Tree canopy cover is one of the most effective ways to keep a city cool, but it has to be close to homes to offer effective cooling, and it has to be provided in quantity. Studies have repeatedly shown that tree canopy in most cities falls far short of what it needs to be in order to have an impact on urban heat. This project responds to this deficit by examining the reasons for our canopy shortfall, and developing new methods to plan and expand canopy beyond the existing inadequate status quo.
A key focus in the second half of this project is developing modelling tools that can identify new planting locations for street trees. By integrating modelling with urban design thinking – by which streets are seen as flexible spaces that can be reconfigured to better suit their residents – the project aims to systematically identify unconventional ways to get more canopy into urban streets at scale.
Vice Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Regenerative Environments and Climate Action brings together our expertise in understanding cities as integral to environmental justice, the need for urgent climate action, improving ecological processes, and connections with more-than-human worlds.
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
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