2018 Reports

New York’s Million Trees NYC Project

Quinn, Ashlinn

MillionTreesNYC, launched in 2007, aimed to plant 1 million trees across New York City by 2017 to reduce CO₂, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and improve stormwater management. Trees provide energy savings, improve air quality, and offer health co-benefits, including reduced heat-related illness and increased physical activity, though pollen allergies may increase. By 2014, over 900,000 trees had been planted, placing the project ahead of schedule. Overall, the benefits of trees far exceed their costs, supporting both environmental sustainability and public health.