Why It Matters

TreePeople works to alleviate urban environmental problems by bringing the healing effects of the forest to our city. Here's why our work matters:

• Cities cover less than one percent of our planet, but contribute 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions – a cause of global warming.

• Dark-colored pavement and rooftops in sprawling cities like L.A. create “urban heat islands” that worsen global warming.

• Ninety percent of the school grounds in L.A. are covered by asphalt.

• L.A. has to import 85 percent of the water it uses – at a huge cost to consumers and the ecosystems that supply the water.

• L.A. has the worst air quality of any major city in the United States, posing a threat to the health of our residents. 

With help from our volunteers, partners and donors, we can lessen the impact of these problems by creating a Functioning Community Forest in every neighborhood of L.A.

To support our important work volunteer with us or donate today.