Mandate 25% urban tree canopy targets to protect public health and the NHS

Summary

Legislate to require a minimum 25% urban tree canopy cover target in the Environment Act and in the National Planning Policy Framework for all new developments and require existing urban areas to reach at least 25% tree canopy cover by 2050. Extreme heatwaves can place severe strain on the heart, causing spikes in cardiac arrests that put an unsustainable burden on an already stretched NHS. Surfaces like tarmac can turn housing into heat traps, leaving homebuyers vulnerable to unliveable conditions. Trees provide vital cooling, dropping local surface temperatures by up to 15°C through shade and evapotranspiration. We ask Parliament to mandate 25% tree canopy targets, reducing NHS costs and relieving communities of unbearable heat.

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Timeline

1. 14 September 2026

   Petition

   Legislate to require a minimum 25% urban tree canopy cover target in the Environment Act and in the National Planning Policy Framework for all new developments and require existing urban areas to reach at least 25% tree canopy cover by 2050. Extreme heatwaves can place severe strain on the heart, causing spikes in cardiac arrests that put an unsustainable burden on an already stretched NHS. Surfaces like tarmac can turn housing into heat traps, leaving homebuyers vulnerable to unliveable conditions. Trees provide vital cooling, dropping local surface temperatures by up to 15°C through shade and evapotranspiration. We ask Parliament to mandate 25% tree canopy targets, reducing NHS costs and relieving communities of unbearable heat.

   Source: Petition

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