Urban Trees for Equitable Cities: Tools to Realize SDG Goal 11

In alignment with the Sustainable Development Goal 11, to “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable,” American Forests has developed a tool for local governments, civil society, urban foresters and communities to make the case for planting trees in the neighborhoods that need them the most and allocating the resources needed to do so. Currently in use across the United States and soon to be launched internationally, the Tree Equity Score (TES) calculates scores based on how much tree canopy and surface temperature align with income, employment, race, age, health, and climatic risk factors. Further, the Tree Equity Score Analyzer (TESA) helps cities and municipalities to dive deep into decision-making around Tree Equity Scores. This event would highlight the strategic use of tools such as the TES and TESA, and how to make data-driven and cost-effective interventions to mitigate against urban heat islands, stormwater runoff and other climate change driven challenges.