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Alumni Spotlight: Nadav Bigelman UCP ‘24 Cultivates Urban Equity Through Canopy Coverage

Author: Lauren Goshinski, July 17, 2024

“Equitable tree coverage is essential for sustainable urban living and combating climate change.”

Nadav Bigelman 

Amidst the hottest summer on record in New York City, where an average of 350 residents die prematurely each year due to heat, thesis research by Urban and Community Planning alumnus Nadav Bigelman (MS ‘24) illustrates the urgent need for equitable tree canopy coverage to combat the escalating urban heat crisis. Trees, considered essential urban infrastructure, have profound implications for public health and environmental justice. 

Graduate students at Pratt’s Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment seek to make timely, real-world impacts with their thesis research by gaining a deep understanding of gaps that may exist between community needs and resources available in their area. These resources are a shared responsibility, often provided by a mix of government agencies’, community-based organizations’, and private companies’ investment in our environment. Trees are more than aesthetic enhancements; they are crucial public health resources that must be equitably distributed to ensure the health and safety of all New Yorker’s. 

By treating street trees as a public resource akin to healthcare and education, his study champions the equitable distribution of these green assets among all city residents. Trees play a vital role in urban environments by improving air quality, reducing temperatures, and mitigating the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, which in turn diminishes the impact of flooding and enhances overall quality of life.

About the Research and Its Impact

Credit: Bigelman, Data Source: The Trust for Public Land, 2019

Recently published by the Regional Plan Association, Bigelman’s thesis has been utilized to inform their strategies on urban forestry, emphasizing the importance of strategic tree planting and canopy expansion to mitigate heat-related disparities and improve public health outcomes across the city. This research underscores the critical relationship between urban planning and climate change, highlighting how inequities in tree coverage are intricately linked to racial and class disparities. 

Bigelman’s research scrutinizes the distribution of canopy coverage and street tree shade in Brooklyn, correlating these factors with environmental and socio-demographic indicators. Reviewing New York City’s past and present tree planting policies, including the MillionTreesNYC initiative and Local Law 1065 of 2023, the study acknowledges significant efforts to expand urban forests. However, it also identifies areas for improvement. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, the research provides detailed maps and analyses to assess the current state of street trees. Key datasets, including the NYC 2015 street tree census and the American Community Survey, inform a comprehensive analysis of canopy coverage and socio-demographic disparities.

Credit: Bigelman, Data Source: DCP, 2023; Ma et al., 2023; NYC DPR, 2017; NYC OTI, 2022a

Key Research Findings and Recommendations

The study reveals that as of 2017, street canopy coverage accounted for nearly 10% of the city’s total land area. From 2010 to 2017, overall canopy coverage increased by 23%, yet 75% of Brooklyn’s street segments exhibited low coverage, ranging from 0 to 25%. A detailed shade analysis in East Brooklyn emphasized areas needing urgent urban forest expansion to combat the UHI effect and improve residents’ quality of life.

Credit: Bigelman, (L) Data Source: NYC OTI, 2022b, 2023; ® Source: DCP, 2023; IPUMS, NHGIS; University of Minnesota, n.d.; NYC DPR, 2017; NYSERDA,2023; The Trust for Public Land, 2019

Bigelman’s thesis provides several policy recommendations to enhance canopy coverage and promote environmental justice:

  • Establish Dedicated Urban Forest Zones (UFZ) in Brooklyn: Focus on disadvantaged communities to enhance green infrastructure.
  • Appoint an Urban Forest Coordinator: Oversee long-term planning and coordinate urban forestry initiatives.
  • Incorporate Shade Evaluation as a Sustainability Indicator: Gauge benefits to equity and environment.
  • Strategically Select Sites for Tree Planting: Prioritize areas with elevated temperatures to mitigate the UHI effect.
A map titled "Concentration of Living Street Trees, Brooklyn," depicting the distribution of street trees across Brooklyn. The map uses varying shades of green hexagons to represent tree concentrations, with darker green indicating higher concentrations and lighter green showing lower concentrations. Gray areas denote open spaces and parks. The map highlights the disparity in street tree distribution, showing denser tree coverage in certain areas while others have sparse or no tree coverage. The layout provides a visual representation of urban greenery distribution within Brooklyn, aiding in understanding environmental equity and planning for urban forestry.

Credit: Bigelman, Data Source: NYC DPR, 2017

Bigelman’s ongoing work in urban forestry and sustainability builds on his thesis research, aiming to create greener, healthier, and more equitable urban environments for all residents. He consults for various nonprofits, including The Center for Urban Forestry and Shading, and evaluates NYC’s Parks Department tree-planting strategies and recent urban forest legislation. By developing forward-thinking reports and best practices in urban forestry, Bigelman continues to shape a healthier, safer, and more sustainable New York City.