Large areas of concrete and asphalt absorb and radiate heat, creating an 鈥渦rban heat island effect鈥. It puts cities at risk of overheating as they are than surrounding areas.
One of the is to maintain . But in some cities, trees are being chopped down . Some councils are also fast running out of land to plant trees.
Most of the damage happens on private land. Usually it鈥檚 a result of large blocks being subdivided or undeveloped land being opened up for more homes.
Cutting down trees for urban development is well within the law. But tree-protection laws are than in others. To ensure our cities remain liveable, some laws will have to change.
Why cities need trees
Beyond just providing shade, trees reflect heat into the atmosphere. They also cool the air by releasing water through pores in their leaves, acting like evaporative air conditioners.
Trees provide many other benefits such as , and .
The influential for green cities, proposed by Dutch researcher Cecil Konijnendijk, states:
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you should be able to easily see three trees from the window of your house or workplace
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cities should have at least 30% overall tree cover
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you should have a green space with trees within 300 metres (or a three-minute walk) of your house or workplace.