Urban Tree Canopy Expansion

Shade and Cooling at City Scale (Solution Type)

Global (widely applicable)

Highlight

Expanding street and park trees provides shade, reduces heat and supports biodiversity and stormwater management.

Extended description

Expanding urban tree canopy through street trees, parks and connected green corridors is a core nature-based climate strategy. Trees provide shade and evapotranspirative cooling, store carbon, intercept stormwater, filter air and support biodiversity. Benefits depend on species, maintenance, water availability and equitable distribution, but sustained canopy programmes can significantly reduce heat exposure and improve neighbourhood liveability.