Climate Change and the Urban Forest
Emily Bachman
Emily Bachman is a New York City-based urban planner specializing in climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. She graduated with distinction with a Master of Science in City and Regional Planning in February 2021, and is the recipient of the American Institute of Certified Planners Outstanding Student Award.
Emily’s thesis pushes beyond the role that street trees play in climate change mitigation to examine the ways in which tree health and survival are threatened by the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, changes in precipitation and temperature patterns, and the high winds and flooding associated with stronger, more frequent storms. Her maps and data analyses demonstrate existing trees’ vulnerabilities to projected climate impacts in Brooklyn, New York by combining data from the 2015 New York City Street Tree Census with horticultural understanding of species-specific environmental tolerances to wet, drought, salt, and wind conditions. Recommendations for planting, design, and stewardship are aimed at increasing Brooklyn street tree resilience to climate change threats.
Emily’s thesis pushes beyond the role that street trees play in climate change mitigation to examine the ways in which tree health and survival are threatened by the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, changes in precipitation and temperature patterns, and the high winds and flooding associated with stronger, more frequent storms. Her maps and data analyses demonstrate existing trees’ vulnerabilities to projected climate impacts in Brooklyn, New York by combining data from the 2015 New York City Street Tree Census with horticultural understanding of species-specific environmental tolerances to wet, drought, salt, and wind conditions. Recommendations for planting, design, and stewardship are aimed at increasing Brooklyn street tree resilience to climate change threats.
Climate Change and the Urban Forest: Emerging threats and adaptive strategies for New York City street tree resilience
Thesis Presentation, December 2020