Trees To Clean And Cool New Jersey Cities
Two new studies find that trees can significantly cool urban areas that generate heat and clean the air by absorbing pollution.
. The studies, sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), examined the “urban heat islands” surrounding the New Jersey cities of Newark and Camden and explored various measures to mitigate their adverse effects.
In hot weather, the air in urban areas is often hotter than in surround areas. This effect, called a “heat island,” is in particular a concern in urban areas, where buildings and dark pavement trap heat, absorbing the sun’s rays instead of reflecting them.
The studies found that the average air temperature in Newark can be as much as 11 degrees Fahrenheit higher than its suburbs and Camden’s temperature can top the surrounding area by as much as six degrees Fahrenheit.
“These two cities generate unneeded heat, which is not only unpleasant, it can have real health consequences for urban residents and for the environment,” said Jane Kenny, EPA Regional Administrator. “The good news is that there is a relatively simple and economical solution – plant trees.”
New Jersey Governor James McGreevey has launched an initiative to plant 100,000 new trees in the state’s urban and suburban communities.
Planting more trees is a long term solution, Kenny explained, but there are some short term measures that can be taken to reduce the urban heat island effects, such as using more efficient cooling systems and using lighter colored or more reflective surfaces on buildings, roofs and streets.
The New Jersey studies note that trees serve numerous purposes, from providing shade to the sun, absorbing carbon dioxide and filtering out pollutants from the air. Trees excrete droplets droplets of water that draw heat as they evaporate, cooling the air. Trees also absorb sound, prevent erosion and provide habitats for birds and animals.
“Trees also provide an attractive canopy for urban areas, making communities more attractive to business and tourism, transforming a neighborhood’s appearance and increasing home market value, as they bring nature closer to where we live and work,” said New Jersey DEP Commissioner Bradley Campbell.
Provided by theEnvironmental News Service.