Planting Some Tree Species May Worsen, Not Improve, NYC Air, Says New Study

Photo caption: More than a fifth of New York City’s surface is covered with trees, and many more are being planted. Here, Manhattan’s General Grant Memorial and Riverside Park, seen from an apartment building near 125th Street. Photo credit: Róisín Commane. Article by Kevin Krajick. Columbia Climate School: State of the Planet – August 5, 2024. Study: Environmental Science & Technology.

In line with longstanding initiatives to expand its green spaces, New York City is planting tens of thousands of trees each year. They provide shade, lower surface temperatures by releasing moisture, absorb a surprising amount of airborne carbon, scrub out soot and other floating pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat along with just plain beauty. What could go wrong? […]

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