Harnessing the Power of Tree Canopy in NYC
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Provided by: The Nature Conservancy|Published on: January 23, 2024
Articles/WebsitesScientist Reviewed
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This article explores the distribution of tree canopy throughout New York City, the importance of tree canopy in an urban forest, and local efforts to increase the amount of tree canopy within the city.
- Students will learn that tree canopy is scarce in New York City's low-income neighborhoods, tree canopy can provide shade during the hot summer months, and community activism has led to legislation that will equitably increase tree canopy in NYC.
Subjects: Social Studies, Earth and Space Sciences, Health
Authors: The Nature Conservancy, Thaiyeba Jalil
Region: North America, USA - Northeast, United States, New York, New York City
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This article recognizes that communities of color tend to have less canopy than white neighborhoods.
- There is a helpful illustration that displays the benefits of tree canopy.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students can obtain detailed tree canopy data if they click the article's interactive map.
- It may be helpful if students already understand environmental racism and the urban heat island effect.
Differentiation
- This article can fit within a larger unit on the ecological importance of trees and trees' ability to fight climate change.
- To assess prior knowledge, the teacher can ask the class questions about tree canopy before reading the article.
- This article can enhance a classroom discussion on the connection between health outcomes and socioeconomic status.
- This article can support a classroom discussion on the NYC government's effectiveness in combating climate change.
Scientist Notes
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Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. The Nature Conservancy has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
