A city famous for tall palm trees wants to find some shade.
William Yardley reports on an ongoing planning effort in Phoenix to cultivate a tree canopy that would cover 25 percent of the city by 2030. Currently the city's canopy covers less than half that amount.
"Yet with a new emphasis on downtown development and walkable neighborhoods, as well as increasing concerns about heat on human health (forecasts show that climate change will make things even hotter here), Phoenix is actively seeking more shade," writes Yardley.
The article focuses on the work and ideas of Richard Adkins , who is leading the planning effort with the support of the city. Adkins's methodology "uses a formula developed by the United States Forest Service and arborist groups that factors in how much carbon a tree stores, how much electricity it saves, how much it reduces stormwater and the aesthetic value it offers."
Read the full story: In Phoenix, an ambitious plan aims to cover 25% of the metropolis with tree shade
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority