Urban trees and air pollution impact
A recent study has highlighted that some urban trees, especially fast-growing species like willows and poplars planted in city areas, may contribute to air pollution rather than improve air quality. These trees release volatile chemical compounds, such as isoprene, which react with nitrogen oxides through complex chemical reactions, leading to increased formation of ground-level ozone harmful to respiratory health—particularly in the context of rising temperatures and climate change. Studies have shown that vegetation cover in certain cities, like Beijing and Sydney, significantly contributes to isoprene emissions, accounting for about 52% of the reactions that lead to ozone formation. The findings emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate tree species and implementing wise urban planning to reduce ozone reactions, as well as the need to limit plants' interactions with industrial pollutants—especially given the rising temperatures and urban heat islands that enhance harmful chemical reactions.
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