Role of Urban Forestry in Improving Air Quality and Human Health

Abstract

Urban forests serve as critical green infrastructure for mitigating air pollution, enhancing human health, and promoting climate resilience in rapidly urbanizing environments. This review synthesizes biophysical mechanisms of pollutant removal, including direct absorption of gaseous pollutants and interception of particulate matter (PM), alongside indirect benefits such as Urban Heat Island (UHI) mitigation through shading and evapotranspiration. It addresses challenges like biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions, which can exacerbate ozone formation, emphasizing strategic species selection and atmospheric modeling for optimization. Quantitative valuation using tools like i-Tree and the Value of a Statistical Life (VSL) framework demonstrates substantial economic returns, including billions in health savings from reduced morbidity and mortality. Epidemiological evidence links urban greenery to lower mortality risks, improved mental health, and immunological boosts via phytoncides. The paper advocates for equitable policy integration, overcoming barriers like infrastructure conflicts and pollution stress, to ensure resilient, multifunctional urban forests as essential public health assets.