Local leaders and elected officials gathered on the Bronx waterfront in Mott Haven on Thursday, Sept. 19, to advocate for the planting of more trees in sections of the borough that currently lack adequate tree coverage.
The officials emphasized the need for the city to address the significant disparity in tree canopy coverage in the South Bronx, particularly in neighborhoods like Hunts Point and Mott Haven, where the tree canopy coverage is as low as 8% and 14% respectively.
These discrepancies are particularly prevalent in Community Boards 1-6 and contribute to extreme heat conditions, posing a threat to the health and safety of elderly residents and Black New Yorkers.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson stressed the urgent need to address these disparities, which have led to poor air quality and extreme heat in the South Bronx, exacerbating pre-existing health conditions and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and mortality.
“Today’s presser is a call to action and attention to address these disparities, which contribute to poor air quality in the South Bronx, and extreme heat, further exacerbating pre-existing health conditions that can lead to heat-related illness or heat-related mortality,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.
Gibson and attendees planted a tree as a means to draw attention to the issue.
Mychal Johnson, Co-Founder of South Bronx Unite, highlighted the role of trees in addressing public health issues.
“Tree coverage and access to green space helps to combat the inequalities that exist in the South Bronx, where one out of four children in our community have asthma and other respiratory-related illnesses,” Johnson said. “We must reduce the Urban Heat Island effect, improve air quality, and create healthier outcomes.”
The officials also cited a Department of Health report released in June showing that heat disproportionately affects Black New Yorkers and older adults. According to the report, 350 people in New York City die each year from heat-related illnesses, with seven deaths caused by heat stress.
The speakers at the press conference emphasized that increasing the tree canopy in the South Bronx is crucial in addressing environmental injustice and reducing the urban heat island effect, ultimately leading to healthier outcomes for the community.
Furthermore, they noted that the lack of vegetation not only contributes to heat and air pollution but also exacerbates issues such as sewer system overflows during heavy rain events. The advocates called for collective action from the city and private entities to address these disparities.
Gibson called for an increase in the Parks Department budget, with funds allocated to neighborhoods lacking adequate tree canopy coverage. She also urged private partners to join in the effort.
