Three Key Facts:
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- Philadelphia’s urban heat island effect has made it one of the hottest cities in the Northeast. Now, the city is working to ensure every resident can enjoy the benefits of a healthy urban forest.
- This $12 million from Joe Biden’s clean energy plan will pay for planting more trees, supporting local jobs and training more Philadelphians for careers in urban forestry.
- In some Philly neighborhoods, tree coverage is less than 5 percent, exposing residents to scorching summer temperatures, poor air quality, and higher health risks. The additional tree coverage will reduce temperatures and filter air pollutants – making it a critical step in creating healthier neighborhoods.
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Philadelphia’s skyline is getting greener. With a $12 million grant from Joe Biden’s clean energy plan, the city is set to transform its urban landscape. In some Philly neighborhoods, tree coverage is less than 5 percent, exposing residents to scorching summer temperatures, poor air quality, and higher health risks. The plan will help TreePhilly achieve its goal of 30 percent tree canopy coverage in every Philadelphia neighborhood, prioritizing areas with the greatest need.
A Solution to Heat, Health, and Inequity
Philadelphia’s urban heat island effect has made it one of the hottest cities in the Northeast. Low-canopy neighborhoods like Grays Ferry and Hunting Park frequently report temperatures up to 10.5 degrees higher than leafier areas around town. The higher temps lead to increased risks of heat-related illnesses, particularly for seniors and low-income families who may lack access to air conditioning. “Healthy, well-cared-for trees are an important part of safe, thriving communities,” said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Orlando Rendon. “This grant represents a huge investment in our city’s urban forest, and will allow us to set up systems and programs to support residents in planting and caring for trees in the lowest-canopy neighborhoods.” Mental health also stands to improve. Studies show that access to green spaces reduces stress and fosters community well-being. With a revitalized tree canopy, more Philadelphians will enjoy these benefits, regardless of their ZIP code.
Economic Roots: Jobs and Savings
This initiative isn’t just good for the environment; it’s a win for the local economy. The $12 million grant will support jobs in tree planting, maintenance, and urban forestry—particularly in underserved neighborhoods. These roles will help equip residents with new skills, offering long-term career pathways. A larger tree canopy also is expected to lower energy bills. Shaded homes require less cooling in the summer. Nationwide, clean energy initiatives like this one are projected to help save American families up to $38 billion on electric bills.
Bipartisan Backing
The Philly Tree Plan is a local win that aligns with broader national trends. Across Pennsylvania, Joe Biden’s clean energy plan enjoys widespread support, including from Republicans. Polls indicate that 71% of voters support Joe Biden’s green energy plan.
A Vision for the Future
Over the next decade, Philadelphia will plant thousands of trees, prioritizing the most vulnerable neighborhoods, and engaging local communities in the process. The Philly Tree Coalition, a newly formed organization under the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, will oversee the effort, ensuring residents have a say in how their neighborhoods grow greener. “Every Philadelphian deserves to live in a community with the shade, clean air and beauty that a healthy tree canopy provides,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “The Philly Tree Plan sets an ambitious vision for what we can achieve by focusing our resources on green infrastructure and planning for the long-term care and maintenance of the millions of trees that give Philadelphians shade and keep our air and water clean.”
