Did anyone else see the article in Time Magazine, published in the June 21, 2007 issue? It's located in the Life section under Environment. Click here to see a copy of the online version. The article was written by Dan Cray. He reported that urban trees are declining, and with that goes a decline in a city's air quality. Just as the countryside benefits from a canopy, Mr. Cray mentions that cities need a canopy, too. I'm sure we all know that trees filter out dust and smoke, and absorb carbon dioxide, but they also provide shade which many cities are lacking. So many urban trees have succumbed to various diseases, like Dutch Elm and the beetles that are now killing the pine trees. And cities don't have the manpower or the money to maintain trees and roads and sidewalks. Another problem is "urban sprawl." Too many folks think they need a 3500-6000 sq. ft. home, and are placing them on these postage-stamp-sized lots. No room for trees, much less any other flora. Interestingly enough, NASA reports that city temperatures are rising. But what are the cities doing about it? Instead of planting more trees (again they lack the funds), they are designing parks with tennis courts and playgrounds. But where does that money come from? I can understand more tennis courts and more playgrounds, but what good is that if there is no shade to be had on a hot summer day? Well, I'm glad to see that the Bay Area's mayors aren't the only ones to blame. :)
