By Cameron Davis:
There are stark visual disparities between wealthy and low-income neighborhoods in Los Angeles, evident in the size of homes, cleanliness, and overall quality of the community. However, one striking difference that often goes unnoticed is the lack of nature as you travel further east in the expansive city.
Shade, a basic necessity, has become a privilege in many neighborhoods. Driving through the streets of Beverly Hills, one cannot help but notice the abundance of lush greenery and trees that line every street. Vibrant green grass, bushes, and trees provide shade for the residents, creating a refreshing and inviting atmosphere. However, as you make your way to Downtown LA from Beverly Hills, the presence of nature diminishes. Sidewalks have fewer trees, streets offer less shade, and there are limited places to seek respite from the intense California sun.
Photo: Eric Wood
Even Mayor Eric Garcetti acknowledges the significance of shade, stating, "Maybe you haven't thought about it this way, but shade is an equity issue." And indeed it is. Wealthy neighborhoods in Los Angeles boast a tree coverage of over 35%, while South Los Angeles ranges from only 10 to 12%. Additionally, it is noticeable that wealthier neighborhoods have more mature and robust trees compared to the small, thin trees found in South LA.
Furthermore, with the ongoing climate change crisis and rising temperatures, the need for shade will become increasingly crucial. A study conducted by UCLA found that Downtown Los Angeles experiences seven days of extreme heat waves, a number that could rise to 22 days by 2050. Trees release moisture that can decrease temperatures by 2 to 9 degrees, making them invaluable in combatting climate change.
Not only do trees provide shade, but they also act as living filters, absorbing pollution and carbon emissions that contribute to the overheating of the Earth. Unfortunately, deforestation and the lack of trees in certain neighborhoods have exacerbated the effects of climate change. The filtration provided by trees is also linked to lower rates of asthma, fewer hospitalizations due to extreme heat, and improved mental health for individuals.
Fortunately, efforts are being made to address the lack of trees in low-income neighborhoods. Mayor Garcetti appointed the city's first City Forest Officer, Rachel Malarich, and the city has committed to increasing tree coverage in Los Angeles by 50% by 2028 as part of LA's Green New Deal. Ms. Malarich is dedicated to planting more trees, particularly in South and East Los Angeles, emphasizing that these communities deserve access to the same resources as others. It is essential to raise awareness about the economic divide in terms of access to trees and work towards creating meaningful change.
Wanna Be Part of the Solution?
TreePeople an organization dedicated to building climate-resilient communities, focuses its resources on areas with the lowest tree coverage, predominantly inhabited by Black, Indigenous, and people of color. These communities bear the heaviest burden of pollution, suffer from increased heat-related illnesses and deaths due to urban heat, and experience the worst environmental impacts stemming from systemic racism and historic disinvestment.
By acknowledging the disparities in tree coverage and taking action, we can work towards creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all residents of Los Angeles.
