Trees breathes life onto an urban space

Johannesburg as a major city in South Africa has been experiencing rapid urbanization and high population growth. The environment and air quality in cities and neighboring suburbs or township are increasingly degrading due to urbanization. The problem that can be identified is that densification of cities often ignores the need for greenery or greenspaces, prioritizing buildings and motor vehicles.

The importance of planting trees in urban spaces.

The benefits of “Urban trees” ranges from spatially making the space look attractive and streets to feel safer to enhancing the air quality within the space and mitigating negative environmental factors like flooding. Thus, planting trees in cities is important to create a resilient city that is less vulnerable to climate change.  Trees provide shade and its function include cooling the air in high-density urban spaces or building. This can result in reduction of energy consumption in buildings during the hot weathers.

Planting trees in the city as a solution to climate change?

The question could be, “how significant is planting trees in cities or urban areas?”, “what is the level of impact that it has towards mitigating climate change?”.  Although there is evidence that outlines the benefits of planting trees, it is also important to note that the impact of urban trees in mitigating air pollution and greenhouse effect is limited. Planting trees can be seen as an adaptation or rather a localized solution with health and local climate benefits. For the greater benefit of urban trees, it is recommended that trees should be planted at a larger scale and maintained over time.

Prioritization of planting treen in urban design or placemaking.

Placemaking and design recognizes the importance of promoting urban green to make the space more liveable. It is important to note that within the spatial segregation, the difference between the urban poor and rich can also recognized by the urban greenery. Urban poor usually live in spaces that are congested and lack suitable infrastructure and greenery. Thus, they are often at risk of flooding and other negative impacts caused by climate change.

So, what now, plant more trees?

Yes, it will be important to plant more trees within our cities and urban spaces because there are not enough trees. However, it will also be more important to educate and involve the urban residents on the importance of trees and why they need to be maintained to make a significant impact towards climate change. Trees can be planted along the sidewalks, within the yards and within the courtyards. The collective active towards urban green can help reduce the impact of climate change.

References

1. Ng, E., Chen, L., Wang, Y. and Yuan, C., 2012. A study on the cooling effects of greening in a high-density city: An experience from Hong Kong. Building and environment, 47, pp.256-271.
2. Pataki, D.E., Alberti, M., Cadenasso, M.L., Felson, A.J., McDonnell, M.J., Pincetl, S., Pouyat, R.V., Setälä, H. and Whitlow, T.H., 2021. The benefits and limits of urban tree planting for environmental and human health. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 9, p.603757.
3. Roy, S., Byrne, J. and Pickering, C., 2012. A systematic quantitative review of urban tree benefits, costs, and assessment methods across cities in different climatic zones. Urban forestry & urban greening, 11(4), pp.351-363.