(NewsNation) — Newly released data shows that 60% of counties throughout the U.S. have increased the number of trees in their area.
Between 2000 and 2020, data found a mean increase of 8.15% tree cover across 1,836 counties, which experts say will help the country beat the heat and breathe cleaner air. The Midwest region saw the highest increase, but counties home to some of the most populated metro areas, like Brooklyn and Detroit, also saw small gains.
Lea County, New Mexico, is one of the 25 largest counties in the U.S. by land area, and it experienced a 1,600% increase in forest canopy. Other places with a significant increase in forest canopy include Florida’s Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties.
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Tree cover performs many functions in the environment. While tree cover increases biodiversity in wooded areas, a new study also shows it may help detect volcano eruptions.
With human development being a major cause of tree loss across the U.S., many states have committed to planting more trees to make up for it, including Wisconsin, Hawaii and Maryland.
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