Trees - Important for Environmental Justice
The Challenge
One example of tools available
According to American Forests, Arlington’s consultant for the preparation of a new Forest and Natural Resources Plan, “Trees are more than scenery for our cities. They are critical infrastructure that every person in every neighborhood deserves — a basic right that we must secure. But a map of tree cover in America’s cities is too often a map of income and race. That’s because trees often are sparse in low-income neighborhoods and some neighborhoods of color. Ensuring equitable tree cover across every neighborhood can help address social inequities so that all people can thrive.”
Arlington County has not performed a Tree Equity study as have nearby jurisdictions.
Environmental Justice vs. Equity
According to the Arlington NAACP Environment and Climate Justice Committee:
“Environmental Justice: The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
Equity: ‘Policies, practices and procedures that focus on outcomes; based in an approach that considers strategy holistically and the root cause of disparities.’ “
To better understand the history, priorities and techniques for executing an equitable program read more from the Arlington NAACP.
Air Quality
Trees are one of the most effective ways to prevent and reduce air pollution. Trees absorb tons of carbon dioxide,
The American Lung Association’s city rankings in its 2019 “State of the Air” report found that Arlington received an ozone grade of F and a 24-hour Particulate Pollution grade of only B. According to the EPA, ozone is a powerful oxidant that irritates airways especially for those with asthma, children, older adults and outdoor workers.