Planting Planting Native Trees Along Interstates and Highways Can Reduce Air Pollution In Cincinnati

Abstract

Record ID: 77

Award(s): Excellence in Research Communication

Program Affiliation: Capstone

Presentation Type: Poster

Abstract: Air pollution in Cincinnati is an alarming problem in the city. The Air Quality Index has ranked the quality of the in Cincinnati as "unhealthy" for most days of the year. This is a serious concern as bad air quality can lead to asthma, lung disease, and other health consequences. The Green Cincinnati Plan aims to try and resolve this problem through a variety of means. One way we can significantly reduce air pollution is by planting trees and bushes along Interstates and highways. Doing so will alleviate the pollution caused by vehicle emissions along the roadways, create a more scenic visual appeal for drivers, create more natural habitats for species, and even decrease noise pollution as well. Trees naturally filter our air through the pores in their leaves. These natural corridors must be planted appropriately in order to maximize the benefits, which is what this research aims to achieve. This project looks at other cities that have planted trees to alleviate air pollution and applies those results to a plan for Cincinnati. It is also important to consider what species of trees would best support the wildlife of the Cincinnati area and prevent invasive species. This project is also taking into consideration what highways and Interstates we should address first through a lens of equity. These findings outlined in this project are extremely important for the people living in the city so that everyone can have healthy, clean air to breathe, live, work, and play in.