Urban forests help clear the air

The City of Sydney’s plans to increase tree canopy by 50% could have a bigger impact on reducing air pollution than a reduction in traffic, according to researchers from the University of Technology Sydney.

The year-long study, published in the journal Atmospheric Environment, found that inner-city areas densely populated with trees experience reduced air pollution. Lead author Peter Irga explained that “areas with a high number of trees led to reduced air pollution, as the trees either trap the pollutants or allow them to be removed from the air”.

“We also found that there will be significant community heath improvements in coming years as a result of increased urban vegetation,” Irga continued.

“Trees and their canopies can help with the deposition and dispersal of particulate pollination that causes serious respiratory diseases, such as asthma and several types of cancer.”

While Irga said his team was surprised that an increase in canopy cover could have a bigger impact on reducing air pollution than a reduction in traffic, Sydney resident Aileen O’Connor said she has noticed the benefits of leafy streets and green open space since moving to Glebe with her husband, children and dogs a few years ago.

“It’s city living but with pockets of quiet, green, leafy areas where you almost forget you are in an urban space,” O’Connor said.

“The children and dogs love to play in the park at the back of our house, and it is reassuring to know they are breathing good, clean air. Both children had slight asthma when they were small, so anything that improves air quality is important to me.”

Asthma Australia CEO Mark Brooke noted that clean air can significantly help people with asthma to breathe better and live well. “Anything that encourages a healthy environment, and mitigates air pollution, is welcomed by Asthma Australia,” he said.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore confirmed that the City is committed to increasing tree canopy by 50%.

“We’ve planted more than 11,450 new street trees since 2005 to absorb pollution and provide shade,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Street trees and parklands improve our sense of wellbeing and reduce stress; they make our communities a greener, cooler and more beautiful place to live.”

Image caption: The O’Connor family enjoying their local park.