Heat islands, tree planting, and environmental justice

Check out this article, “Charlottesville’s 10th & Page has fewer trees and higher temperatures than other residential neighborhoods — and it’s not by accident,” by Charlotte Rene Woods on heat islands, tree planting, and environmental justice. Here’s some background info you can find in the article:

The temperatures in 10th & Page are way above most residential areas and on par with shopping centers and other commercial places, according to the city’s new Heat Watch Report. Why? The 10th & Page neighborhood has the fewest trees of any primarily residential area in Charlottesville.

Here’s Dr. Wilson’s excerpt from the article:

“In areas with fewer trees, you may see problems with air quality,” said University of Maryland professor Sacoby Wilson, who leads teachings on environmental justice and health. “And during heat waves, there can be higher possibilities for heat strokes.”

He added that people with chronic health conditions — particularly lung or heart problems —- are most susceptible to health issues during extreme heat.