Aside from high-rise buildings and highways, people should think of having more greens in the urban areas.
Since childhood, we know the benefits of planting trees. It gives us shade, serves as a temporary shelter from the scorching heat of the sun, and gives us oxygen, which we need for survival. The sad thing is, although we know the basics, we still find it difficult to put our knowledge into action.
In cities, we see soaring skyscrapers and wide roads - we seldom see greenery, and when we do, they are often fake and made of plastic, and are only there to add to the aesthetics of the place. However, with the effect of pollution and a heatwave turning from bad to worse, it's only right to admit that something has to be done. Urban trees reduce pollution and save lives, so no one's going to lose anything!
The most important thing about having trees in modern cities is the significant reduction in pollution. According to The Guardian, trees in a densely populated area will reduce the amount of particulate matter in the air. These particulates are actively blamed for some of the most notorious health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. The leaves of the trees have "spikes" in them, giving them the capability to "catch" the harmful, microscopic particles in the air. When it rains, these particulates are washed out and the leaves will be free to trap particles again.
If you are still not convinced about the urgency that the lack of trees in the cities has brought, think about all the victims of heatwaves. Often, we think that we don't need the shade being provided by high trees because we have roofed buildings, but greeneries do more than just give us shade - they actually cool the environment for us. They do this by releasing water vapor into the air. This is the reason why urban trees do not just reduce pollution, they also save people from heatwaves.
People think that it's too late to plant trees now, and they may be right, what with the significant lack of space in the towns and cities. The good news is other options are available; several of them include not cutting down already existing trees and "transplanting" or moving trees from one place to another. Still, nothing can beat planting new trees in a populated area to refresh the ambiance; this is why The Nature Conservancy indicates that allotting just $4 per person in a tree-planting project will go a long way.
Imagine waking up to a city with strong tree trunks and green leaves; not only will your eyes be relaxed and your energy replenished, but your health will also be protected. It may take a while before a huge campaign takes place, even if we know that urban trees reduce pollution and save lives, so people are encouraged to step up in their own ways: have plants in your apartment and plant trees in your backyard. As insignificant as they sound, if everybody will do them, a significant change can happen.
