THE number of trees in major cities across the world has largely remained the same despite urban growth in the last five years.
However, new research shows one American city is bucking the trend.
Charlotte, the most populous location in North Carolina, has the highest tree coverage in the world at around 56 per cent, more than double the worldwide average of 22 per cent.
Marginally pipping the Netherland's Utrechtse Heuvelrug (53 per cent) and Vilnius (49 per cent) in Lithuania to the title, it has been hailed as a success story by industry experts.
READ MORE: Forestry contractor worries of ' b******t' after COP26 deforestation deal
That's according to the 2021 HUGSI study by Swedish manufacturer Husqvarna, which used AI and satellite data to monitor urban green spaces and their health in cities around the world.
With more than 200 species of trees and some 180,000 trees – about one for every four residents - Charlotte is leading the way, thanks to engagement with locals and long-term investment from authorities.
Among other things, they run a community-driven program to help people maintain trees on their property. They are also creating a tree ID book to help locals learn what trees are in their backyard.
Tim Porter, chief urban forester, City of Charlotte, said: “Charlotte is going to continue to grow, and we need to focus our efforts to provide the benefits of trees to every neighbourhood in an equitable approach.
"City council recently adopted the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which places a high focus on tree canopy, both in the built environment and the natural environment."
According to the study, cities in Europe, Central East Asia and North America all have an average tree canopy of 28 per cent, which is the highest average in the world. This can be compared with the region that finds itself at the bottom, South and West Asia, where the cities have just 17 per cent of tree canopy on an average.
Top 5 cities with the highest tree coverage globally 2020
Tree coverage
Charlotte, United States
56%
Utrechtse Heuvelrug, Netherlands
53%
Vilnius, Lithuania
49%
Tampa, United States
45%
Durban, South Africa
43%
Average tree coverage by continent 2020
Africa
17%
Asia
21%
Europe
28%
South America
20%
North America
28%
Cities with the highest tree coverage by continent 2020
City
Continent
Tree coverage
Charlotte, United States
North America
56%
Utrechtse Heuvelrug, Netherlands
Europe
53%
Durban, South Africa
Africa
49%
Hong Kong, China
Asia
39%
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
South America
38%
Sydney, Australia
Oceania
31%
Learn more about HUGSI at https://www.hugsi.green or contact: erik.swan@husqvarnagroup.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here