Some urban tree stories from around the world

Often underestimated, trees can be powerful tools for addressing many modern urban challenges while increasing community well-being.

Bringing back the green to Bangkok, Thailand

The urban nightmare of Bangkok is slowly being alleviated by projects initiated through formalised groups  – Government, commercial entities and citizen bodies – working together to increase canopy, restore the canal system, etc. The rehabilitation of significant trees is just one project helping to increase the greenery and improve the lifestyle of residents of this crowded city.

The cooling of Phoenix in the USA

Phoenix averages above 37⁰C on more than 100 days every year. Urban growth has caused temperatures to climb by as much as 3-5⁰C in recent years and electricity consumption has increased dramatically. The Mayor and the City Council adopted the ‘Tree and Shade Master Plan’ in 2010, which focuses on increasing the tree and shade canopy. It is, “… an investment strategy of creating a healthier, more liveable and prosperous Phoenix”, said the Mayor.

Independencia, a district of Lima in Peru, is combating the threat of landslides with trees

At least 1 million residents of Independencia have great views but they live with the constant threat of landslides destroying their fragile homes. The creation of mountain-side forest parks is underway to help stabilize the land and provide amenity value.

Tree seeds are given to the public - Credit Bangkok Post

Phoenix public pushed for more shade - Credit Phoenix Business Journals

Independencia hillside - Credit Wikimedia Commons

In China, Beijing’s notorious air pollution is being abated

The more than 21 million population of this city have to endure some of the worst air pollution in the world. However, the city is being transformed by the establishment of huge areas of urban forest. The afforestation is not only cleaning the air but is also providing neighbourhoods with valuable spaces for recreation.  Public satisfaction with the project is as high as 94%.

A neglected urban forest in Nairobi, Kenya, has been turned into an asset

A 1000Ha Karura forest earmarked for development has had its fortunes turned around by public campaigns. Public participation – as enshrined in Kenya’s constitution – has become vital for addressing environmental problems and bringing about sustainable development.

The urban forest of Vancouver, Canada, is surviving the ravages of ‘development’ through community engagement

The challenges of development and climate change are being addressed by the Government’s ‘Greenest City’ vision and a ‘Protect, Plant and Manage’ strategy. The city’s collaborative approach and partnerships will help ensure the reversal of canopy loss. Vancouver’s urban forest includes every tree in the city – on streets, in parks and public spaces, and in back yards. 

Public Park Beijing - Credit VCG.org

Nairobi pupils launch a tree planting initiative - Credit Aga Kahn Development Network

Tree-lined Vancouver street - Credit City of Vancouver

Urban tree forestry is a worldwide movement. Forests and trees have the power to transform cities into greener, healthier and happier places in which to live. As the world continues to urbanize, integrating forests and trees into sustainable urban development strategies is essential for progressing towards making our cities more liveable.