User:Asutt/Urban reforestation

Lead
In urban areas, improved air quality is important and trees reduce pollutants. This can be done since trees can store carbon dioxide. An increase in shade leads to lessened energy costs as sun is blocked from heating air conditioning using structures.

With these benefits local property values can increase, rainwater pollutants can be filtered from the streets, improving water quality , as well as creating more space for wildlife /endangered species. This practice of Urban reforestation is a simple way people can tackle all of these issues on a small scaler than large organizations and companies, cost effectively in their communities.

Article body
In California, there are government funded programs such as the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's Urban Forestry Program. They advocate for local sustainability as well as health and happiness for the community long term. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's Urban Forestry Program also uses this idea of elevating a community to assist disadvantaged and/or low-income communities.

= Process = The effectiveness of urban reforestation comes from the fact that is does not require the purchase of a large piece of land to execute.

Criticisms
Equity of where Urban Reforestation occurs is often questioned. Programs such as California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's Urban Forestry target these communities but this is not always the case. Inequality in distribution of trees planted during Urban Reforestation leads to inequality of life. Permanence of trees is also an issue as a tree planted is a tree that might have to be removed in the future due to preferences of land owners in urban spaces.