Why plant a tree in a city?

Trees play an important role in increasing urban biodiversity, generating a favorable habitat for different species, plants and animals that were displaced from their natural ecosystems. Currently, Gustavo Copelmayer indicates, more than 50% of the world’s population lives in towns and cities and it is expected that by 2050, this number will increase to 66%.

Rapid expansion of cities takes place without any land use planning strategy and the resulting human pressure has highly damaging effects on city landscapes and green areas. “Tree planting can contribute to increasing local food and nutritional security, providing sustenance for human and animal consumption.

A mature tree can absorb up to 150 kg of CO2 per year, says Gustavo Copelmayer, adding that trees play an important role in mitigating climate change. Especially in cities with high levels of pollution, trees can improve air quality, making cities healthier places to live.

Gustavo Copelmayer indicates that it depends on the location of the trees that are planted, this can help to cool the air between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius, which would undoubtedly reduce the urban effect called, “heat island”. Likewise, trees are excellent filters for urban pollutants and fine particles.

“Nature is not a place to visit. It is home ”.

Gary Sherman Snyder, American poet and activist.