The article and original title: Vancouver's new urban forest strategy faces challenges, academic says

Excerpts:

The city's goal is to increase its canopy cover – how much of the city is covered by leaves and branches when seen from above – from about 25 per cent of the city to 30 per cent by 2050, according to the updated urban forest strategy.

The plan sets a target to plant about 165,000 new trees over the next 25 years, and encourages residents to plant trees in their own backyards.

And while the plan has drawn praise from one expert, both city councillors and staff have acknowledged there will be difficulties in meeting the goals set out in the report.

In the wake of the B.C. government pushing hard for cities to increase housing density, Sheppard advised councillors to minimize the loss of existing urban trees when approving rezoning proposals.

The other map:

Multiple councillors pointed out the stark divide in canopy cover between neighbourhoods.

Shaughnessy has 41 per cent tree canopy cover, while Strathcona — which includes the Downtown Eastside — has only nine per cent.

The difference can be particularly significant during heat waves, according to the staff report, which says that vulnerable populations in low canopy areas faced a higher risk of heat-related deaths.

Coun. Mike Klassen asked staff to explore how to reduce urban heat islands in neighbourhoods with minimal tree canopy cover, including a "GreenShades" system that suspends large sails with planted greenery over streets.

The updated urban forest strategy passed unanimously with Klassen's amendment.