Trees in Dry Cities
In the drylands, where cities are facing some of the harshest impacts of climate change, nearly 2 billion people are feeling the heat. Extreme temperatures, prolonged droughts, and sudden flash floods are becoming more frequent and severe.
Trees are a simple and proven nature-based solution that can transform the landscape and make cities more resilient. Urban trees are not a luxury, they are a necessity. They can lower temperatures by up to 8 degrees Celsius, providing a much-needed relief from the scorching heat. In drylands, trees suitable to local ecosystems, cultures and dry climates can slow an even reverse desertification and soil erosion, and their benefits extend to our daily lives. Green spaces improve our mental health, provide recreational opportunities, and unlock substantial savings in public health expenditures.
To deliver these benefits, we need to plant the right trees, in the right places, for the right reasons. Local governments need funding and technical support. National government can pave the way by establishing policy frameworks that drive, align, and support local action. Together, we can turn our dry cities into vibrant, sustainable places for generations to come.
Trees in Dry Cities Coalition
Trees in Dry Cities Coalition promotes urban trees as a nature-based solution in cities and towns in the drylands. It works to aligning policy and systemic action across local, national and international levels
The Coalition will support city pilots that inform national policy dialogue and recommendations to systemically drive and scale the sustainable management of urban trees and forests as a climate and SDG solution for dry cities. National and international events will promote peer exchange, coordination and support additional outreach to promote this nature-based solution.
How to join the Trees in Dry Cities Coalition
Participation in the coalition is voluntary. Interested authorities and organizations may contact UNECE at [email protected] to express interest in joining.
Coalition events
First meeting of the Trees in Dry Cities Coalition | 18 March 2024
COP28 side event: Trees in dry cities: Luxury or a fundamental climate and SDG solution? | 06 December 2023