Hi,

Over half the people in the world live in cities. Urban populations contribute 75% of global CO2 emissions and are also especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Due to a warming planet, cities around the globe are experiencing water scarcity, increased air pollution, and higher temperatures.¹ Buildings, pavement, and roads absorbing heat can make city temperatures up to 3°C higher than in rural areas.² Green space can be unevenly distributed in cities, resulting in higher risks of climate effects for neighborhoods that lack trees.³

But there is a cost–effective, nature-based solution to help address these issues: more trees! Planting trees in cities can:

• Improve air quality and reduce air pollution.
• Cool outdoor temperatures by up to 8°C through evaporation and increased shade.
• Improve human physical and mental health and well-being.
• Mitigate and build resilience to the effects of climate change.
• Create economic benefits through energy savings and increased property values.
• Contribute to food security through trees that bear fruit and nuts.
• Protect biodiversity by providing essential wildlife habitat.⁴

Through EARTHDAY.ORG’s The Canopy Project, your support can help reforest cities across the globe – as little as $1 plants a tree. 

The Canopy Project works hand-in-hand with local communities to reforest both urban and rural areas of the world, to benefit both humans and natural ecosystems. Through this program we have planted millions of trees. This year our urban projects will include planting fruit trees in tree-deficient neighborhoods in Manila, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

Invest in The Canopy Project and help us create a more resilient planet and greener, healthier cities through community-focused tree planting.

For the planet,

Kathleen Rogers
President

Footnotes:

1. United Nations Economic Commission for Europe: https://treesincities.unece.org/sites/default/files/2022-12/2022%20Trees%20in%20Cities%20Challenge%20Information%20Note.pdf

2. We Forum: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/02/urban-trees-reduce-heat-deaths/ 

3. UNECE: https://treesincities.unece.org/sites/default/files/2022-12/2022%20Trees%20in%20Cities%20Challenge%20Information%20Note.pdf

4. UNECE: https://treesincities.unece.org/sites/default/files/2022-12/2022%20Trees%20in%20Cities%20Challenge%20Information%20Note.pdf