Why are trees so important?
The climate crisis is a reality. The UK Health Agency recorded 2,803 excess deaths over the summer heatwave of 2022, with air pollution and heat creating a toxic mix.
Heatwaves are breaking temperature records. More extreme flooding threatens communities. Fires rip through homes, farmland and wild areas. And with less than 10 years to turn the tide on the future of our planet, we need action now or the impacts will be disastrous for generations to come.
Trees are an important natural ally in the fight against climate breakdown. They cool our streets when temperatures rise, absorb carbon from our air, help protect us from flooding and air pollution, and allow nature and wildlife to thrive. However only 13% of the land area in England is tree cover. We’re demanding the UK government takes urgent action and plants more trees.
It’s time to green our streets
Over 80% of us in the UK live in towns and cities. As the climate crisis worsens, urban areas are getting hotter and facing worse air pollution. More trees are desperately needed in our towns and cities to help communities cope with the hotter summers that the climate crisis is bringing. But nearly half of neighbourhoods in English towns and cities have less than 10% tree cover.
Older people, the very young and people with existing health conditions are most at risk from the devastating impacts of heatwaves. And people on lower incomes are disproportionally affected by a lack of natural cooling near their homes.
We're calling on the government to start an ambitious tree planting programme, especially in the urban areas where communities need them most. We need more trees, especially street trees, planted in the right place. We also need better protection for existing mature trees. It's time to plant more trees and green our streets!
The impact you will help make
Your inside track on environmental action
When you join, you’ll receive the latest campaign developments as they break. We’ll send you our award-winning Earthmatters magazine, share expert tips for reducing our environmental impact, and keep you informed on key events and extra ways to build your impact.
You’ll receive:
- exclusive Friends of the Earth email updates
- expert green lifestyle tips
- our biannual Friends of the Earth magazine
Join now Help green our streets