Investing in Urban Trees Can Save Lives

Accelerated by global warming, heat island effects are increasing as a result of the elimination of trees for city development. According to the Environmental Protection agency (EPA), when people are exposed to extreme heat, they can suffer from potentially deadly illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Hot temperatures can also contribute to deaths from heart attacks, strokes, and other forms of cardiovascular disease. This is becoming apparent in vulnerable, underserved communities with low tree canopies and a lot of paved parking lots, roads, sidewalks, and roofs.

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