Pacific Southwest Research Station

Pacific Southwest Research Station
800 Buchanan Street
West Annex Building
Albany, CA 94710-0011

(510) 559-6300

Urban Ecosystems and Social Dynamics

Urban Ecosystems and Processes

Air

Emissions of carbon dioxide from power plants and other sources contribute to climate change. Motor vehicles are a primary source of other air pollutants that can threaten human health and environmental quality. Urban forests improve air quality by reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and absorbing air pollutants. Trees can directly sequester carbon dioxide as woody and foliar biomass while they grow. By shading buildings and streets, trees reduce energy used for heating and air conditioning, thereby lowering emissions from power plants. Properly planted and managed trees can also reduce the level of particulates, ozone and other pollutants in the atmosphere. Consult the references below for additional information on how trees influence air quality.

Studies

1. EcoSMART - EnergyWise


2. Effects of Residential Trees on Air Quality in Sacramento, CA


3. Effects of Tree Cover on Parking Lot Microclimate and Evaporative Hydrocarbon Emissions from Parked Vehicles


4. Guidelines for Energy Conservation and Carbon Dioxide Reductions through Urban Forestry


5. Impacts of Shade Trees in Parking Lots in Davis, CA


6. Miscellaneous Air Literature


7. Neighborhood-scale temperature variation related to canopy cover differences in Southern California


8. Olympic torch's ripple effect


9. Sacramento Parking Lot Tree Shade Ordinance