In 2019, Donald Trump proposed that removing trees could help prevent wildfires. He made an executive order to increase forest service logging by 31% since 2017. Fire ecologist, Professor Jennifer Balch said “We can’t log our way out of the fire problem - thinning all the forests is not possible. And even if it were, it won’t stop fires in the extreme weather that is happening more frequently, and will in the future.”
While scientists have consistently called for comprehensive solutions, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions to address the root causes of climate change, Trump instead prioritised expanding timber sales.
Reflecting on the recent LA fires reminds us of urban areas closer to home. RNZ recently reported on new research uncovering a concerning urban heat island effect in central Auckland. The data reveals that night-time temperatures in the city's central areas can be up to three degrees higher than in other parts of the region. Some areas in South Auckland were also found to consistently record higher average and maximum temperatures.
Auckland’s heat disparities are tied to varying levels of greenery. So Trump, we do indeed need trees. They are crucial for cooling our cities and combatting the impacts of climate change. Some neighbourhoods, like the Waitākere and Hunua Ranges benefit from cooler conditions thanks to abundant green spaces. In contrast, South Auckland, with the lowest tree canopy cover in the city, is notably affected by higher temperatures.
Back in 2019, Auckland Council developed a Heat Vulnerability Index to identify areas most at risk from rising temperatures. The study found that Māngere, Ōtāhuhu, Ōtara, Papatoetoe, Manurewa and Papakura in South Auckland were among the most vulnerable areas. These areas already face heightened social, economic and health challenges. Now, they are also projected to experience significant increases in hot days, with over 90 days exceeding 25 degrees annually by 2110.
Auckland Council's lead climate resilience advisor Petra Pearce advocates for more blue-green infrastructure, such as urban wetlands, green rooftops and increased shade tree planting, especially in South Auckland.
This aligns with the work being done through the Puhinui Regeneration Project, which we proudly support. The Puhinui Regeneration Project aims to connect and restore the land, waters and communities of the Puhinui stream and its catchment in South Auckland. Since 2020, we’ve supported the planting of 47,173 along the Puhinui Stream. Interested in learning more or getting involved? Visit our Invest in Nature page or reach out to [email protected].