How Urban Forestry Can Cool the Climate and Promote Social Equity

This episode of EcoJustice Radio we speak with Los Angeles’s North East Trees organization regarding the powerful effect urban forests have on the health and well-being of our communities and the climate in general. We also look into programs that are working within those communities to provide equitable solutions, green jobs, and open spaces.

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On this show we discuss Urban Forestry’s Connection to Climate Change and Social Equity. Jessica Aldridge speaks with Mark Kenyon, Executive Director of the nonprofit, North East Trees.

The horrific fires ravaging the Amazon in Brazil and Bolivia have sparked massive interest about how these dense rain forests influence the global weather systems by creating micro-climates that have macro effects. Ultimately, large-scale deforestation has an overall effect on global climate.

However, what of our trees here in Los Angeles? Do they impact our local weather? Does their existence play a role in mitigating climate change?

STORY: Trees Please: Saving and Serving the Urban Forest

STORY: Shaping our Water Future: Through Water Quality, Equity & Nature Based Solutions

Mark Kenyon has been associated with North East Trees (NET – http://www.northeasttrees.org/) from its very first tree planting over 26 years ago and volunteered on many tree planting projects as well as working with the Founder, Scott Wilson, and NET’s Board management oversight and strategic planning. Mark brings to NET a keen interest in native plants, habitat restoration, watershed management, and the use of natural spaces to connect with at-risk youth disadvantaged communities.

LINKS

Web: http://www.northeasttrees.org
Blog: http://northeasttrees.wordpress.com/
IG: @north_east_trees
Facebook and Twitter: @northeasttrees
CalEnviroScreen 3.0 (report/documents/map): https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/report/calenviroscreen-30

Podcast Website: http://ecojusticeradio.org/
Podcast Blog: https://wilderutopia.com/category/ecojustice-radio/
Support the Podcast: https://socal350.org/contribute-to-socal-350-climate-action/

Hosted by Jessica Aldridge from SoCal 350 and Adventures in Waste
Engineer: Blake Lampkin
Executive Producer: Jack Eidt
Show Created by Mark and JP Morris
Music: Javier Kadry
Episode 43

Updated 23 February 2021