As cities aim to increase tree cover, a new study shows that urban tree cover does not always equate to improved air quality. This research, published in Environmental Science & Technology, explored how expanding tree canopy in New York City impacts air quality. Many plants release isoprene, a chemical that interacts with other pollutants to create ozone, a harmful air contaminant. Using a detailed model, researchers estimated isoprene emissions from various tree species and discovered that planting more high-isoprene-emitting trees, such as oaks, could substantially raise ozone levels. These findings highlight the need for thoughtful planning and tree species selection to balance the positive and negative air quality impacts of urban greening. The Climate Program Office’s Atmospheric Chemistry, Carbon Cycle and Climate (AC4) program supported the study’s authors through a grant aimed at understanding the urban atmosphere of New York City.
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