In a new study, researchers from the University of Arizona and UCLA found that planting trees can save lives.
The study, which was published in the journal Nature Climate Change, looked at data from 4,700 counties in the United States from 1990 to 2007. The researchers found that for every 10 percent increase in tree cover, there was a corresponding 1.42 percent reduction in premature deaths from air pollution.
“This is the first study to our knowledge that has looked at the relationship between tree cover and premature mortality at such a large scale,” said study co-author and Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics Matthew Davis.
The findings suggest that planting trees is an important way to improve public health, said Davis. “Trees provide many ecosystem services that benefit public health, including improving air quality, providing shade, and moderating temperatures,” he said.
In the United States, air pollution is responsible for about 200,000 premature deaths each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
While the new study did not look at the cost of planting trees, previous research has shown that the benefits of tree planting far outweigh the cost. For example, a study published in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment found that the benefits of planting trees in the United States, including reductions in air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions, would be worth an estimated $138 billion each year.
“Our results suggest that tree planting initiatives targeting urban areas have the potential to save lives and improve public health,” said Davis.
A new study has found that planting trees could save thousands of lives every year. The research, which was conducted by a team of international scientists, found that trees can help to cool the air and improve air quality, both of which are major health risks.
The study found that tree planting could be particularly effective in cities, where the majority of the world’s population lives. In fact, the researchers estimate that tree planting could save as many as 850,000 lives every year in cities around the world.
The findings add to a growing body of evidence that suggests trees are crucial for our health and wellbeing. For example, another recent study found that living in areas with more trees can help to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
While the benefits of tree planting are clear, it is not always easy to convince people to take action. However, the new research provides a compelling case for why tree planting should be a priority for both individuals and governments. With the right policies in place, tree planting could make a significant difference to the health of people all over the world.
