Call for more trees in UK cities to tackle escalating threat of heatwaves

• A coalition of environmental and horticultural groups is urging the British government to significantly increase tree cover and green spaces in urban areas.
• The Woodland Trust, Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), and Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) warn that more “green infrastructure” is crucial to mitigate the escalating threat of heatwaves across UK cities .
• Their call comes amid a summer with two record-breaking heatwaves , including temperatures of 35.1C in May and 37.7C in June.
• The groups cited a Manchester study that highlighted that tree shade reduced concrete temperatures by 12C and grass temperatures by 9C, demonstrating the cooling effect of greenery.
• The groups are advocating for a boost in domestic tree production and a dedicated action plan to support this, ensuring the UK is better prepared for future extreme heat.

IN FULL

UK cities urged to plant more trees to tackle dangerous heatwaves