Climate Change and Urban Development

SOURCE www.npr.org
NPR dedicates a week to stories about climate change solutions for living and building on a hotter planet. The article discusses the importance of trees in combating climate change and balancing housing development with tree preservation in cities like Seattle.

Key Points

  • Cities like Seattle are facing a housing crunch while trying to preserve and grow their urban canopy.
  • Developers are working to find ways to build density with trees and comply with updated tree protection ordinances.
  • Climate change intensifies the importance of trees in providing shade, absorbing runoff, and mitigating extreme weather.
  • Balancing housing development with tree preservation is crucial for creating sustainable and resilient urban environments.

Pros

  • Trees provide cooling shade, absorb carbon pollution, and reduce stormwater runoff.
  • Balancing housing development with tree preservation can create more sustainable and livable urban environments.

Cons

  • Developments often involve the removal of mature trees, sacrificing years of carbon mitigation work.
  • The loss of trees in urban areas can lead to increased risk of death from excessive heat.