In densely populated locations like London, scientists estimate that trees have saved over 150 lives in just eight years by reducing large patches of the city by up to 35°F (2°C). However, urbanization has led to the uprooting of trees in favor of concrete car parks and pedestrianized zones. These concrete jungles are not as healthy as natural ones and produce what is known as the “Urban Heat Island Effect.”
The disadvantage of higher temperatures is that they can exacerbate existing health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory problems, and even diabetes. To make matters worse, urban areas tend to have higher levels of air pollution and without trees, we lose out on their potential filtering process.
A ground-breaking study published in IOP Science estimates that during heatwave events in 2022, tree coverage helped avoid around 16 heat attributable deaths in London. The cooling benefits from trees become even greater under hotter future climates. Therefore, increasing tree canopy coverage is part of a set of broader public health actions that can help reduce heat-related mortality in the future. So next time you lace up your sneakers for a scenic run, remember to thank your leafy friends for helping keep you cool and healthy.