Urban deforestation is killing our cities and planet. The removal of trees from urban areas impacts biodiversity, destroys habitats and puts ecosystems at risk — but the most devastating result of urban deforestation is its impact on climate change.

Removing trees in urban landscapes increases carbon dioxide in the atmosphere because the harmful gas is released when trees die. Additionally, living trees ensure balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is necessary for human life; urban deforestation breaks this natural balance. According to Live Science, if humans continue to recklessly remove trees, there simply will not be enough greenery in cities to absorb the excessive amounts of carbon dioxide that people produce.

In a study, carbon dioxide levels were measured over time and were analyzed in the context of carbon exchanges between the atmosphere and ecosystems. Deforestation proved to be the factor that negatively affected atmospheric carbon dioxide levels most.

According to the Sierra Club, the presence of trees in urban settings benefits the environment and human health by suppressing noise, reducing wind speeds, improving appearance, removing air pollution and reducing ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Additionally, urban trees help retain soil quality by filtering out harmful substances from roads and provide habitats for small animals.  According to UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, trees also improve humans’ mental health by providing an escape from industrial and urban lifestyles.

Therefore, to preserve the environment, foster human vitality and limit carbon dioxide levels, we must quickly take action. To combat urban deforestation, people should plant trees and create parks to increase green space. You can volunteer for the organization Tree People to plant and care for trees. 

Existing trees should be protected with city ordinances that would require proposed developments to be offset with mandatory plantings. The natural aspects of these ordinance will benefit both ecosystems and humans. To stress the importance of creating these ordinances, I encourage emailing a city council member and explaining the importance of valuing urban trees. This is a great way to get involved in your local community and make a difference.

-Elyse Pollack ’18