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.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip
Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont