Comparisons of aerial images between lower- and higher-income neighborhoods show that income inequalities are demonstrated through the number of trees present. Higher income areas have more trees, while less affluent areas also have fewer trees.
"They found that for every 1 percent increase in per capita income, demand for forest cover increased by 1.76 percent. But when income dropped by the same amount, demand decreased by 1.26 percent. That’s a pretty tight correlation. The researchers reason that wealthier cities can afford more trees, both on private and public property. The well-to-do can afford larger lots, which in turn can support more trees."
The original study was published in 2008, but gained much more recent attention when it was posted by Tim De Chant on his blog, Per Square Mile. The original story has now been followed up with images that demonstrate this inequality in regions all over the globe.
We know that having access to the natural world is a good thing. This goes to show that, rightly or wrongly, there can be a price tag attatched to it.
image: from Per Square Mile
via: Treehugger and BoingBoing
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Comments (6)
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written by Robert, June 14, 2012
I can't believe correlation hasn't been noticed before. This applicable to almost every city i've been too. Especially here in NYC you can tell the sort of neighborhood your in just by the amount of trees. Tho i'm not certain this correlation will last very long in the US as a lot of cities are trying to plant trees anywhere they can.
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written by Brad, June 15, 2012
The same can be said about the Midwest. The higher economic neighborhoods have always had more trees. Robert does have a point. More and more lower income cities are planting trees and shrubs to try and attract businesses and patrons.
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written by Anna, June 15, 2012
Great insight to quantify this obvious yet overlooked and underutilized correlation! Numbers behind ideas make them make them more supportable and useful. Thanks! I will use this example in my math classes!
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written by Todd, June 22, 2012
The cost can be quite high. Last year i paid 3000 to remove 1 tree in my back yard....
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