Officials, residents plant trees in South Bronx to promote more tree canopy
CBS News
by: Shosh Bedrosian
Lack of green space contributes to poor air quality in the Bronx, officals say that pollution is a contributing factor to what is known as the urban heat island effect, where urban neighborhoods experience higher temperatures than surrounding suburban areas. The South Bronx has some of the highest rates of asthma in the city, and CBS News New York reported on the poor air quality because of congestion and lack of green spaces.
"One of the prevailing factors that is contributing to heat island effects is a lack of vegetation, an insufficient number of trees and green spaces," said Borough President Vanessa Gibson.CBS News New York's reporting has shown the immense efforts groups like South Bronx Unite has done to prove poor air quality exists by installing air quality monitor boxes around hot spot polluted areas. But finally they say planting more trees could be the start of the solution. CBS News New York's reporting has shown the immense efforts groups like South Bronx Unite
"Tree coverage will help us breathe healthier air," said Mychal Johnson, Co-Founder of South Bronx Unite. "Let this be the start to many more trees being planted in this area."
