Many people assume that LA is a desert— it’s not. Actually, we are one of the few places on Earth that enjoy a Mediterranean climate. That’s one of the reasons we all love living here. Regions like ours enjoy mild winters and warm summers. But you may have noticed that summers are feeling extra hot lately!
With the ever-increasing threat of climate change, extreme heat is in our future. Even with the rains we saw over the winter, we still face unprecedented times. Our trees in local forests and cities are dying at alarming rates. Just like our trees, we’re all at risk of heat-related illness and death, with people of color and low-income communities being disproportionately impacted.
If we do nothing, it will get worse.
But, there is hope. If we take action now, we can fight climate change’s impacts and save the lives of both Angelenos and trees.
Here are 6 easy ways YOU can make a difference for LA’s climate future:
Cool Your City.
Many Angelenos already feel the heat. What can you do to help? Spread the word about projects like the Los Angeles Urban Cooling Collaborative! Urban greening can help lower temperatures through shade and evaporative cooling. And greater use of reflective surfaces and building materials can combat urban heat by lowering the amount of heat buildings and pavement absorb. These effective solutions have already been proven around the world!
Download the infographic for more info on cool and livable cities.
Water Your Trees.
Planting new trees will provide plenty of benefits in the years to come! That being said, we also need to care for the trees we already have. Trees cool our city, protect our local water sources and keep the air clean! An investment in our existing trees is an investment in our children’s futures. You can help– join our next tree care event and protect the future of LA!
Green Your Community.
Be a hero in your community! You can make a difference, right on your street. Are there schools, parks, medians or streets that could use more trees? Make it happen! Our Citizen Forestry program can give you all the tools you need to green your community.
Host a Shade Tree Adoption.
Work with us to host a Shade Tree Adoption in your community! All you need to do is find at least 25 neighbors who want a new tree in their yard, and TreePeople can help you bring an adoption event right to you. For more information please contact us at urbanplanting@treepeople.org
Think Climate-Smart.
Did you know concrete, fake turf and gravel actually make our city hotter? When we cover yards with asphalt, plastic and rocks, we may save a drop or two in the short term, but we are doing it at a significant cost– extreme heat and less biodiversity! Plus, when rain hits a hardscape, it pollutes our beaches and rivers, worsening our water quality.
Instead, learn how to create a climate-ready garden and use mulch, trees and climate-appropriate plants that seep rainwater back into the groundwater below us.
Spread the Word.
We can make LA greener, but we need to everyone to take action! Tell your friends. Plan a tree care event in your neighborhood, together. Blow up your social media with climate facts and things people can do to help. Finally, become a member and join us on the frontlines of creating a climate-ready LA. There are plenty of possibilities, but it all starts with YOU.
This summer, let the heat be your call to action!