Trees absorb and trap pollutants from the air. In one year, one acre of trees produces enough oxygen for 18 people to breathe every day and absorbs as much carbon dioxide as is emitted by driving 26,000 miles. Studies have shown Atlanta’s current tree cover saves the city more than $15 million per year in pollution control.
–Trees Atlanta
Studies have shown 60% of Atlanta’s natural tree cover has been removed over the last 20 years, and metro Atlanta lost trees at a rate of 50 acres a day between 1991 and 2005. In metro Atlanta, for every one acre of tree canopy lost, one acre of impervious surface was gained in the 16-county Atlanta metro region between 1991 and 2005 (Kramer, NARSAL, UGA 2005).
23 million acres of Georgia’s total 37 million acres are covered in forest. That means two-thirds of the state is forested. These forests provide numerous benefits for the state’s environment, including improved air and water quality.
–Georgia Forestry Commission
In the Atlanta area, a 20% loss of forest due to urbanization has led to a 14% increase in ozone concentrations.
–David Novak, Ph.D., USDA Forest Service Project Leader, Northeastern Research Station
An average Atlanta household spends hundreds of dollars annually on air conditioning. Strategically placed shade trees can cut cooling bills in half.
–David Novak, Ph.D., USDA Forest Service Project Leader, Northeastern Research Station
