More trees could prevent 12,000 deaths a year in European cities

More trees could prevent 12,000 deaths a year in European cities

A Europe-wide study has found that increasing tree cover in cities could dramatically reduce air pollution and save thousands of lives each year. By analysing data from 744 urban centres across 36 European countries between 2000 and 2019, researchers discovered that boosting tree canopy coverage improves air quality and lowers death rates from pollution-related illnesses. particularly those linked to PM2.5, NO₂ and ozone. On average, urban tree …