Tree Equity Score

• This interactive map analyzes data to provide a tree equity score, taking into account demographic indicators and environmental conditions. 
• Students can explore the following information: tree equity score, canopy cover goal, current canopy cover, average surface temperature, and six demographic indicators. 

Positives

• There are many areas to explore in the United States.
• There is a lot of data for students to explore, which could lead to larger research projects.
• Students can access municipal reports, Congressional District reports, and state reports.

Additional Prerequisites

• Students should be familiar with how to read a map.
• Students may need more background information regarding demographic data, including race, age, unemployment, and poverty.
• The geographic areas highlighted on the home page are the Greater Phoenix area, the San Francisco Bay area, Rhode Island, Greater Detroit, Greater Houston, and the Washington D.C. metro area.
  

Differentiation

• This resource could be used in a variety of different classes to investigate topics related to climate change, climate justice, the benefits of urban trees, and/or city planning.
• Related videos comparing trees and inequality include How Systemic Racism Linked to Fewer Trees in Your City and How America's Hottest City Is Trying to Cool Down.
• Middle school teachers can also use this resource to complement the SubjectToClimate lesson plan Cities, Trees & Inequality.