In American Cities, A Tale of Tree Inequity: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

Limited tree canopy affects millions of people living in American cities, especially those in people of color and lower-income neighborhoods. The lack of trees has been linked to hundreds of heat-related deaths, not to mention compromising the respiratory system, mental health, and other aspects of well-being. In addition, Americans who live in treeless neighborhoods are more likely to lose out on tree-related economic and social opportunities. Although more has yet to be done to sufficiently address these links, a growing body of research is linking this issue to not only income, but also the nation’s discriminatory practices of the past. As America’s inequality problem affects the distribution of natural infrastructure, urban non-whites and low income earners are more likely to bear the brunt of scanty tree coverage. It will take both public and private commitment to address this problem.