Houston, we have a solution. ARecent studyRice University, Houston Health
Houston Wilderness and Departments Environmental Division discovered the many benefits of planting super trees, native trees that are most beneficial to a particular area. Now, researchers are sharing their findings with other urban areas.
Houston, like all urban areas, has high levels of pollution and carbon dioxide. It currently ranks 11th among U.S. cities with high levels of ozone days according to theAmerican Lung Association. The high level of pollution has resulted inpreventable asthma attacksin school-age children and caused an augmentation incardiac arrest. Houston has also been greatly affected by other climate-related effects like extreme heat or flooding.
Super Trees are a Must
Planting trees is a natural and long-lasting way to reduce pollution. It is an important part of climate change mitigation to plant trees and maintain groves.
Public health is under threat. But it is possible to improve and preserve it.
Houston is a large city and there are many variables that need to be considered. Based on their ability to absorb carbon dioxide, pull in water and stabilize the ground during flooding, 54 native tree species were compared. The researchers then narrowed the list down to 17 super-trees, or native trees that have the best potential for climate change mitigation. They chose the American sycamore (live oak) and American sycamore (American sycamore) because of their ability to draw pollution out of the atmosphere and for their wide canopy that can help keep cities cool.
Houston began planting these super-trees in 2019 and plans on planting 4.6.
Millions of trees are expected to be planted in the next decade.
The program is still in operation. We have over 15,000 super trees that have been planted along the ship channel. This makes it extremely popular, stated Deborah January-Bevers of Houston Wilderness. It is a benefit to our city in areas that are crucial for air quality, water absorption, and carbon sequestration.
Sharing the Framework
The Houston-area researchers have now released the three-part
FrameworkThey shared their knowledge with the public so that other cities can follow their lead.
The city framework will also affect the planting areas. Houston, for instance, had trees planted along the shipping channel. This is a highly industrious area which contributes to poor air quality. Other cities might place emphasis on shade, drought resistance and fire prevention to benefit their specific ecosystems. The framework creators stated in a press release that if each city followed the framework, it would create a natural solution to make their city a more comfortable and healthy place to live.