Driving Urban Forestry Innovation

The Big Problem

When most of us hear the word “forest,” we picture the towering redwoods of California or the lush Amazonian canopy—but perhaps not the trees planted next to a busy intersection. However, in a world where over half of the population lives in cities,1 an increasing number of our interactions with “the great outdoors” are commuting to work or eating lunch in a park rather than an exotic getaway, making urban forestry more essential than ever before.

For city planners, the overwhelming advantages of urban forestry go without saying.2 Street trees are already considered an essential component of green infrastructure, responsible for providing oxygen, absorbing runoff, and mitigating traffic—not to mention boosting the health and well-being of citizens.3 Rather, the challenge lies in convincing stakeholders that urban forestry is worth investing resources in. On the one hand, policymakers and city officials may be hesitant to make ample room for these initiatives in their budgets, especially when other pressing issues like affordable housing or public transportation take precedence.4 On the other hand, the general public may take city trees for granted, not realizing how critical community involvement is to keeping these habitats alive and thriving.5

Herein lies the opportunity for behavioral science to illuminate the importance of urban forestry, rewriting the narrative so that city trees are not viewed as an additional cost but rather an innovative solution to many urban complexities. Today, we’ll dive into how applying a decision-making lens can elevate cutting-edge interventions that are already at the forefront of the field, ensuring they become an integral component of every city planning project.

About the Authors

A person with short brown hair smiles, wearing a green turtleneck sweater. Behind them is a brick wall partially covered with green leaves and vines.

Gabrielle Wasco

Gabrielle Wasco is Content Lead at The Decision Lab. She is passionate about translating groundbreaking research into engaging, accessible content to ensure behavioral science reaches and inspires a diverse audience. Before joining The Decision Lab, Gabrielle graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and English literature, sparking her love for scientific writing. Her undergraduate research involved analyzing facial and body movements to help identify the smallest unit of nonverbal communication. In her free time, you may find her cross-country skiing or playing music in the park.

Elinor Rosenberg

Transportation Planner for the City of Duluth

Elinor Rosenberg is passionate about investigating how environmental and social issues intersect. She holds a bachelor's degree with honors in Geography from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. Her previous work includes research on natural climate solutions and traditional knowledge as part of McGill's Robinson Lab Group on Ecosystem Policy and People, as well as research on air quality disparities across Canadian cities. She currently works as a transportation planner for the city of Duluth, Minnesota, where she plans and implements equitable, safe, and sustainable transportation options to create a more vibrant city. Beyond her work, she loves exploring neighborhoods while on runs, cross-country skiing, and cooking.

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