Arthur Johnson, a resident of New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward, laments the loss of trees following Hurricane Katrina and the repercussions of the U.S. Forest Service terminating a $75 million grant meant for tree planting. This funding was vital for low-income neighborhoods to restore tree canopies, and its withdrawal hampers initiatives by local environmental groups like SOUL, which has successfully planted 1,600 trees. Johnson argues that the loss of these trees severely impacts environmental sustainability and community well-being, particularly as urban areas face increasing challenges from climate change and pollution.
"You're not just cutting out the tree, the environment with such cuts. If those trees aren't replaced and more aren't continually added, it really takes a toll on the sustainability of the Lower 9th Ward and its community."
"The benefits of trees are vast. They capture stormwater and replenish groundwater. They help clean the air in polluted areas, improve mental health, and cool air and surfaces of the built environment, especially during heat waves that are growing more intense and frequent with climate change."
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