Activist warns tree removal fuels urban heat crisis

During a recent government meeting, a concerned citizen voiced strong objections to the removal of four mature trees from a parkade located on Lewis Street in downtown Pasco. The speaker highlighted the negative impact of this decision, emphasizing that the absence of trees has transformed the area into a \"sun baked\" environment, contributing to the formation of a heat island effect. This phenomenon, where urban areas become significantly warmer than their rural surroundings, can lead to temperatures that are up to 10 degrees higher in areas lacking adequate tree cover.

The speaker pointed out that heat islands disproportionately affect low-income communities and neighborhoods predominantly inhabited by people of color, exacerbating existing disparities. They argued that the removal of trees not only diminishes the aesthetic and environmental quality of the area but also undermines public health, as trees are known to improve air quality and mental well-being.

Furthermore, the speaker questioned whether the tree removal was a misguided attempt to address issues related to homelessness in the downtown area, suggesting that similar actions could extend to other parks in the city. They called for a renewed commitment to urban forestry, urging the city to prioritize planting trees rather than cutting them down, in alignment with Pasco's designation as a Tree City USA. The citizen concluded by stressing the importance of honoring commitments to both the urban forest and the community.