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Jury hears Trump and Cohen Discussing Hush-Money Deal on secret recording; Nature-based solutions help solve Mississippi River Delta problems; Public lands groups cheer the expansion of two CA national monuments; 'Art Against the Odds' shines a light on artists in the WI justice system.

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President Biden defends dissent but says "order must prevail" on campus, former President Trump won't commit to accepting the 2024 election results and Nebraska lawmakers circumvent a ballot measure repealing private school vouchers.

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Bidding begins soon for Wyoming's elk antlers, Southeastern states gained population in the past year, small rural energy projects are losing out to bigger proposals, and a rural arts cooperative is filling the gap for schools in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Report: Plant More Trees for Healthier World

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Friday, November 4, 2016   

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – A new report that examines the impact that trees have on our health finds that we need to start planting more of them.

The Planting Healthy Air study from The Nature Conservancy looked at the potential impact of planting trees in specific cities to lower heat and pollution, and how that could affect health, especially in regard to asthma.

The group's lead scientist, Rob McDonald, said trees provide shade and release water vapor into the air as they photosynthesize. Leaves remove particulate matter from the air around the trees, including toxins from auto exhaust and factory and power-plant emissions.

"Trees can reduce air temperatures nearby by two to four degrees Fahrenheit, and they're already doing that for tens of millions of people worldwide," he explained. "They can remove up to a quarter of the particulate matter concentrations in the atmosphere, one of the most damaging kinds of air pollution."

McDonald said heat waves are responsible for 12,000 deaths each year, killing more people globally than hurricanes or winter storms. Additionally, 3.2 million deaths annually can be attributed to fine particulate matter, a component of smog. The report said by 2050 this type of pollution could kill 6.2 million people every year.

McDonald said elderly people face particular risk as the global climate shifts, and average summers temperatures increase.

"One forecast from the World Health Organization is that annual mortality from heat waves could reach 250,000 people by 2050 unless cities start to adapt," he said. "Smart cities are starting to think about heat action plans."

The study found if cities around the world invested four dollars for every resident in tree planting, tens of millions of lives could be saved.


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Environment

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Conservation groups, tribes and community organizers are praising President Joe Biden's decision Thursday to expand two national monuments in …


Social Issues

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Health and Wellness

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An installation view of the exhibition Art Against the Odds, is shown at the Neville Public Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo courtesy of Kate Mothes)

Social Issues

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Health and Wellness

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Health and Wellness

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Social Issues

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