Go Big or Go Home — Tree Cities of the World Creates a Global Network

"Many hands make light work" is an old proverb that carries a comforting message. When we choose to collaborate and work with one another, we can accomplish anything. Climate change is a global problem that requires international cooperation and planning. Luckily, in an era of connectivity and communication, it is easier than ever to build strong networks spanning the globe. We will need to rely upon and learn from every available environmentalism source if we want to achieve a greener planet. The Tree Cities of the World programme, developed by the Arbor Day Foundation and the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aims to connect cities around the globe dedicated to maintaining and creating green spaces through community trees and forests, allowing leaders in urban forestry to celebrate and share best practices.

Launched in 2019, Tree Cities of the World provides a way for cities to remain connected with one another while discovering and implementing ways to invest and build a greener future. The Arbor Day Foundation wanted to create a concentrated global effort to better recognize all the work that goes into making a city sustainable. In October of 2020, the first virtual conference was hosted by the Arbor Day Foundation and FAO, where recognized cities could meet virtually to share their urban forestry successes and best practices. This conference will be held annually and will be one way for recognized cities to learn from one another as well as experts in climate change and sustainability. As of 2020, there are 120 recognized Tree Cities in 23 countries. Each city has shown they have a dedication to addressing climate change and investing in a more sustainable future.

Becoming a Recognized Tree City of the World

The Tree Cities of the World programme accepts new applications every year, usually due by the end of January. To become a recognized Tree City of the World, a city must meet five core standards that show its commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. By joining this program, cities can signal support and commitment to urban forestry that improves their communities.

Tree City Spotlight: Bradford, United Kingdom

As part of the efforts made by Trees for Cities in the United Kingdom, the City of Bradford, located in the northern English county of West Yorkshire, has become one of the six internationally recognized Tree Cities from the UK. The City of Bradford has dedicated itself to nature and conservancy by partnering with different organizations like One Tree for Every Child, a programme launched in National Tree Week (28 November to 6 December 2020), and the Festival of Trees initiative. They believe the best way to secure the future for generations to come is by investing in planting trees now.

By partnering with different organizations and working with Trees for Cities, Bradford has shown a dedication to urban forestry and a commitment to creating and maintaining green spaces throughout their community. So much so that they were featured on BBC1's Countryfile TV programme to highlight the city’s dedication to community tree planting. Countryfile is a weekly BBC One television programme that discusses rural, agricultural, and environmental issues in the United Kingdom.

Interested in learning more about the Tree Cities of the World program? Visit treecitiesoftheworld.org.