one-of-a-kind, human-centered resource to drive local decision-making and implementation for expanding urban tree canopy. Our experts understand the human impacts of extreme heat, and we’re working to affect change through federal policymaking and on-the-ground work in communities nationwide.

Contact media@americanforests.org to inquire about specific landscapes or subject areas, and we’ll match you with the appropriate expert.

With temperatures, air particulate and carbon dioxide levels rising, our cities urgently need expanded tree canopy. Trees provide life-saving shade at bus stops and sidewalks near schools. Trees near homes provide billions of dollars of reduced energy costs each year, which means the absence of tree canopy adversely impacts people and neighborhoods least able to withstand it. 

A majority of the country — more than 70% — lives in urbanized areas. Due to historic discriminatory policies, trees are often sparse in neighborhoods with more low-income families and people of color. American Forests is working to bring the benefits of trees to all neighborhoods so that everyone can experience the critical health benefits that trees bring, regardless of zip code, income level or race.