Atlanta, known as the ‘City in the Forest,’ has seen its tree canopy decline to 45.5%, down from 47.9% in 2008. The city had set a goal in 2023 to achieve a 50% tree canopy.

Tree Canopy Report

A recent report from Georgia Tech’s Center for Urban Resilience and Analytics, based on 2023 data, shows the decline. The report recommends modifying the zoning code to give incentives or implement requirements to save trees.

Councilmember Jason Dozier, who sponsored the 2023 resolution, expressed concern over the findings. ‘Our tree canopy is one of Atlanta’s most valuable assets,’ he said. ‘It affects everything from stormwater management and air quality to public health, urban heat, and neighborhood livability.’

The city’s Department of Planning was asked to respond to the report, but the response was received after deadline. The city usually commissions a tree canopy report every five years, and it is not known how much more of Atlanta’s tree canopy has been lost since 2023.

Comparison to Other Cities

Charlotte, another major city, has a goal to achieve a 50% tree canopy by 2050 and has adopted a multi-layered approach to increase its tree canopy. ‘Charlotte is killing us now,’ said Chet Tisdale, a member of the city’s Tree Conservation Commission. ‘Folks in Charlotte are calling themselves the City of Trees.’

Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.