HARC’s Research Scientist and Nature Based Solutions Program Manager, Dr. Ryan Bare, was recently interviewed for an article on tree equity for American Public Media (APM) Research Lab.
The article, entitled Tree Equity: How are Some of America’s Hottest Cities Using It to Protect Vulnerable Communities?, highlights the importance of increasing access to trees to combat record-breaking high temperatures in some of the most vulnerable areas in major US cities.
Dr. Bare was one of several experts interviewed and quoted in the article. He explained the concept behind tree equity and what he is seeing in the Houston area:
“It’s about identifying some of the hottest areas, some areas most at risk, where tree canopy can have the greatest benefits…Within Houston we do see a disproportionate amount of tree canopy coverage in more affluent areas compared to underserved areas or neighborhoods.”
APM Research Lab interviewed several experts across the US to understand how they are using tree canopy to help reduce the high levels of heat in underserved communities. The article also highlights how nonprofits, research centers, and state governments are working together to better understand how trees can be purposefully planted to reduce heat in high-risk areas.
Dr. Bare and other members of the HARC team (Senior Research Associate Dr. Meredith Jennings, Senior Research Assistant Kirsten Vernin, NAS GRP Science Policy Fellow Stephanie Piper, and Senior GIS Specialist Qian Song) are working in partnership with the Mitsubishi Corporation to identify neighborhoods which are currently at risk in the Houston area. Their efforts include using thermal instruments to register and collect data on the heat.
To read the full article, click here.
For more information on HARC’s research programs, click here.
