Bronx leaders rally for more trees in fight against urban heat and health disparities
Bronx Times
by: Christian Murray
Local leaders and elected officials gathered on the Bronx waterfront in Mott Haven on Thursday, Sept. 19, to advocate for the planting of more trees in sections of the borough that currently lack adequate tree coverage.
The officials emphasized the need for the city to address the significant disparity in tree canopy coverage in the South Bronx, particularly in neighborhoods like Hunts Point and Mott Haven, where the tree canopy coverage is as low as 8% and 14% respectively.
These discrepancies are particularly prevalent in Community Boards 1-6 and contribute to extreme heat conditions, posing a threat to the health and safety of elderly residents and Black New Yorkers.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson stressed the urgent need to address these disparities, which have led to poor air quality and extreme heat in the South Bronx, exacerbating pre-existing health conditions and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and mortality.
