SEEING THE URBAN FOREST FOR THE TREES: Policy Tools for Local Climate Resilience in the Hoosier State

Abstract

Expanding and maintaining existing urban forestry is one of many viable climate solutions that cities across the United States, particularly in Indiana, can take to increase their climate resilience. Trees are considered both a climate mitigation and climate adaptation strategy because they help sequester carbon dioxide, reduce stormwater runoff, and help cities manage extreme heat. In this honors thesis, I examine how trees have been incorporated within municipal climate planning by analyzing climate action and climate adaptation plans. Most cities mention trees in their municipal climate action or adaptation plans as an emissions-reduction strategy; however, when analyzing 76 local climate action and adaptation plans, 58 of them identify trees as an important climate strategy outside of emissions reduction. Additionally, trees are also identified as a strategy for mitigating the urban heat island effect, especially in larger cities’ (population > 500,000) plans. In order to prepare for the effect of climate change, I also review the status of tree ordinances in Indiana, and suggest that cities call for more stringent protection measures of trees through their existing tree ordinances. Finally, I describe the process and findings of the priority planting analysis I conducted in the town of Zionsville, Indiana. Together, this thesis proposes methods for towns in the Hoosier state and beyond to become more climate resilient utilizing one of the most powerful tools known to man: trees.