Tree-lined vs Redlined- Trees, Air Pollution & Asthma with Dr. Vivek Shandas

Dr. Vivek Shandas is a Professor of Climate Adaptation and Founder and Director of the Sustaining Urban Places Research Lab at Portland State University and serves as Chair of the City of Portland’s Urban Forestry Commission in addition to other local and national advisory boards. He joins me on the podcast today to discuss his research on everything from trees in human communities, nitrogen dioxide exposure, economic benefit of green spaces and environmental services, as well as the impact of redlining in real estate and development and its impact on health now.

Which trees are best at reducing air pollution? How much can they help? How much money and health can we save by planting more trees? How has redlining impacted the trees in our communities, and what can we do to make things better? Listen and learn! 

To Do

1- Plant a tree! In the Pacific Northwest, consider volunteering or donating to Friends of Trees!

2- Plant a tree when you search! Use Ecosia when you search on-line!

3- Air quality is local- advocate for cleaner construction standards. Donate to Neighbors for Clean Air.

4- Learn about the history of red-lining and how it impacts health now- see the Mapping Inequality project for more. Good books include the Color of Law and A Terrible Thing to Waste.

5- Listen to podcast episode “Tubman’s Air Troubles” to learn more from an atmospheric chemist about air pollution.

Twitchy Airways Club Members

1- Commute on lower pollution routes if you can, avoid busy roads, peak traffic times, etc

2- Advocate for cleaner air for you and your community!

3- Look for green spaces, and encourage more trees in your community. Check out Imperial College London Air App- helps a Londoner find the safest commute for air pollution. Let me know if your city has one, too!

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