TreePeople: Nature-Based Solutions for a Greener LA

Cities cover less than 1 percent of the planet but account for 80 percent of greenhouse gases. In sprawling cities like Los Angeles, dark-colored pavement and rooftops create “urban heat islands” that aggravate global warming; nearly all of LA's school grounds are covered by asphalt. Of all the major cities in the United States, LA has the worst air quality. In addition, it has to import most of the water it uses – a huge cost for consumers and ecosystems alike. TreePeople is an environmental non-profit organization committed to addressing these problems in LA. Seeking to heal the city with nature, TreePeople brings together the power of trees, people, and nature-inspired solutions to build a more sustainable Los Angeles.

TreePeople's mission is to inspire, engage, and support LA's residents to take personal responsibility for the urban environment and make it safe, healthy, sustainable, and fun. The organization also aims to share its process as a model for the rest of the world. Increasing the number of trees in LA is one of TreePeople's main goals, but pressing environmental issues such as global warming and the threat of water shortages have led the organization to find more ways to green the city. In places where trees can't be planted, TreePeople found solutions in nature – solutions that mimic the functions of a healthy forest in an urban environment such as French drains, permeable paving, rain barrels, swales, and cisterns.

In 2008, the TreePeople Center for Community Forestry opened its doors to the public. Here, people can learn how trees, humans, and technology can join forces to grow a sustainable future. TreePeople's other efforts include establishing a Functioning Community Forest in every neighborhood in the city by training and assisting communities to plant and care for trees, as well as educating kids and adults about environmental issues, working with government agencies on water problems, and operating a public park.