New study finds: Urban trees reduce mortality, yet Israel continues to cut them down
A new study by Northwestern University scientists reveals that increasing urban tree canopy can reduce overall mortality by approximately 10%. Despite these findings, Israel continues to see mass tree felling.
The summer heat brought high temperatures to Israeli cities this week. Anyone living in cities that cut down trees and cultivate plastic lawns feels the lack of shade acutely. A new study determines that as trees disappear from urban neighborhoods, human lives are lost with them. If a mayor decides to shade the city with wide-canopy trees, they may reduce annual mortality by 10%.
Scientists at Northwestern University tracked mortality rates and tree canopy fluctuations over 11 years in Chicago. By analyzing data from over 220,000 deaths, researchers found that a positive year-to-year change in tree canopy led to a 16% decrease in mortality from mental illness, 11% from respiratory diseases, 9% from cardiovascular diseases, and 9% from musculoskeletal problems.
Trees as a preventive medicine tool
The presence of trees in urban spaces lowers cortisol levels, reduces cognitive load, and moderates anxiety. Trees also serve as biological filters, cleaning urban air of particulate pollutants. Furthermore, shaded streets encourage residents to engage in physical activity, which strengthens bones and muscles.
Researchers found that poorer neighborhoods suffer significantly more from a lack of shade, creating a socio-economic gap in mortality rates. Simulations showed that even a modest 0.03% annual increase in tree cover could prevent 105 unnecessary deaths each year, with 55% of those in poor neighborhoods. Preserving mature trees is more critical than planting new saplings, as mature trees provide immediate shade and cooling.
The situation in Israel: Goals versus reality
In 2023, Israel announced a National Urban Cooling Program, but it has remained unfunded since the government changed. According to a State Comptroller report, about 90% of Israel's urban area lacks shade. Between 2014 and 2023, over 760,000 trees were cut down, with 144,230 felled in 2024 alone.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that since the beginning of 2026, there has been no effective mechanism to punish illegal logging. Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir has not yet signed the authorization for inspectors, making it impossible to investigate such offenses. In response, the Minister stated that the matter is currently under inter-ministerial review.
