More than trees needed to bring wildlife back to our cities

The federal environment and acting cities minister, Greg Hunt, on Tuesday pledged to increase the number of trees in Australian cities. In a bid to fight higher urban temperatures, the plan will set targets for tree cover.

This is part of a green revolution spreading through the world’s cities. From New York to Singapore, urban areas are undertaking bold “greenspace” initiatives – removing concrete and allowing trees and vegetation back in.

Some of the benefits include replacing the ugly infrastructural trappings of vehicles and motorways as well as cooling cities, absorbing air pollution and minimising runoff. These greenings further have mental health benefits, by bringing residents and visitors alike back into contact with the land.

Read the piece on The Conversation by Adjunct Professor of Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT University, Peter Fisher - “Concrete jungle? We’ll have to do more than plan trees to bring wildlife back to our cities.”