New research suggests that trees offer a "layer of protection" for cardiovascular disease.
Tom Jacobs shares news of a study that finds evidence of the negative impacts to human health when trees die. According to Jacobs, the study found that "older women living in counties where an insect infection killed off a large number of trees were more likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke, or fatal coronary heart disease." The study was written by a research team from the U.S. Forest Service and published in the journal Health & Place.
The study examined the consequences of an infestation by the emerald ash border in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana during the early 2000s. Combined with data from the Women's Health Initiative, the study produced the following key finding: "Women living in a county infested with the emerald ash borer had a 25 percent increased risk of cardiovascular disease."
FULL STORY: A Branch of Medicine
Debunking Anti-Tree Myths
Most of the reasons street trees are sometimes unpopular with residents are either untrue or can be mitigated.
The Cost of a Well-Maintained Urban Tree Canopy Is Actually Pretty Cheap
In terms of its public health benefits, a flourishing tree canopy is practically priceless.
Cities Preparing for the Worst as the Emerald Ash Borer Comes to Town
A tiny insect, native to Asia, has been killing trees in huge numbers around the United States since 2002. With the emerald ash borer expected to spread, cities are trying to prepare to combat the worst of the devastation.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)