Climate Change Ministry stresses need for urban forestry

ISLAMABAD: Sustainable, community-centric urban forestry programs can help transform Pakistan’s cities into more healthy, equitable and liveable places, Climate Change Ministry spokesman Mohammad Saleem said on Sunday.
Without adequate investment in such programs, urban areas in the country will “remain increasingly vulnerable to various socioeconomic, environmental and climate change-related problems,” he added.
Large trees are excellent filters for urban pollutants and fine particulates, and can provide food such as fruits, nuts and leaves, Saleem said.
“Spending time near trees improves physical and mental health by increasing energy levels and speed of recovery, while decreasing blood pressure and stress,” he added.
When planted properly around buildings, trees can reduce air-conditioning needs by 30 percent, save energy used for heating by 20-50 percent during winter, and increase property values by 20 percent, he said.